President Irfaan Ali yesterday charged 669 newly qualified nurses to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) said that the graduates received their qualifications through the Ministry of Health’s Professional Nursing Hybrid Training Programme in a ceremony at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).
This is the largest graduating class of registered nurses in Guyana’s history, DPI said.
Ali posited that today’s healthcare professionals must embrace digital health, artificial intelligence, evidence-based practice and advanced medical technologies.
The new nurses were encouraged to remain compassionate throughout their careers and were reminded that nursing extends far beyond clinical duties.Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said the initiative has transformed access to nursing education by ensuring that geography is no longer a barrier to professional training.
The graduating class included nurses from all ten administrative regions, with Region Four producing the largest number of graduates.
After spending seven years as a nursing assistant, Keisha Thomas is now a registered nurse, an achievement she once thought would be difficult to achieve while balancing work and family responsibilities.
DPI said that she was among the first 669 graduates.
She said that the flexible approach made it possible for her to achieve a long-held goal.
“It was a beautiful experience. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging because I was working and studying at the same time. But I wanted it, and anything that you want, you’re going to put your best foot forward and put in the work.”
She encouraged others to seize the opportunity, adding that despite the challenges, the programme proves that students can complete online learning while receiving practical clinical training.
Ketona McGregor from Region Seven said the programme has increased access to professional training for persons living in hinterland and remote communities.
McGregor noted that although adapting to online learning was initially challenging, the support provided by lecturers and clinical instructors helped her graduate with credit.
Meanwhile, Rena Bowman of Region Five said the programme allows healthcare workers to remain in their communities while improving their qualifications.
“It reaches persons where they are. It allows us to become registered nurses without leaving our families and communities. The initiative is really great.”
Lisa Joseph of Region 10 echoed similar sentiments, DPI said.
The Professional Nursing Hybrid Training Programme forms part of the government’s wider investment in expanding access to tertiary education and strengthening Guyana’s healthcare workforce.
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