Firdousa Jan- A Nursing Hero from Kashmir

Firdousa Jan, a healthcare worker in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, was honored with the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award in June 2023 for her outstanding contribution to the field of health.

The National Florence Nightingale Award, presented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Central Government since 1973, recognizes the exceptional work of nurses and nursing professionals. It pays tribute to Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.

 

A Journey to Success

Firdousa’s journey to this achievement was particularly special as she had overcome significant obstacles.
She grew up in a humble family in a village with limited resources. Her mother was the sole breadwinner, cultivating a small piece of land and a few apple trees.

 
Firdousa attended a government school in Charar-e-Sharif, Badgam district, Kashmir. She often had to borrow books from classmates because her family couldn’t afford to buy them. However, her mother’s unwavering support kept her going.

Firdousa said, “It’s my mother’s efforts that I am a nurse today.”

 

Nursing Beyond Stereotypes

Firdousa pursued her diploma in nursing and midwifery from the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and completed her BSc Nursing in 2002. She is currently awaiting the completion of her PhD.

 
During her master’s program, Firdousa worked at a de-addiction center in Srinagar, focusing on psychiatric nursing. She wanted to understand how she, as a nurse, could help those struggling with drug addiction. She organized awareness camps on drug abuse and regularly counseled adolescents.
 

Choosing Service over Personal Gain

A few years ago, Firdousa had the opportunity to work as a nurse in Saudi Arabia, but she declined. Despite the chance to live comfortably with her husband, who is a doctor there, she chose to serve her own country. She said, “I wanted to serve my country.”

 

A Proud Achievement

Firdousa is currently a tutor at the Mother Mary’s Institute of Nursing Sciences and Research in Srinagar. She had also studied there herself.

 
Principal Munira Kachroo, from the same institute, spoke highly of her achievements and said, “We are proud of her, both for Jammu and Kashmir and for the college.”

 

Inspiring Women to Break Stereotypes

Firdousa’s journey to becoming a nurse has not only improved her own life but also serves as an inspiration for other women. She believes that women can excel beyond their roles as homemakers. She stated, “I faced many challenges in my work, including communicating with people. But I was determined to prove what a woman is capable of. Today, I take pride in representing Jammu and Kashmir.”

In Conclusion:

Firdousa Jan’s remarkable journey from a humble background to receiving the National Florence Nightingale Award is a testament to her determination and dedication to healthcare. Her story inspires women to break stereotypes and excel in their chosen fields, regardless of the challenges they face. She embodies the true spirit of Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing.

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Rishita Diwan

Content Writer

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