Vincentian nurses remain in high demand – PS Health

Vincentian nurses continue to be in high demand.

This was evident as the latest batch of nurses, totalling 44 left the state Wednesday, destined for Trinidad and Tobago, where they were expected to take up positions within that country’s health care system.{{more}}

The move was, however, met with mixed emotions, as many said that they had grabbed the opportunity with open arms, hoping to gather as much experience and knowledge as possible.

Twelve nurses left the state at 9:30 a.m.; 15 left at 4:20 p.m. and the remaining 17 left at 6:20 p.m.

They will be employed on a contractual basis for an initial period of three years and are expected to be assigned throughout the twin island republic.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Luis de Shong explained that the latest movement of Vincentian nurses abroad was the end of a process which was initiated by the Permanent Secretary of Trinidad and Tobago, who expressed an interest in having more nurses from this country sent there.

According to de Shong, Vincentian nurses, already deployed to that Caribbean country received good commendations.

“They had been giving quality service and they were happy with the quality service and level of training – so that was why she turned to me and asked me about the availability of nurses and I grabbed the opportunity and ran with it,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He further explained that once the current batch of nurses had settled in, he would be continuing negotiations with the Trinidadian officials to recruit more Vincentian nurses.

This country was in a position to provide Trinidad with registered nurses, but there was a demand for persons with specialized training, particularly those with training in ICU care, midwifery and renal care.

“But we can’t give her those, because we need those as well,” de Shong said.

However, Vincentian nurses remained in high demand worldwide, with numbers of locals having taken up positions in England, Canada, United States and throughout the region.

And according to de Shong, Australia had also expressed an interest in Vincentian nurses.

“They are offering to have some sort of contract with us to have nurses from here, so we have to go and exploit that,” the Permanent Secretary said.

He further explained that it was important to create opportunities for local nurses.

“There are not sufficient positions being made available locally, because people are not resigning or retiring every day, so we could only hire a certain number,” de Shong said.

But while there is a demand for health care professionals regionally and internationally, it was noted that the needs of the local health care system could not be neglected.

Clayton Burgin, Minister of Health, said that it was for this reason that they were encouraging nursing students to pursue studies in specific areas.

According to Burgin, there was a situation where locals often leave for better opportunities abroad.

But the idea was to encourage persons to study popular areas within the nursing sector.

“In order that there is no drain to deplete the system,” the Health Minister said.

Of the initial batch of 45 nurses, one nurse dropped out at the last minute, to pursue a career in the British Army. (DD)