UTech, Ja. Voices

17 January – April 2020 | VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica C aribbean School of Nursing (CSON), College of Health Sciences (COHS) celebrated the progression of over three hundred students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Bachelor of Science in Midwifery at the 9th Annual Striping Ceremony held on February 7, 2020 at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium, University of Technology, Jamaica Papine Campus. The ceremony, themed “Nursing and Midwifery Students: Emerging Health Leaders” saw the presentation of symbolic stripes to 1st to 4th year students in recognition of their successful completion of academic and professional requirements, and for the display of good behaviour and attitudes. The annual CSON Striping Ceremony for the Montego Bay Campus was held February 14 at the St. John’s Methodist Hall, Montego Bay. Keynote speaker was Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness. Dr. Adella Campbell, Head, Caribbean School of Nursing in her remarks at the ceremonies pointed to the many strides that the School had made over the years, indicating that CSON offers various undergraduate and graduate courses of study across three campuses, including the Papine, St Andrew, Braemar Avenue, Kingston and Barnett Clinic, Montego Bay St James. Dr. Campbell highlighted plans to offer the BSc. In Nursing completion courses online and the introduction of Palliative Care and Wound Management, among others, as short courses during the Summer of 2020. The Head of School congratulated the students on the successful completion of their respective levels of study, urging them to be proud of their academic accomplishments. “As you emerge as leaders, I charge you to continue to strive for excellence and success as you impact the lives of persons you meet,” she said. Dr. Haldane Johnson, Associate Vice President, Office of Teaching & Learning, brought greetings on behalf of University President. In noting that nurses are the cornerstone of Jamaica’s health care system, he pointed to the growing concern of the attrition rate of Jamaican nurses. Dr. Johnson posited however, that this should be seen as an opportunity for the country, and that the response should be education and more training. “UTech, Jamaica is doing our part in helping to fill the large gap for trained nurses,” he said, indicating that student intake numbers in the Caribbean School of Nursing had steadily increased since the course of study was introduced at the University in 2014. He also pointed to the strong international and institutional linkages being forged through the Nursing and Midwifery courses of study, including the recently concluded training of Critical Care Nursing students in China. In congratulating the CSON students, he charged them to “continue to be champions of the highest standards of professionalism and integrity as you prepare yourselves to be change agents in the nursing profession.” Dr. Sonia Richards-Malcolm, Vice Dean, COHS, who brought greetings on behalf of Dean, Dr. Janet Campbell-Shelly, congratulated the Nursing and Midwifery students, pointing out that the College of Health Sciences and by extension the University Technology, Jamaica “stand ready to meet you at the next juncture of your life, to promote good health and wellbeing and to support your success.” Remarks were also brought by, Miss Bobbyjoe Campbell, 2nd Vice President, Midwives Association of Jamaica; Ms. Carmen Johnson, President, Nurses Association of Jamaica and Mrs. Claudette James, Ministry of Health and Wellness. Dr. Adella Campbell (9th from left), Head, Caribbean School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences blends in for a photograph with 1st Year Nursing students, at the 9th Annual Striping Ceremony, held at the Alfred Sangster Auditorium on February 7, 2020. Nursing and Midwifery Students Celebrated in 9 th Annual Striping Ceremony Dr. Haldane Johnson, AVP, Teaching and Learning. Cont’d on page 18