Nursing students get scholarships

FirstCaribbean International Bank has awarded three Barbados Community College (BCC) second-year nursing students with scholarships in memory of frontline worker Ramona Marshall who succumbed to COVID-19 on Valentine’s Day last year.

On Thursday, International Nurses Day 2022, students Mark Yearwood, Rasheeda Stuart, and Reanna Bovell were presented with Ramona Mascoll Memorial Scholarships during a ceremony at the Jean and Norma Holder Hospitality Institute and Hotel PomMarine in Christ Church.

The scholarships, valued at $2 000 each, cover registration fees at BCC, and books and uniforms as the nurses move into their second year of studies when they start their clinicals.

The students were presented with the rest of the funds as FirstCaribbean already paid the registration fees directly to the BCC.

Managing Director of FirstCaribbean International Bank Donna Wellington said the bank was pleased to sponsor the three student nurses in the name of Mascoll, the first medical professional in Barbados to pass away from COVID, at a time when there is a worldwide shortage of nurses.

“I am happy to see at least one male student nurse here today in this scholarship line-up. Yes, we know that it is seen as a profession for females, but I am sure that our tutors here can tell you about the myriad opportunities within the nursing profession for men,” she said.

“And they need men in various areas like emergency care, intensive care and mental health care. So, hopefully, next year the intake of male nurses will be higher. We may even consider making a special incentive award for men,” Wellington added.

The senior bank official encouraged the 2022 scholarship winners to continue to give their best so they can excel in all that they undertake.

“The going may not be easy at times, but focus on your goals of becoming qualified nurses and don’t let anything or anyone railroad you from those goals,” she said.

Scholarship recipient Yearwood extended gratitude to the bank for making the awardees’ journey a little easier with the financial aid.

He admitted that studying has its challenging moments, but said committed nursing students persevere and survive.

“We have this urge to get into the field of nursing and foster intimate and genuine patient and nursing relationships that strengthen your hope in the healthcare system,” he said.

Yearwood said that while student nurses are often asked why they want to join the profession, the real question should be why would they not want to. (AH)