Kartika Salona Naidu with her children and mother at the FNU Graduation Ceremony.

Being one of the first people to see newborn babies and helping expectant mothers safely deliver their babies is always a blessing.

These was the sentiments of Kartika Salona Naidu, who graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery from the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) last December.

The mother-of-three has 14 years of experience in nursing and currently works as a perioperative nurse at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Suva.

With her upgrade in qualification, she can carry out the responsibility and duties of a midwife in delivering babies.

“I am very delighted with my achievement, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. I was given a one-year study break by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and was also fortunate to study in a well-equipped facility provided by the University,” she proudly said.

“Over the years, I have served in Taveuni, Tamavua, and Sigatoka before moving to my current location.”

“My mum has been the biggest source of inspiration and guidance and continuously motivates me to do my best.”

Naidu said that with her knowledge and skills, she would continue to help expectant mothers deliver their newborns.

“The medical field is always a very challenging career, but if you want to join then you need to have a heart for it. If you have the heart to help people, then it will become easier for you. I encourage young people to join the nursing profession with their expertise.”

“It is always thrilling to see life take form; you don’t see the baby in the uterus, but when you see the baby come out alive and kicking, and the mother’s reaction, it is a very precious moment.”

Naidu is optimistic about pursuing further medical education at FNU.