Student-nurses, who come from as far away as Region Nine, and communities in the Berbice and Corentyne rivers and even way up the Corentyne Coast, can now be housed in a living space constructed specifically for them. These quarters are located in the compound of the New Amsterdam School of Nursing.

The 12-apartment building was constructed in 2017 after discussions about the need for such facility were held in 2015. Student nurses started occupying the living spaces in December 2018 and Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, was invited to commission the facility in May 2019. The hostel, as it is referred to by the nurses, was funded at an approximate cost of $49M.

It bears modern amenities including indoor water supply, electricity, each room fully furnished, self-contained and providing accessibility to school facilities at any time. At least two students attending the nursing school testified that residing at the new quarters has positively impacted their academic life. Fabianne Rodrigues of Maruranau in Region Nine and Dianne Edwards of Corriverton both agreed that the facilities allow them to spend more time focusing on their studies.

“I have been blessed with the opportunity to study at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing… benefits include adequate water supply and electricity… I love the fact that the hostel is located within the school’s compound and it has reduced my expenses since I do not have to pay to travel every day to school. At the hostel, I am able to study in groups with my fellow colleagues,” Rodrigues said
Her colleague, Edwards added, “Being a resident-student at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing, I’d like to extend my gratitude for the training opportunity towards becoming a trained Registered Nurse… Coming all the way from Corriverton, I am able to save the cost of travelling and to study in comfort, provided with 24-hour security.”

This particular development afforded to the region has a noteworthy slew of benefits attached. It ensures guaranteed accommodation for students of several regions. Senior Nursing Tutor at the school, Sis. Oslene Hicken-Paul, said that based on her assessment, there have been positive changes since nurses are now housed closer to school. “Having the students in the compound is very beneficial in that they are punctual for classroom sessions; there is a reduction in absenteeism, and also the financial burden on our students. There is also extended interaction time for students and lecturers, they do not have to travel from far so we could go a little beyond our call and be there for them.”
Minister Volda Lawrence, while delivering remarks at the brief commissioning ceremony, pointed out that this particular development can only add value to the region’s health sector. She added that there is more to come for the Nursing Profession in Berbice. More specifically, at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing, there are plans to establish a modernised learning environment.

“I heard from some of the tutors in Georgetown that they want to have those simulators that talk back to you, so while they want to have that, I want you to have virtual classrooms here in New Amsterdam. These two we must have… We are not stuck in time; we have to move forward,” the public health minister said. Director of Health Services in Region Six, Jevaughn Stephen, has pledged to work hand-in-hand with the regional officials and the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that the school’s facilities are improved and that it is equipped to continue “churning out qualified nurses”
Also, in attendance at the commissioning were Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson-McIntyre; MoPH Focal Point Coordinator, Alex Foster; Regional Executive Officer, Kim Williams-Stephen; Director of Health Sciences Education, Seraiah Validum; Matron of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Susette August, among others. (DPI)