Student nurses from far-flung communities in Berbice and Region Nine will no longer have to suffer the inconveniences of travelling to classes, thanks to the newly commissioned living quarters constructed for them in the compound of the New Amsterdam School of Nursing.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) release, the $49 million-12-apartment building, was constructed in 2017 after discussions about the need for such a facility were held in 2015. It bears modern amenities including indoor water supply, electricity with each room fully furnished, self-contained and providing accessibility to school facilities at any time.
The hostel, as it is referred to by the nurses, was recently commissioned by the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. Also in attendance at the commissioning were Chief Nursing Officer, Linda Johnson-McIntyre; Ministry of Public Health, Focal Point, Alex Foster; Regional Executive Officer, Kim Williams-Stephen; Director of Health Sciences Education, Seraiah Validum and Matron of the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Susette August, among others.
In her remarks at the brief commissioning ceremony, Lawrence pointed out that this particular development can only add value to the region’s health sector while adding that there is more to come for the nursing profession in Berbice.
The minister disclosed that there are plans to establish a modernised learning environment specifically at the New Amsterdam School of Nursing. “I heard from some of the tutors in Georgetown that they want to have those simulators that talks 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,” Lawrence was quoted as saying.
Two of the students attending the nursing school have attested to positive impact the new residence has had on 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 focussing 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 was quoted as saying.
Her colleague, Edwards echoed the sentiment by adding, “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 affords a number of benefits including 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] there is also a reduction in the financial burden on our students. There is also extended interaction time for students and lecturers, [since] they do not have to travel from far so we could go a little beyond our call and be there for them.”
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.”
