< Previous46 | Friday, 18 March NURSING GRADUATES GAIN HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE AT HSA Nursing, like teaching, is one of those jobs that is a calling. It requires the right balance of professionalism and caring, with a willingness to go beyond the call of duty when necessary. Nurses on the front line have played a crucial role through the COVID-19 pandemic, not only dealing with an unrelenting influx of patients, but also being the face of compassion for clients who were isolated from family and friends. Eighteen Caymanian nursing graduates recently moved on to pursue full-time roles as registered nurses after completing the Health Services Authority’s prestigious year-long Transition to Practice nursing programme. Since its inception in 2018, the TTP programme has provided local graduates with skill-building experience. Each participant works with patients under the supervision of experienced RN Preceptors. They also rotate to various speciality areas in the hospital to learn the healthcare system in more depth and to explore career interests. “Nursing is a high-pressure career and the transition from student nurse to qualified practitioner is a challenging one that causes much apprehension for new nurses. Transition to Practice Programmes offer participants the opportunity to find solutions to real-life challenges through structured peer support and we are proud to be able to offer our local nurses this incredible action-based learning opportunity,” said Monty Gross, senior nurse leader for professional development at the HSA and overseer of the programme. Kianna Rankin described her time in the TTP Programme as a once-in-a- lifetime experience. “Before this programme, we had never done COVID swabs or New RNs gain hands-on experience in HSA’s Transition to Practice Programme.To apply for the TTP Programme, interested persons may contact HSA’s Human Resources Department at hspersonnel@hsa.ky. learnt the procedures of managing a COVID-infected patient. The programme offered us the opportunity to be on the front lines assisting our country during the pandemic. We also completed several educational courses… gaining CME credits towards the renewal of our nursing licence. It exposed us to how all the different units in a hospital are operated, broadening our perspectives beyond what we learned in the classrooms.” Shemika Gooding described her overall experience as an unforgettable one that taught her a lot about life, her future, people, and her patients. Khichala Robinson, an RN preceptor in the programme, stated that it was a rewarding experience teaching the young RNs both clinical practice and theory, as well as training them to give competent, holistic care. “It feels so good to be training our own nurses to provide the best quality care in our healthcare system throughout the Cayman Islands,” Robinson said. “IT FEELS SO GOOD TO BE TRAINING OUR OWN NURSES TO PROVIDE THE BEST QUALITY CARE IN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.” – Khichala Robinson, RN preceptor director of communications From left, Chelsea Ebanks, Kianna Rankin and Shanique Ayers. 47Friday, 18 March | Next >