St George’s University is pleased to announce the commencement of a four-year program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The official start of the program was marked on Saturday, 23rd August when the inaugural batch of students was inducted into the program. In a ceremony attended by Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, the 25 students were urged to follow the example of the many outstanding role models in their profession.
Provost of St. George’s University, Dr. Allen Pensick, used the occasion to spotlight the illustrious past of the profession which began with the desire of individuals to serve the needs of the sick. Keynote speaker, Dr. Judith Balcerski reinforced “caring” as a theme in the profession. Dr. Balcerski, a registered nurse, served as the Dean of the Barry University School of Nursing, for 33 years. Dr. Balcerski underlined the nature of the profession as both a science and an art, requiring “sense and heart”. She encouraged the students to “practice by evidence rather than myth” and to employ creative methods in dispatching their duties for the benefit of their patients and to have a positive attitude towards patients and those who correct them. Above all, Dr. Balcerski stressed, “heart is what presses you to take care of someone that is different from you. Heart will press you to take care of the criminal and the Queen equally”.
To mark their entry into nursing, the students were presented with stethoscopes and lamps. During the ceremony the aspiring nurses joined members of the profession in making the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
The Nursing Programme was conceived as a response to the mandate by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that all nurses in the region hold a BSN degree by the year 2010. This program is uniquely structured to allow enrolees, after 30 months, to sit regional and international licensing exams. Upon successful completion of these exams, the students can join the workforce, while completing their studies. Chancellor of the University, Dr. Charles Modica says that through this initiative, St. George’s University is extending its commitment to building human resource capacity, increasing access to quality tertiary education and improving healthcare in developing
