Launched in 2023, the programmes in nursing sciences awarded their first diplomas to 35 graduates in Pediatrics, Anesthesia and reanimation, Psychiatry and Surgery.
These programmes were created to address Luxembourg’s shortage of healthcare professionals. A need that became particularly evident during the COVID-19 crisis, when the country relied heavily on support from neighboring nations. The first graduates of the programmes have already taken up positions in healthcare institutions in Luxembourg. They bring much-needed expertise, evidence-based knowledge, and compassion to patient care, helping to strengthen the national healthcare system and workforce.
Prof. Marie Friedel, Study Programme Director of the nursing programmes, is very proud of the first cohorts. “Those first graduates in specialised nursing have overcome many challenges with perseverance, solidarity and emotional intelligence. They are real pioneers and represent a milestone for Luxembourg in the academisation of nursing education. We would like to deeply thank all our clinical partners, the academic and administrative staff and the 200 adjunct teachers who have accompanied them along their journey.”
‟ These past two years have been a journey of growth, challenges and resilience. As I look ahead to my path as a pediatric nurse, I am ready to make a difference, guided by heart, dedication, and the belief that every act of care can change a life. ”
Pediatric nurse at Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg
For Valentine Jongen, a graduate specialising in Anaesthesia and Reanimation, being among the first students of the programme was a unique challenge. “Sometimes it meant moving forward without a model and facing doubts,” she stated. “But we took part in something new, helping to shape the programme and pave the way for future generations. Today, we are no longer students. We are healthcare professionals, ready to enter the professional world with responsibility and humility.”
Over the course of the two-year programme, students learned not only technical procedures and protocols, but also the fundamental importance of the human dimension of healthcare. Raquel Dos Santos Rodrigues, a graduate specialising in Paediatric Nursing, reflects on this: “Caring for someone goes beyond technical procedures or protocols. It’s a look, a word, attention, being present, or simply holding someone’s hand. This is humanity, and it is at the heart of our work.”
The faculty warmly congratulates all graduates and wishes them every success in their professional careers!
Awards
Special congratulations go also to the students who received an award in recognition of their hard work and commitment.
The Prix HospiLux du meilleur mémoire recognised Erna AGOVIC, Bachelor en Sciences infirmières – Spécialité: Infirmier pédiatrie.
Erna distinguished herself with the excellence of her bachelor’s thesis, titled “The Impact of Pre-Term Birth on Parents: A Scoping Review of Their Experiences and the Role of Pediatric Nurses in Providing Support”, which won the award for Best Thesis. She demonstrated remarkable research skills, profound clinical sensitivity, and exemplary academic commitment.
The Prix du meilleur Bachelor en sciences infirmières spécialisées was awarded to:
- Murielle Bley
- Valentine Jongen
- Marie Perreira
- Anne Plumat
Murielle achieved outstanding academic results in the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Psychiatric Nursing, despite working full-time alongside her studies. She successfully balanced her family, professional, and academic responsibilities while developing her critical thinking and sharing her expertise with her peers.
Valentine combined perseverance, patience, and enthusiasm to achieve excellent results in the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Anesthesia and Reanimation Nursing.
Marie stood out for her consistent commitment throughout her studies in the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Medical Surgical Nursing Assistant. She demonstrated resilience, courage, and exceptional professionaldedication, culminating in excellent academic achievement.
Anne distinguished herself through active and continuous participation during her studies in the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Pediatric Nursing. Always present, she contributed with insightful interventions and thoughtful questions. She demonstrated a brilliant mind and remarkable analytical skills that greatly enriched the learning experience of her group.
The Prix du meilleur engagement des Bachelors en sciences infirmières spécialisées recognised :
- Théo Duhamel
- Jeanine Graff
- Marie Laure Mbomanou
- Anouk Troupel
In the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Anaesthesia and Reanimation Nursing, Théo is recognised for his commitment as an advocate for the nursing profession, for his active role as class representative in defending nursing students’ rights, and for his enthusiasm and perseverance in founding Luxembourg’s first Nursing Student Association (NSA).
Jannine demonstrated exceptional commitment throughout her Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Medical Surgical Nursing Assistant. She consistently went above and beyond, seeking solutions through various initiatives. For example, she participated in the production of a video showcasing the role of the ATM in surgery, and through her persistent work as class representative.
Marie Laure distinguished herself through outstanding dedication during her Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Paediatric Nursing. Despite significant family responsibilities, she showed exemplary determination, diligence, and professionalism. Her performance during her final placement was so impressive that the host institution created a paediatric nursing position specifically for her.
In the Bachelor in Nursing Sciences – Specialisation: Psychiatric Nursing, Anouk undertook the role of class representative with motivation and commitment. She advocated for her colleagues with care and diligence. She regularly attended monthly academic meetings, communicating the needs of her cohort, and ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard. She also contributed to the 2024 Open Day by sharing her experiences as a student with prospective entrants.