Members of the United Student Movement’s 2020-2021 Projects and Special Initiatives team share a moment during the movement’s Nurses Treat on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at the Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing.

Photo Credit: Patrina Stewart

By: Suzell Wray

Mandeville, Jamaica- President of the Nursing Students’ Association (NSA), Sharelle Sanderson says the Department’s Student Nurses found the United Student Movement’s recent Nurses treat very beneficial.

The event was hosted by USM’s Projects and Special Initiatives and Student Services and Social Affairs at the Hyacinth Chen School of Nursing on Tuesday, October 27, 2020.

According to Sanderson the nurses who participated were appreciative of the initiative as they seek to embark on their clinical exercises.

“It was really beneficial as it made the day of those Student Nurses who were present and it showed them that they are being thought of as they prepare to go off for clinicals. The service that was provided by the USM representatives was indeed remarkable and all COVID-19 protocols were followed,” she shared.

She also noted that some students have expressed excitement and nervousness about venturing into their clinical exercises.

“There are 125 sophomore student nurses who are going off to clinicals. They are both excited and nervous. Some are having mixed feelings. Some responses from students include:

“I am nervous and worried about catching corona and carrying it home, I live with my 2-year-old niece.”

“I’m scared of catching the virus and carrying it home. I live with my dad who has underlying medical conditions.”

“I am excited to start this new journey and even though we face a pandemic, I know what I signed up for and I am ready and eager to learn and deliver care while protecting myself against the virus as best as possible.”

Sanderson shared that those are a few statements she received from a few of their student nurses.

Meanwhile, USM’s Director of Projects and Special Initiatives, Latoya Carnagie told the Hilltop Trumpet that the program had fulfilled its intended purpose.

“The program for me was successful despite Covid-19. The members of the projects team worked very hard to ensure that everything was in place for the program. It was successful, the nurses were happy and appreciative in the end.”

Vice-President of Student Services and Social Affairs, Nicole McFarlane said close to 100 students were present for the treat.

“The turnout was great, we catered for almost 100 nurses’ students and not of the all nurses was present on that particular day. I believe it was a good way of giving back and showing appreciation to the nurses before they begin clinicals.”