Meenakshi College of Nursing organized an observation visit to the Chennai De-Addiction Centre on 9th March 2026 for B.Sc. (Nursing) V Semester students, as part of their academic training in mental health and rehabilitation nursing.
A total of 44 students participated in the visit, accompanied by Dr. Thephilah Cathrine R., Associate Professor, and Ms. Ida Sherlee J., Assistant Professor. Conducted from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the visit aimed to provide practical exposure to addiction treatment protocols, rehabilitation processes, and patient-centered care in a de-addiction setting.
The programme began with an orientation session by Mr. Mohan, Assistant Director of the centre, who provided a comprehensive overview of the services offered, the structured rehabilitation programmes, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing substance use disorders. This was followed by an educational session led by Ms. Lavanya, Clinical Psychologist, who elaborated on therapeutic interventions and psychological strategies employed in addiction management.
As part of the observational learning experience, students were given the opportunity to interact with patients undergoing rehabilitation. This interaction enabled them to understand the psychological, social, and emotional challenges faced by individuals with addiction, while emphasizing the importance of empathy, effective communication, and holistic nursing care in facilitating recovery.
The field visit offered valuable insights into the functioning of a de-addiction and rehabilitation centre, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. It significantly enhanced students’ understanding of mental health care and reinforced the role of compassionate, patient-centered approaches in nursing practice.
