KIMS Nursing Fraternity Hosts a Event in Nursing Education and Leadership—”NurseLead Conclave 2025″

The Nursing Fraternity of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, hosted the most anticipated event in nursing education and leadership — the NurseLead Conclave 2025 — themed “Voices that Heal: Communication as the Core of Nursing Empowerment” on 19th July 2025, The conclave brought together a luminous assembly of nursing professionals, educators, and healthcare leaders, fostering a day of inspiration, learning, and transformation.

The event commenced with a brief welcome address and a traditional Odia welcome dance which set the tone for the day’s activities. The inaugural keynote session featured Dr. P. Vijayalaxmi, Lecturer at the College of Nursing, NIMHANS, Bangalore. She delivered an impactful talk on “Communication in Reducing Medical Errors and Enhancing Patient Satisfaction.” Drawing from her extensive clinical and academic experience, Dr. Vijayalaxmi highlighted the importance of structured communication protocols such as SBAR and emphasized how miscommunication is a leading contributor to preventable clinical errors. She asserted, “Empowering nurses with communication tools is not a luxury — it is a necessity. A nurse’s voice can prevent errors, save lives, and instill trust in patients.” The session was chaired by Dr. Soumya Sonalika, Associate Professor at KINS, who elaborated on the importance of integrating communication training into nursing curricula and reinforcing those skills in clinical practice through continuous mentoring.

Following the keynote, the next technical session was led by Dr. Chittaranjan Bhoi and focused on “Tech-Driven Communication in Healthcare Teams.” Dr. Bhoi explored the growing role of digital tools, including electronic health records (EHRs), mobile apps, and AI-powered triaging systems, which have transformed interdisciplinary communication in hospitals. He stressed the need for digital literacy among nurses to bridge communication gaps and enhance documentation accuracy. This session was chaired by Dr. Benazir Maherin, Consultant in the Department of Emergency Medicine, KIMS, who reflected on the role of communication in managing high-pressure environments and leading care teams in emergency settings.

The inaugural session was conducted with a formal welcome, the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and presentation of bouquets to the dignitaries. Mrs. Gitanjali Mahanta, Nursing Superintendent, KIMS, delivered the formal welcome address and commended the organizing committee for providing a platform to celebrate and strengthen the nursing profession. She noted that communication is both a tool and a value system that upholds the dignity of care. Following her, Prof. (Dr.) Niyati Das, Principal of the School of Nursing, KIIT-DU, emphasized the need for integrating communication competencies into nursing education and encouraged institutional partnerships for continued learning. Prof. Dr. Manas Ranjan Behera, Medical Superintendent of KIMS, highlighted the critical role of nurses in hospital quality assurance programs and noted that effective nurse-patient communication contributes directly to reduced readmission rates and improved satisfaction scores. AVM Prof. (Dr.) Rama Chandra Das, Dean & Principal of the School of Medicine, KIIT-DU, spoke about the central role of nurses in inter professional teams and advocated for policy reforms that empower nurse leaders. Dr. Rabi Narayan Samanta, Advisor to the Founder of KIMS, praised the contribution of nursing educators in advancing evidence-based practice.

The most anticipated address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, who expressed deep admiration for the dedication and compassion of nurses. He remarked, “Nurses are the heartbeat of any health system. Communication is not just a soft skill — it is a lifesaving art. I urge every nurse to raise their voice for safety, leadership, and learning.” The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Pragyan Paramita Mishra, Deputy Nursing Superintendent, KIMS, followed by the solemn rendition of the KIIT Anthem.

Resuming the academic sessions, the post-lunch period began with an insightful presentation on “Confidence and Leadership: Keys to Nurses’ Success and Patient-Centered Care,” delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sharma, Principal of the Manikaka Topawala Institute of Nursing, CHARUSAT, Gujarat. Dr. Sharma emphasized that leadership is behavioral, not positional. He encouraged every nurse to practice daily acts of leadership through assertiveness, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. He stated, “Leadership begins the moment a nurse decides to take initiative. Confidence in your voice is the first step to advocacy.” The session was chaired by Mrs. Minati Mishra, Nursing Superintendent at IMS & SUM Hospital, who noted, “Digital innovation must walk hand in hand with compassionate nursing. When used wisely, technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier.”

The fourth academic session featured Mrs. Gitarani Nayak, Nursing Superintendent and Assistant Professor at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar. Her presentation on “Navigating Challenges: Elevating Nursing Practices” addressed the complex challenges faced by nurses, particularly in resource-constrained and high-demand environments. She highlighted how mentorship, peer support, reflective practice, and professional development can equip nurses to adapt and lead with resilience. The session was chaired by Mrs. Sucharita, Nursing Superintendent at Apollo Hospital, who echoed the sentiment that professional resilience is built over time and must be supported by institutional leadership.

A highlight of the day was the panel discussion held on the topic “Advancing Nursing Through Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience.” Moderated by Dr. Avinash Barpanda, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, the panel brought together esteemed voices including Dr. P. Vijayalaxmi, Prof. (Dr.) Anil Sharma, Mrs. Gitarani Nayak, and Dr. Anasuya Pattnayak. The discussion focused on strategies to advance nursing as a profession, including strengthening nurse-led research, implementing nurse-sensitive quality indicators, and building inclusive work cultures. Dr. Anasuya Pattnayak spoke on the need to support nurses’ mental health, especially post-pandemic, while Dr. Sharma emphasized investing in continuing education and policy advocacy. Collectively, the panelists agreed that innovation and leadership must be nurtured from the undergraduate level onward to prepare future-ready nurses.

The concluding segments included a short interactive quiz activity, “Brain Buzz,” where participants enthusiastically engaged in answering questions on communication and leadership. This was followed by the distribution of certificates, collection of participant feedback, and the formal valedictory vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Dipali Mohanty, Deputy Nursing Superintendent at KIMS. She thanked the dignitaries, resource persons, volunteers, and organizing committee for making the event a grand success. She concluded, “Let us carry the learnings from this conclave into our daily work and continue being the voices that heal.”

The event concluded in providing opportunities for informal networking and reflection. The NurseLead Conclave 2025 was not merely a conference but a celebration of nursing identity and a reaffirmation of its vital role in the healthcare continuum. With over 450 participants, the event served as a robust platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and professional inspiration.