A historic event, the “First Time in India Launch and Orientation of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Critical Care Program,” organized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) in collaboration with Houston University’s College of Nursing, Texas, USA, and hosted by Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University’s Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences (KINS), Karad.
The event began with the Inaugural Program at 9:00 AM. The Chief Guest for the program was Hon'ble Dr. Suresh J. Bhosale, Chancellor of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (DU), Karad, and the event was graced by the presence of
Hon’ble Dr. T. Dileepkumar, President, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Mrs. K. S. Bharati, Senior Consultant, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Dr. Punitha Ezhilarasu, Consultant, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Dr. Asha Sharma, Former Vice President, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Dr. Premila Lee, Professor, Christian Medical College, Vellore
Dr. Beena Joseph and Dr. Shainy Varghese, Faculty from Houston University, Texas, USA
Mr. P. D. John, Executive Director, KVVDU, Karad
Dr. M. V. Ghorpade, Registrar, KVVDU, Karad
Dr. Iype Cherian, Director of Neurosciences, KVVDU, Karad
Dr. R. G. Naniwadekar, Medical Administrator, Krishna Hospital, Karad
Dr. Girish Pathade, Krishna Institute of Allied Sciences
Mrs. Rohini Babar, Chief Nursing Officer, Krishna Hospital & M.R. C., Karad
Medical preceptors
Nurse preceptors
Nurse Practitioners
students of Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad
The inaugural program commenced with an invocation song by the students of Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad, followed by the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony by the dignitaries on the dais, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and the beginning of the new academic journey for DNP students in India. This was followed by a floral welcome and the felicitation of the dignitaries with mementos to commemorate the historic event.
Dr. Vaishali Rajsinh Mohite delivered the Welcome Address and presented the journey of the MSc Nursing in Nurse Practitioner Critical Care (NPCC) Program at KINS, Karad. She shared insights into the conceptualization of the program, curriculum development, innovative teaching and learning strategies, the challenges faced, and how these challenges were overcome under the leadership and guidance of Hon'ble Dr. Suresh J. Bhosale, Chancellor, KVVDU, Karad, and the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi, alongside the support of university officials, medical preceptors, and nurse preceptors. This provided the perfect context for the introduction of the DNP Critical Care Program.
Official launch of DNP Program and address by Hon'ble Dr. T. Dilip Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Hon'ble Dr. T. Dilip Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, officially launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Critical Care Program, congratulating Hon'ble Dr. Suresh J. Bhosale, Chancellor of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed University (KVVDU), Karad, for his initiative in establishing this program. Hon'ble President sir also commended Dr. Vaishali Rajsinh Mohite, Dean of Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad, for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession. He noted with pride that Dr. Vaishali Mohite was selected from the Maharashtra state for the prestigious Leadership for Change Program, organized by the Indian Nursing Council New Delhi and the International Council of Nurses, Geneva, Switzerland.
In his address, Hon'ble President sir emphasized the transformative impact the DNP program will have on nursing education and practice in India. He stressed the importance of developing advanced nursing professionals capable of managing critical care situations and leading healthcare reforms across the nation.
Hon'ble President sir further acknowledged Maharashtra’s pivotal role, particularly KVVDU, in advancing Nurse Practitioner courses, highlighting that the DNP program will shape future leaders in the healthcare system, ultimately helping reduce the mortality rate in India.
Remarks by Professor Dr. Beena Joseph and Dr. Shainy Varghese from Houston University, USA
Professor Dr. Beena Joseph and Dr. Shainy Varghese from Houston University shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of global partnerships in enhancing the quality of nursing education. They expressed their excitement about the DNP program’s potential to uplift Indian nursing standards and create a strong foundation in evidence-based practice.
Workshop objectives by Dr. Asha Sharma, former Vice-President, INC, New Delhi
Dr. Asha Sharma, former Vice-President, INC, New Delhi then provided an overview of the workshop objectives, outlining the sessions that would cover the implementation of evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and research utilization. This set the tone for the technical sessions that followed.
Address by Hon'ble Dr. Suresh J. Bhosale, Chancellor of KVVDU, Karad Chief Guest-
Hon'ble Dr. Suresh J. Bhosale, Chancellor of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed University (KVVDU), Karad, congratulated the organizers and extended a warm welcome to the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program launch. Dr. Bhosale’s address highlighted the urgent need for highly trained nursing professionals in India’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the critical role that the DNP program will play in addressing this need. He expressed his belief that the program will bridge existing gaps in healthcare delivery by preparing skilled nurse leaders capable of handling complex patient care needs and advancing healthcare practices.
Hon'ble Chancellor sir conveyed deep appreciation for Hon'ble Dr. T. Dilip Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi, recognizing his invaluable contributions to nursing education both at Karad and nationally. He remarked on the essential role of nursing services as the "heart of healthcare delivery," underlining that nursing professionals are indispensable to achieving holistic and efficient patient care.
