Nursing students bolstered by message from front line

Ti Gong

A video with words from alumni who helped fight COVID-19 in Hubei Province was released at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to mark International Nurse Day and the 200th anniversary of the birth of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale on Tuesday.

In total, about 60 of the university's alumni had worked in Hubei to fight the pandemic on the front line.

The video, recorded when they were at work in Hubei, was played online for students of the university’s school of nursing, who are stuck at home now, to guide them to carry on Nightingale’s spirit and be outstanding nurses in the future.

“The pandemic taught us again to respect life and be kind to others,” said Zhen Wei, head nurse at the respiratory department of Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and leader of the first nursing team from Shanghai to Hubei.

“I feel so proud that I can contribute to the fight against the pandemic as an alumna of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,” she added.

“Cherish your time at university to lay a solid foundation for your future work. You are the hope and future of our nation,” said Huang Feng, head nurse of the critical care units at Shuguang Hospital affiliated to the university.

The words inspired students. Xia Yiqing, a sophomore student, said: “After seeing how our predecessors rushed to the front line to save lives and fulfill their duties, I feel that as reserve forces, we also have to take our responsibilities to study hard.”

Zhang Cuidi, dean of the school, led 224 students in uniforms to swear the Nightingale Pledge to fulfill Nightingale’s spirit and take up responsibilities as nurses during the online event.

Yesterday, all the 934 faculty members and students of the school decorated their WeChat profile photos with a nurse cap to welcome the International Nurse Day.