100 NCU nursing students receive laptops from AdventHealth, Andrews Memorial Hospital

ONE HUNDRED final-year nursing students from Northern Caribbean University (NCU) were recently gifted with personal HP laptops and stethoscope by AdventHealth, a Seventh-day Adventist non-profit health care system headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Florida, in partnership with Andrews Memorial Hospital.

The objectives of the donations are to equip the nursing students with the resources needed to complete their education, while forging a path for excellence and ensuring that the nursing workforce is prepared to tackle the challenges of the future.

AdventHealth is a prominent American non-profit, faith-based healthcare system with 53 hospitals in nine states in the United States and aims to revolutionise the nursing profession and address the pressing need for nursing development and retention in Jamaica.

Dr Audrey Gregory, executive vice president and chief executive officer for AdventHeath, East Florida Division said the future of healthcare in Jamaica and the investment made by AdventHealth and, by extension, Andrews Memorial Hospital, will go a long way in developing the requisite nurses to add value to all Jamaicans and the world.

Dr Gregory indicated that they were invested in the future of the students. “We have steadfastly and consistently demonstrated our commitment and dedication to community development, especially in the area of healthcare and uplifting healthcare professionals. The purpose of the gifts is to break the cycle of poverty through education. You have put education as a high level, and have made the best career choice,” she said.

Pastor Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and NCU board chair, said the Adventist church in Jamaica, and by extension the entire Jamaica will benefit from the partnership.

“We treasure the relationship that the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has established with AdventHealth. We continue to benefit, and ultimately the donations have proven to be more than a partnership, but an investment in human resources. We are not only training nurses, but professionals that will add value to AdventHealth, Andrews Memorial and NCU,” Pastor Brown said.

Northern Caribbean University has been the trendsetter in nursing education, and is the premier and oldest institution in the Caribbean granting a bachelorof science in nursing. The programme commenced in 1970 and since then, the department has graduated over 1,400 nurses. These graduates possess the expertise to function in a variety of healthcare settings and are gainfully employed locally, regionally and internationally.

Over the years, the Department of Nursing has maintained an outstanding pass rate in the licensure examination (Regional Examination for Nurse Registration set by the Nursing Council of Jamaica.

Donmayne Gyles, chief executive officer at Andrews Memorial Hospital said the possibilities of the partnership with AdventHealth is endless. Since the initiative was launched, Gyles said the commitment of AdventHealth in the investment growth and development of the students’ future has been exponential.

“We are committed as a hospital, to your training and growth in an ever-changing and evolving landscape. We will continue to unlock opportunities that are valuable to your growth and ensure that you continue to excel. We want to see you on a journey that when you pass through the doors of Andrews Hospital and AdventHealth, with God’s help we can make it happen,” Gyles said.

Meanwhile, Professor Lincoln Edwards, NCU president, said the university was appreciative of the gifts from AdventHealth as it has helped to alleviate some of the challenges of the students.

“Students, as you seek to complete your studies, it is important that you seek out employers that have your best interest at heart; and are serious about your development, as we continue to do here at NCU. We have an interest in your wellbeing and our partnership with AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial will ensure that you not only complete your studies, but prepare you for your professional career in nursing,” Professor Edwards said.

Tanneice Blackwood, one of the nursing student recipients said prior to receiving the laptop computer, she had challenges completing her research and assignments, as she only had access to her mobile device to assist her.

“I am very grateful, as I did not have a laptop. I had to use my phone and it was difficult to do research and assignments. The support I have received here today means a lot, because it can help me to prepare better as I step into the role of a future nurse,” Blackwood said following the presentation, held at the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist church in St Andrew.