As we approach Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, we look at another respected profession. Nursing is one of the most challenging but rewarding career fields that a student can pursue. However, before deciding whether or not being a nurse is the appropriate career choice for you, you must understand each step you should take along the route.
Jam Sixty sat down with Nurse Nicola Jones, who was kind enough to highlight aspects of her own journey from high school to becoming a registered nurse.
Jam Sixty: What is your current role /title?
Nurse Jones: I am a Registered Nurse (R.N.) and Certified Operating Room Nurse (C.O.R.N.)
Jam Sixty: Do you enjoy your job and why?
Nurse Jones: Yes I enjoy my job very much. I love my job because it gives me a sense of achievement and gratefulness knowing I have helped someone on their path to wellness and imparting evidence based knowledge that will guide them along the way.
Jam Sixty: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Nurse Jones: Knowing I played a part in the patients bettering their health.
Jam Sixty: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?
Nurse Jones: The most frustrating aspect of my job is the limited resources being supplied along with poor quality items, e.g gloves that tear very easily or IV lines that leak, just to name a few and low nurse to patient ratio.
Jam Sixty: When did you decide to become a nurse and why?
Nurse Jones: I made the decision when I graduated high school. However, it felt like more of a calling as if it just made sense at the time because I wanted to be a part of a system that helped people.
Jam Sixty: What are the academic pre-requisites?
Nurse Jones: At the time it was at least 5 CXC inclusive of Mathematics, English and a science subject however things have changed and they have included C.A.P.E subjects, then graduating with a BSc of Nursing degree and passing the registration of nursing exams which comprises of two parts, a practical and a multiple choice examination at the end of the program.
Jam Sixty: What are good personality traits to have for this career?
Nurse Jones: Patience, Assertiveness, good listening skills, organized, being a team player, critical thinking skills are some qualities that you must have in order to do this job and to do it well.
Jam Sixty: What was the application process like and what does it entail?
Nurse Jones: After you have passed all the required exams one can send a resumé and Job application letter to the desired hospitals.
Jam Sixty: Briefly explain the studying process: how many years required, internship etc.
Nurse Jones: It is now four years of rigorous studying inclusive of summers and practical experience within your regular semesters and summer semesters.
Jam Sixty: What advice and words of encouragement would you give to someone who aspires to be a registered nurse?
Nurse Jones: I would encourage them to be patient with themselves and give themselves time to adjust and learn. They will get the hang of things in time. Also, to observe and learn from the ones who have been in it longer, work on their time management skills and when faced with the challenges just to brush it off and do better the next day.
It’s not easy but just keep on pushing.
For additional information check The nursing council of Jamaica www.ncj.org.jm & Nurses association of Jamaica www.najtrevennion.org
The Nursing Council of Jamaica is a statutory body established by the Government of Jamaica and regulates and controls the nursing and midwifery professions in Jamaica.
The Council was founded in 1952. It operates under the Nurses & Midwives Act of 1964, and the Amendment of 2005 which allows for the biennial licensing process.
The Council’s primary goal is to ensure that licensed nurses and midwives provide safe and competent nursing care. The Council is responsible for setting standards in nursing and midwifery education practice. It ensures that nurses and midwives are licensed only to those who maintain their professional ethics and keep their skills up-to-date.
All nurses or midwives interested in working in Jamaica must apply be registered with The Nursing Council of Jamaica. CARICOM countries have nurses who are certified by the Regional Examination of Nurse Registration. The Council offers reciprocal registration.
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