Further, Hon'ble Chancellor sir proposed that the Indian Nursing Council consider initiating a program focused on specialized nursing administration. Such a program, he suggested, could equip nurses with advanced administrative skills needed to lead healthcare facilities effectively, optimize resource management, and uphold high standards of patient care. Hon'ble Dr. Suresh Bhosale’s vision reflects a commitment to positioning KVVDU as a leader in nursing education and a contributor to healthcare excellence in India.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jyoti Salunkhe, Professor and Dean Academics, KINS, Karad, who expressed her gratitude to the Indian Nursing Council, the College of Nursing at Houston University, and all the dignitaries and participants for their active involvement in the program.
The launch of the DNP Critical Care Program marked a momentous occasion, being the first of its kind in India. It signaled the start of a new era in Indian nursing education, opening up new opportunities for nursing professionals to pursue advanced education in critical care and aligning Indian nursing with global standards. The collaboration between the INC and Houston University promises to strengthen this initiative, with ongoing support for the development of skilled healthcare leaders.
The event set the stage for a one-day workshop designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to successfully implement the DNP curriculum and develop evidence-based practice projects.
After the tea break, the workshop began with the following sessions:
Session 1: Overview of INC Guidelines for Starting the DNP Critical Care Program by Speaker: Mrs. K.S. Bharti, Senior Consultant, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Session 2: DNP Curriculum Overview
Speaker: Dr. Punitha Ezhilarasu, Consultant, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Session 3: DNP Education and Scope of Practice in the USA
Speaker: Dr. Beena Joseph, Clinical Assistant Professor/ Clinical Learning Co-Ordinator, Andy & Barbara, Gessner College of Nursing University of Houston, Texas, USA Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Session 4: Quality Improvement Methods
Speaker: Dr. Premila Lee, Professor, Christian Medical College, Vellore
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Session 5: Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Methods
Speaker: Dr. Shainy Varghese, Professor/ Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Director-UH CON Health Clinic, University of Houston, Texas, USA Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 6: Differentiation Between EBP, Quality Improvement, and Research Utilization Speaker: Dr. Shainy Varghese, Professor/ Paediatric Nurse Practitioner, Director-UH CON Health Clinic, University of Houston, Texas, USA Time: 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Session 7: Scholarly EBP project- Introduction and phases Speaker: Dr. Beena Joseph, Clinical Assistant Professor/ Clinical Learning Co-Ordinator, Andy & Barbara, Gessner College of Nursing University of Houston, Texas, USA Time: 3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Session 8: EBP proposal and EBP Report writing templates- Discussion Speaker: Dr. Beena Joseph, Clinical Assistant Professor/ Clinical Learning Co-Ordinator, Andy & Barbara, Gessner College of Nursing University of Houston, Texas, USA Time: 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Valedictory Program-
The valedictory program for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Critical Care Program was held on October 23, 2024, marking the conclusion of a significant milestone in Indian nursing education.
The Chief guest of the program was Hon’ble Dr. Neelam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Karad and program was graced by Hon’ble Dr. T. Dileep Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi, Dr. M. V. Ghorpade, Registrar, KVVDU, Karad, dignitaries from the Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi, Dr. Beena Joseph and Dr. Shainy Varghese, Faculty from Houston University, Texas, USA, Dr. (Mrs.) Vaishali Rajsinh Mohite, Dean, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad, Mrs. Rohini Babar, Chief Nursing Officer, Krishna Hospital & M.R. C., Karad. Medical preceptors, Nurse preceptors, Nurse Practitioners, faculty & students of Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Karad were presents.
The programme commenced at 5:30 PM with a warm welcome and felicitation of dignitaries.
Dr. Prakash Naregal, Assistant Professor, KINS presented the report of the inaugural programme and workshop with the details of each session.
The program included testimonials from participants who shared their experiences and key takeaways from the orientation workshop, reinforcing the value of the program in shaping their professional development.
Certificates were presented to the Resource Persons and Participants.
In valedictory address at the landmark launch and orientation workshop of India’s first-ever Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Critical Care program, Hon’ble Dr. T. Dileep Kumar, President of the Indian Nursing Council, commended the collaboration between the Indian Nursing Council, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed University (KVVDU), and the University of Houston College of Nursing, Texas, USA. Hon'ble President sir emphasized the significance of the DNP program in advancing clinical expertise and leadership within India’s nursing profession. He highlighted how this initiative will equip nurses with specialized skills needed in critical care, thus enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
Hon’ble Dr. Neelam Mishra, Vice-Chancellor, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, in her address, madam highlighted the critical importance of the DNP program in enhancing nursing practice and education in India, emphasizing the need for advanced nursing professionals to address contemporary healthcare challenges.
The valedictory session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Nutan Potdar, Associate Professor, KINS who acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in the program's success.
This event not only celebrated the achievements of the DNP program but also set the stage for a new era in nursing education in India, equipping professionals with the skills necessary for effective leadership in critical care.
