Registration for the inaugural Professional Indian Nurses Conference slated for September 26-28 in Skokie, Illinois, kicked off February 23.
The conference is organised by the National Association of Indian Nurses of America and hosted by the Indian Nurses Association of Illinois.
The theme of the conference is 'Indian Nurses in America: Embracing Diversity; Celebrating Excellence.'
Dr George Van Dusen, mayor of Skokie, kicked off the registration process, giving the first registration package to Dr Binu Philip, director of Tristate Radiology, the leading sponsor for the event.
The mayor supported the conference, and complimented the nurses' hard work, service to society and their importance in the growth of the community.
The event began with a prayer by Molly Mohan and the singing of the American and Indian national anthems by Christine Philip and Shajan Kuriakose.
Philo Philip, INAI president, welcomed the gathering. Tessy Cyriac was the master of the ceremonies. Conference convener Marykutty Kuriakose introduced the mayor to the audience.
NAINA president Sara Gabriel sought cooperation for the success of the conference, pointed out it was an opportunity to renew friendships, to earn continuing education credits and get acquainted with colleagues. There will also be alumni meetings.
Registration committee chairperson Chinnammma Philip and Mercy Kuriakose gave a brief description about the registration process. Secretary Siby Kadyampally proposed the vote of thanks.
Nurses of Indian origin form a sizeable community in the US, and opportunities for them to come together as a professional group are few. To fill this need, the national association was formed last year and was inaugurated in Houston, Texas.
Membership is open to all nurses of Indian origin.
NAINA has plans to co-ordinate with the Indian Nursing Council and Trained Nurses Association of India, to prepare nurses in India as well as outside to have a voice at par with other national nurses associations, the organisation said.
For more information, visit www.nainausa.com or call Sara Gabriel at (630) 654-0775, Marykutty Kuriakose at (630) 778-9224 or Philomina Philip (630) 969-6848.
