FOURTEEN Nursing Assistants of the Class of 66 graduated from the Georgetown School of Nursing last Friday after enrolling there on May 21, 2012.The first group of nursing assistants studied during the afternoon sessions housed at the Georgetown School of Nursing Annexe, Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown (the former Guyana Water Inc. headquarters).

However, 19 students enrolled and covered the subject areas of anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, elements of psychology, elements of sociology, basic nutrition, microbiology, emergency and disaster management, pharmacology, adult nursing, paediatric nursing, maternal and child health, community health nursing, mental health nursing, and basic management.

Clinical rotation included the medial and surgical areas, paediatric and maternity wards, as well as all special areas and clinics and they were assigned to health centres in their areas of abode.

Of the 19 students who started the class, four dropped out before completing the first year, mainly for financial reasons, as some were from out of town.

Of the remaining batch one student left after failing her initial sitting of the final assessment and one other student did not write the examination because the criteria for doing so was not met.

On April 16, 2014, 12 students sat the exam and five were successful while seven students rewrote the exam on October 28, 2014 with six passes.

Throughout the training, the Class of 66 maintained a very good attendance record and showed dedication despite some challenges but they worked as a team and succeeded.

The programme started with welcome remarks, prayers, pledge, a song, handing over of presents and tokens to the Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsarran and students.

In remarks, Dr. Ramsaran lauded the nursing assistants for their efforts in striving through the evening classes and being the first batch of students who embarked on the initiative that started three years ago.
HEAVY HEALTH SECTOR INVESTMENT
Dr. Ramsaran disclosed that the Ministry of Health has invested heavily in the health sector over the years and in 2013 they expended $17B while in 2014 they spent $21B.

He pointed out that the ministry continues to focus on training since there is a need for nursing staffers. Therefore they will partner with the Ministry of Finance to conduct a review special consultancy for six months to analyse the needs of the Georgetown School of Nursing and make recommendations for enhanced training.

MICROWAVE GIFT
The Class of 66 presented the Georgetown School of Nursing with a microwave which was accepted by the senior teaching staff yesterday afternoon.

Assistant Coordinator, Sister Diane Murphy in remarks yesterday urged the graduates to give of their best at all times and to provide excellent care for their patients.

She advised the batch to be professional in their conduct and to be role models to those in their care at institutions where they will be placed to work.

Also making remarks was Coordinator Penelope Layne, among others.