My professional journey in nursing has been shaped by a strong commitment to mental health, education, research, leadership, innovation, and service. My belief is that a nurse is not only a caregiver but also an educator, researcher, counsellor, leader, and advocate for holistic health.
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Government College of Nursing, RGUHS, Bangalore, in 2004. My growing interest in mental health nursing encouraged me to pursue postgraduate education, and I completed my Master of Science in Mental Health Nursing from East West College of Nursing, RGUHS, Bangalore, in 2008. My academic journey continued with doctoral research, and in 2026 I completed my PhD in psychiatric nursing from Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing under RGUHS, Bangalore. In addition to nursing, I pursued an LLB from Shri Mahadevappa Law College under Karnataka State Law University.
My professional career spans more than twenty years. I began my teaching career as a tutor at Smt. M.C. Vasantha College of Nursing, Bidar. I later served as an assistant professor at the same institution and subsequently worked as vice principal at Akareem College of Nursing, Gulbarga. Since June 2013, I have been associated with ESIC College of Nursing, Gulbarga, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, where I currently serve as Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Mental Health Nursing.
Teaching remains one of the most important dimensions of my professional identity. I have been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education, research guidance, dissertation supervision, academic planning, clinical coordination, examination responsibilities, and faculty development. As ESIC CNE Coordinator and a scientific committee member, I have participated in organizing continuing nursing education programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, quizzes, and other academic activities.
In my administrative responsibilities, I have coordinated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, supervised faculty and students in academic and clinical settings, advised the Student Nurses’ Association, coordinated clinical placements, and participated in examination, inspection, and quality activities. I have also contributed to institutional research committees, documentation, academic monitoring, curriculum implementation, accreditation, and quality enhancement.
Professional development has been a continuous part of my career. I have received training as a nurse diabetic educator at Christian Medical College, Vellore, and as an MCBT practitioner at NIMHANS. I have also received training in mental, neurological, and substance-use disorders through the National Health Systems Resource Centre and have served as a state-level trainer. My professional certifications include BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association, HIV/AIDS ART training for nurses through the Indian Nursing Council and National AIDS Control Organisation, community mental health nursing training at NIMHANS, and simulation training.
Research is another significant dimension of my professional life. My research interests include mental health promotion, psychiatric rehabilitation, stress prevention, resilience, coping, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, women’s mental health, premenstrual syndrome, community mental health, geriatric mental health, nursing education, simulation-based learning, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and patient safety. My doctoral work and related publications have particularly strengthened my interest in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and women’s psychological well-being.
I have contributed to more than 22 publications in national and international journals. My scholarly work has addressed psychosocial stress, bullying among schoolchildren, mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, premenstrual symptoms, women’s work performance and social adjustment, and innovative approaches to nursing education. These research experiences have strengthened my skills in scientific inquiry, critical thinking, academic writing, and evidence-based practice.
Innovation has also been an important part of my professional interests. I have contributed to patent-related work, including an ICU Delirium Prevention and Patient Orientation Device, for which a design has been approved by the Patent Office, Government of India. These experiences have encouraged me to explore practical, technology-supported solutions to healthcare problems.
My contribution to academia extends to editorial and peer-review activities. I have served as an associate editor, editor, and reviewer for several journals covering nursing, medicine, mental health, cardiology, and related disciplines. I have also served as a resource person and presenter in programmes related to suicide intervention, mental health, substance-use disorders, palliative care, HIV/AIDS, Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, and nursing education. I have presented papers and posters at professional conferences.
My clinical competencies include therapeutic communication, psychiatric assessment, suicide and self-harm risk assessment, patient counselling, emergency care, basic and advanced life support assistance, cardiac monitoring, airway management, and care of critically ill patients.
I strongly value professional membership and continuous lifelong learning. I am a lifetime member of the Trained Nurses Association of India, the Indian Society of Psychiatric Nurses, and NSS. I have participated in professional conferences, workshops, and webinars addressing trauma-informed care, mindfulness, narrative therapy, suicide prevention, cognitive behavioural therapy, research publication, research ethics, grants, and multidisciplinary nursing research. These opportunities have broadened my perspective and helped me integrate emerging knowledge into teaching and practice.
My professional journey has been enriched by recognitions including the Best Employee Award from ESIC Medical College and Organization, the Dr. Radhakrishnan Visionary Mentor Award, awards for excellence in peer reviewing, and recognition for academic presentation. I have also achieved state-level recognition in athletics.
Looking toward the future, my aspiration is to continue contributing to nursing through education, research, innovation, mental health promotion, and community service. I hope to mentor young nurses and researchers, promote evidence-based practice, develop innovative healthcare solutions, and strengthen mental health awareness. I believe meaningful nursing is rooted in compassion, knowledge, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. My journey has taught me that every student mentored, patient supported, research question explored, and service rendered can contribute to better healthcare. I look forward to continuing this journey with commitment, integrity, and dedication.
