Nurses swap stethoscopes for paintbrushes in creative break at polyclinic

Nurses at the Branford Taitt Polyclinic in Black Rock traded their uniforms for aprons on Friday, setting aside their demanding routines to unwind with ice cream and art as part of Public Health Nurses Week. The “Cream and Canvas” event offered a rare moment of respite, highlighting the importance of staff wellbeing amid the daily pressures of patient care.

Health Sister Michelle Eversley stepped away from her canvas to speak to Barbados TODAY about their “Cream and Canvas” event — a creative twist on the traditional sip and paint. Instead of wine, nurses cooled down with healthy ice cream while painting calming sunset scenes.

“It’s a refreshing twist on the traditional sip and paint that we originally know,” Eversley said. “Our participants will paint, which helps to promote relaxation and celebration for us. Events like this boost morale and creativity in the workplace, and we’re so proud to create a space where staff can unwind and enjoy each other’s company.”

Elsewhere, it was a typically busy Friday for nurses at other clinics. At the Winston Scott Polyclinic neart The City, senior nurses were busy preparing a late breakfast to show their appreciation for colleagues, most of whom were unaware of the activities going on upstairs. They would receive a healthy buffet meal and an appreciation cookie to commemorate the day.

At the Eunice Gibson Polyclinic in Warrens, nurses were so busy attending to patients that many barely had time for a lunch break, but they explained that they will take part in an appreciation activity later this month.

While the daily demands of patient care never stop, nurses at Black Rock said they were grateful for a moment to pause, create, and connect with each other, all while enjoying a scoop of ice cream. (LG)