BARBADOS: Public Health Nurses Pampered By Students

Covid 19 Health Local News

BY JOY-ANN GILL | JUL 6, 2022

Springer Memorial School student, Chadia Goodridge performing a manicure on Major David Clarke, co-coordinator of the National Vaccination Programme. (GP)

The pampering of nurses throughout this week is being seen as an opportunity for students to learn in many ways.

This was highlighted on Monday at the Springer Memorial School, Government Hill, St. Michael, when Chief Education Officer, Dr. Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, addressed the launch of a partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to celebrate Public Health Nurses Appreciation Week July 3 to 9.

Emphasising that the nurses had worked tirelessly before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, she told students: “What we are doing here for this week isn’t something to be taken lightly. It is for our students to learn from us as well. You served us well and we want our students to learn about service.

“You have to be able to give back and give back without looking for something in return because I can tell you these nurses have not only been fighting against a difficult pandemic, but on a daily basis, they deal with difficult people, but they do it with a smile, anyway. So, it is about giving of yourselves and this is something I want all of our students to learn.”

Dr. Archer-Bradshaw also stressed that it was an opportunity for the children to show gratitude, and learn to better communicate with clients.

She noted that the week of pampering, which includes manicures, pedicures and barbering services, would provide the cosmetology students with the opportunity to learn and reflect in an experiential learning setting, as well as to collect the required evidence for their certification in the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications.

To the nurses, the Chief Education Officer said: “This week provides us with the opportunity to celebrate and to thank you for your unwavering support to education, especially as it relates to our back to face-to-face classes. We are forever grateful for the work that you have done.”

Urging that they engage the students in conversation as they enjoy the pampering on offer, she said: “Enjoy it because you deserve it!”