National level workshop on ‘Critical Care Competency’

The Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), in collaboration with the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine, Manipal Branch, successfully organized a two-day National level workshop on ‘Critical Care Competency’ on 22^nd and 23^rd May 2026.

The program commenced at 9 am with a prayer song, setting a solemn and focused tone for the event. Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty, Professor & Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, MCON, formally welcomed the gathering and introduced the Chief Guest. This was followed by an overview of the workshop, presented by Dr. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal, who highlighted the objectives and significance of the program.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Anil K Bhat, Dean, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, shared his experience of learning directly from patient care during his early training and emphasized that simulation-based learning is now essential for safe skill development. He highlighted the role of advanced monitors and medical devices in enhancing patient safety, while stressing that critical thinking and sound clinical judgment remain indispensable for effective decision-making.

In her address, Dr. Judith Angelitta Noronha, Dean, MCON, Manipal, described critical care nursing as one of the most demanding specialties, where every second matters and each observation can save a life. While acknowledging advancements in technology and monitoring systems, she emphasized that the cornerstone of patient recovery remains a skilled, competent, and compassionate nurse, as technology can support care but cannot replace human vigilance and the healing touch. The formal inaugural program concluded with words of gratitude expressed by Dr. Soumya Christabel, Assistant Professor, MCON.

The scientific sessions on Day 1 featured insightful deliberations, including  “Weaning from Mechanical Ventilator” by Dr. Sagar M S, Additional Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, “POCUS for Shock” by Dr. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, “Trauma Assessment” by Dr. Vimal Krishnan, Professor and Head, Department of Emergency Medicine, KMC, Manipal, and “Early Mobilization of Patients on Mechanical Ventilation” by Mr. Anup Bhat, Assistant Professor (Selection Grade), Department of Physiotherapy, MCHP, Manipal.

The afternoon session comprised hands-on skill training stations, including Advanced Ventilator Management by Mr. Prasannakumara, Nurse Practitioner–Critical Care II, Department of Critical Care Medicine, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, and Advanced Airway Management by Dr. Margiben Tusharbhai Bhatt, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, along with Ms. Bhanupriya, Nurse Practitioner, Kasturba Hospital, and ICD Insertion and POCUS for Shock by Dr. Vishal Shanbhag with Mr. Nadish Manzoor, Nurse Practitioner, Kasturba Hospital.

The second day began with academic sessions on ECG Interpretation by Dr. Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, and Chest X-ray and Head CT Interpretation by Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty, Professor and Head, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal. This was followed by “Principles of Nutrition in Critical Care” by Dr. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, and ABG Interpretation by Dr. Margiben Tusharbhai Bhatt, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal.

The post-lunch session included skill stations on Central Line Insertion by Dr. Sunil R, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, along with Ms. Abinaya T, Nurse Practitioner, Kasturba Hospital; Drug Calculations by Mrs. Jyothi Marakalthi, Nurse Practitioner, Kasturba Hospital, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) by Dr. Anil Raj A, Assistant Professor (Senior Scale), Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, along with Mrs. Chaitra Shetty, Nurse Practitioner, Kasturba Hospital.

The workshop concluded with a case discussion by II year Nurse Practitioner students, followed by closing remarks, marking the successful completion of the program.

A total of 38 participants, including faculty members and students from MSc Nursing and Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care programs across various institutions in India, actively participated in the workshop. The program was highly appreciated for its comprehensive approach, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on training. It also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 17, promoting health and well-being, quality education, and collaborative partnerships.

The workshop was effectively coordinated by Dr. Soumya Christabel, Assistant Professor (Sr Scale), Dr Anilraj, Assistant Professor (Sr Scale), and Mrs Janet Alva, Assistant Professor (Sr Scale), MCON, under the guidance and support of Dr. Jyothi Chakrabarty, Professor and Head, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, MCON, and Dr. Vishal Shanbhag, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Medicine, KMC, Manipal, and Dr. Judith Angelitta Noronha, Dean, MCON, Manipal.