Two Barbadian Nurses Come Out On Top In The UWI’s Nursing Programmes

Two Barbadian nurses are the most outstanding students of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus’ nursing programmes, and both attribute their shared determination and the programmes’ extensive curriculum to their success.

Kerry-Ann Pope and Michelle Moore were named the most outstanding students in The UWI’s Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Nursing, and Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration, respectively.

Under the theme, Lighting The Way to the Path of Excellence, The UWI recently hosted its second pinning and recognition ceremony for nurses in Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Bahamas, for the Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Nursing and the Master of Science degrees in Nursing, with specialisations in Nursing Education and Nursing Administration.

Ms. Pope told the audience that she sought to specialise and advance in her nursing career because she felt restless and stifled by the limited opportunities for nurses in Barbados.

While unsure about paediatrics as a specialty when she started the programme, the courses supported her decision to ‘step out in faith’.

“We discussed big topics like equality versus equity, where, while equality treats everyone equally, regardless of their needs or limitations, on the other hand, equity meets people where they are and analyses their unique needs, which results in tailored interventions,” she explained.

The outstanding student in the Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Nursing added that the importance of child and family-centred care was at the core of her pediatric training, where children are at the centre of every family, and their experiences, medically or socially, greatly impact the village of people that love and care for them.

“This is only the beginning. I envision that paediatric nurses will continue to bring innovative ideas to the table…. I speak for all paediatric nurses when I say we will continue to aim for excellence in our various institutions, in our communities, within Barbados and throughout the Eastern Caribbean through our paediatric lens,” Ms. Pope stressed.

Meanwhile, Ms. Moore said she always had the desire to become a leader in healthcare.

She continued: “Having completed the Bachelor of Science in Management Studies, I felt the need to complete a programme that directly impacted on my chosen profession. Hence, when the opportunity to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing with a specialisation in Nursing Administration here at the campus became available, I could not resist.”

The most outstanding student in the Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration reflected on her journey through the programme. “It has been a profound privilege to be a part of a programme that not only enhanced my academic and professional skills but also deepened my understanding of healthcare leadership.

“The programme also afforded the opportunity to appreciate the importance of research in nursing. [It] has armed us with the leadership, research, administrative and educational skills necessary to drive meaningful change,” Ms. Moore stated. 

Four graduates from Barbados achieved the Master of Science in Nursing Education, while five attained the Master of Science in Nursing Administration. St. Vincent and the Grenadines had five graduates with the Master of Science in Nursing Education and three with the Master of Science in Nursing Administration. Forty-six graduates from Barbados, The Bahamas, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines received the Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Nursing. (PR/GIS)

Caption: Deputy Principal of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Winston Moore, presenting Kerry-Ann Pope with the award for Most Outstanding Student in The UWI’s Postgraduate Diploma in Paediatric Nursing.