Graduates of The College of The Bahamas’ School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (SNAHP) have been challenged to embrace their roles in shaping healthcare policies and help build capacity in the sector.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Stephen Dean, in his address to the graduates at the Pinning Ceremony held recently as part of the commencement activities of COB, said their expertise will be invaluable in the provision of community-based and primary care and in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
“Your role in transforming our nation is much more important than just providing care. You must now begin to help shape policy about how care should be given and develop best-case scenarios for improvement in life and building the health capacity of our country,” said ACP Dean.
“Because of your regular, close proximity to patients and your scientific understanding of care processes, you have a considerable opportunity to act as full partners with other health professionals and to lead in the improvement and redesign of the health care system and its practice environment.”
ACP Dean implored the nursing graduates to keep abreast of new technologies, policies and trends. He also reminded them of their vital role in building The Bahamas.
“Graduates, we are at a crossroad in our history and development. Where we go from here will be determined by the positive influences of leaders such as you. Each of you must keep the flame of hope, love, generosity, hospitality, and community alive. You must be beacons of hope for those among us who are still in the shadows of darkness, struggling to find the light,” he said.
“Your families need you. Our people need you. Our country needs you. Convince us by your future utterances and actions that our support of your educational pursuits was not in vain.”
The graduates proudly transitioned from an academic community that has guided their tertiary educational path over the last few years, educating them in the best theories and practices to undergird their careers in the health care profession.
Approximately 100 graduates received special pins, signifying that they had crossed the threshold to enter a noble and necessary community of health care professionals.
College of The Bahamas President Dr. Rodney D. Smith acknowledged the challenges confronting the nursing profession, but he also told the graduates that their rewards will far outweigh those hurdles.
“The profession that you are entering is timeless and distinguished. It requires hard work. Let me repeat that – hard work,” he said.
“Nurses have made it their life’s work to be a fount of caring, compassion and comfort. You have the power to make a stay in the hospital bearable – even enjoyable! In your care will be children, adults and senior citizens from many different backgrounds. They will require your expertise and they will require your kindness.”
While the majority of the participants in the Pinning Ceremony earned the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, others completed the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree and the Associate of Science in Nursing Degree. Among the graduates were also Trained Clinical Nursing Certificate holders and a Diploma in Midwifery graduate.
