A moment of reflection

“Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system. They are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to ensure the well-being of our patients,” said Christopher Elliott, general manager at Sandals Montego Bay. Elliott and his team welcomed 12 nurses to the flagship resort during Nurses Week for a heartfelt appreciation lunch.

The Oleander Restaurant at Sandals Montego Bay was abuzz with laughter as the healthcare professionals from five medical institutions in St James gathered for their special treat. This event, designed to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses, was a testament to the admiration and gratitude felt by the team at Sandals Resorts in the Montego Bay region.

The restaurant was transformed into a festive venue, adorned with decor elements in shades of purple, lavender, and blue. Signature cocktails accompanied by light conversation and buffet offerings featured a variety of dishes catering to diverse palates.

As nurses mingled with colleagues from different institutions, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and mutual respect. Heartfelt stories of challenging shifts, memorable patient recoveries, and shared experiences were exchanged.

Nurses reflected on their most thrilling experiences and spoke candidly about what they consider to be the best aspects of nursing. For Annette Wright-Bulgin, a senior nurse at Cornwall Regional Hospital, being a midwife and witnessing the arrival of new life wins every time. “The most rewarding thing for me is being with a mother in labour, rubbing her back, and then, in the end, seeing a bouncing baby girl or boy come into the world. I’m so thankful that I get to be a part of that moment, and I wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything else in the world,” she said.

Marjorie Sinclair, head of nursing at Baywest Wellness Hospital, has dedicated nearly 50 years to the profession. She shared that, for her, the most rewarding aspect of being a nurse is the opportunity to love and care for people. “My greatest joy,” she said, “is seeing someone come in sick and then watching them walk out of the hospital well again. It fills me with immense happiness knowing I played a part in their recovery.”

Nurse Sinclair shared that the gratitude expressed by patients and the way it makes her feel is something no amount of money can buy.

“You need to be called to become a good nurse. Without this calling, you won’t excel,” said Bobbett Gibbs-Enyi, a senior nurse at the Falmouth Hospital. “A good nurse must be caring, honest, and willing. There are moments when you have to sacrifice personal and family time, and not everyone is ready for that. Nursing is fulfilling, but it often demands sacrifices and working at inconvenient times,” she added.

“During Hurricane Beryl, we were on duty. We work on Christmas Day, night shifts, afternoon shifts, morning shifts, and sometimes even 24-hour shifts,” shared the 29-year veteran. “Not everyone is cut out for this. You must be passionate.”

The event, held in their honour, also featured dedications in poetry which celebrated the nurses for the profound impact of their compassion and dedication to the field of nursing.

To add even more laughter to the afternoon’s proceedings, nurses were challenged to a precision pop exercise, which tested their skills in administering injections. Each nurse also received special Sandals keepsakes.

“For us at Sandals in Montego Bay, the nurses appreciation lunch is a celebration of the incredible contributions our nurses make to our communities and the indomitable spirit with which they carry out their work, caring for others in their most vulnerable moments,” said regional public relations manager, Rochelle Forbes, whose team orchestrated the event. “It is a reminder that while nursing can be demanding and often-times under-appreciated, the difference they make in countless lives does not go unnoticed.”

Forbes noted that her team hopes to make the nurses’ appreciation lunch an annual tradition.