Nurses mark 30 years of service, sisterhood

When Michelle Jaduram enrolled at the Fiji School of Nursing (now under Fiji National University), she did not expect her classmates would one day practice around the world.

Now based at Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia, she continues to do what she loves best.

Last Saturday, she joined about 50 women from the graduating class of 1996 who gathered in Nadi to mark their 30-year reunion, which included a ball at the Radisson Blu Resort on Denarau, Nadi.

Ms Jaduram, originally from Labasa, graduated from All Saints Secondary School in 1992 before joining the Fiji School of Nursing in the 1993 intake.

“We graduated in 1996 and since then our class has spread around the world,” she said.

“It’s not just the 30-year reunion. When we entered nursing school in 1993, we did not know each other. We left as sisters and 30 years later that bond is still strong.

“It’s an amazing thing. Not many people maintain such bonds, but we are more than friends — we are family."

Michele Jaduram with Anaseini Naivota at the Radisson Blu Resort on Denarau, Nadi.

Photo: Supplied

Coordinator Anaseini Naivota said planning began last year with a theme of nurses’ global footprint and enduring bonds from Fiji School of Nursing Class of 1993, with a service-back-home element.

“March 20 marked our 30 years of service, so we planned to spend the weekend together,” she said.

“Part of the celebration is to recognise nurses who have continued to serve in Fiji over the past 30 years, as many of us moved overseas for better opportunities. We are thankful to those who stayed.”

She said technology made it easier to stay connected globally.

The Ratu Sukuna Memorial School alumna is based in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

She said 80 nurses graduated from an intake of 120. Of these, 30 remained in Fiji, while the rest have migrated overseas. Eleven have died.