Two hundred and four persons graduated from the Georgetown School of Nursing at a ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday.
They were from four different categories: Professional Nursing, Post-Basic Midwifery, Single-Trained Midwifery and Nursing Assistant. Eighteen of the graduates were awarded for exceptional performance in the different categories.
In delivering the school’s report Principal Nursing Tutor Sister Pearl Munroe said she was happy with the school’s pass rate for 2008, which was at 97 per cent. She noted that the school has seen a 200 per cent increase in number of students this year. And although the ten-member staff, which is inclusive of administrative staff and cleaners, complemented by 15 part-time staff members, try their utmost to deliver a smooth learning experience for the students, they are faced with difficulties.
Munroe highlighted the challenges in her speech and urged Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Hydar Ally, who delivered the guest speaker’s remarks in the absence of Minister in the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsarran, to take note.
The principal said overcrowding was a major issue, with 146 persons registering for the professional nursing programme alone, in June of this year. She said the classrooms were not conducive to learning and there was even inadequate bathroom facilities at the institution; males and females have to use the same washroom.
Munroe said the recruitment of properly trained full-time tutors is necessary for the school. There is an urgent need for audio-visual materials, text books and even janitorial materials.
She also said that a full-time mature social worker is needed at the school to deal with issues. She advocated a regular supply of uniforms for students and a raise in meal allowances for students and tutors.
Munroe also said that tutors should be sent on scholarship programmes in order to enhance their knowledge base.
Stating that there are some nursing tutors who have dedicated 30 years and more of unbroken services to the profession, Munroe said duty-free concessions should be considered as it has been for their fellow public servants, the teachers.
The charge to the graduates was delivered by Director of Nursing services of the Georgetown Public Hospital, Sister Audrey Corry.
