Nurses mark 10 years in health care

December 1, 2009, was a special occasion for 19 nurses here as they marked their 10th anniversary since joining the nursing profession.{{more}}

Initially, 21 persons had started the programme as part of the Batch 16 group, but over the years LaFleur Jackson resigned, while the lone male of the group, Larry Arthur, died.

In an interview with SEARCHLIGHT, the elated nurses spoke of their achievements over the years, as well as their aspirations. Some nurses built their homes, got married, and started their families, among other things.

During the decade, the nurses have moved up the ranks. Sadieca George became a Senior Nurse and a Midwife, while other nurses such as Melissa Baptiste, Doniele Millington, Heather Gellizeau, Lystra Thompson, Veronica Charles, Sharon Charles, Vicklee Williams-Joseph, and Shelland Roberts-Hoyte were elevated to the post of Senior Nurse. Rhonique Browne attained the rank of Registered Nurse.

La Toya Manners-Duncan (CSS), a Nursing Assistant, had the opportunity to pursue studies at the Mona Campus, University of the West Indies. Other nurses who started the programme with Batch 16 are Nursing Assistants: Cecelia Charles, Deborah Butler, Foxie Compton, Patricia King, Jullia York, Allison Jack-Isaacs, Esyme Gill-Daize, and Lyncia Forde-Lavia.

During the interview, it was noted that the nursing profession is challenging yet fulfilling.

In terms of the advantages of being a nurse, one nurse mentioned the 100 per cent mortgage that is available to them to construct their homes etc, and funding recently made available for furtherance of their academics.

She, however, advised prospective nurses to think seriously before entering the profession.

“If you don’t have a love for nursing, I would not advise you to join nursing because it could be frustrating and you have to have a lot of patience,” she said, adding, “people come in different forms with different medical status”.

Another nurse said frankly, if one doesn’t have a love for nursing, that individual would not stay in the profession.

“Nursing is not just a job. It has to do with you actually loving people or wanting to make a humanitarian effort,” that nurse stated.

The nurses who visited SEARCHLIGHT noted that during the decade, the nursing profession has grown both in terms of population and curriculum. Initially, when they entered the public service, they did so under the Ministry of Health. Today, nurses are now doing so under the Ministry of Education.

They encouraged persons desirous of entering nurses to study hard. (HN)