On Monday, December 5, 2016, 8 persons received their certificates as Certified Nursing Assistants in a graduation ceremony at the St. Martin’s Home.
After a welcome and congratulatory address by, Shermina Powell on behalf of the Honorable Minister Silveria Jacobs, several congratulatory speeches were addressed to the graduates by representatives of the various health care organizations and institutions.
The twenty one month course was coordinated and instructed by the education department of the St. Maarten Medical Center. Of the graduates, 4 were of the St. Maarten Medical Center and 4 of the St. Maarten White and Yellow Cross.
Course Coordinator/Manager Patient Care of the SMMC, Mr. Antonio Pantophlet and Instructor/Educator, Brunilda Illidge encouraged the graduates to continue improving their knowledge and skills yet with the accolades they have received thus far and will earn in the future.
Ms. Illidge expressed the uniqueness of the graduating group where all students started their education in an unrelated study. “We observed in these individuals the fundamentals to become excellent nurses. Throughout their service they displayed the willingness to learn above the expectations and showed a genuine love for the nursing profession.”
Mr. Pantophlet message to the graduates was one of inspiration. “The drive to exceed was present from the beginning with these individuals. This course was created to provide them with the means of entering into the field of nursing. The passion they continuously shown could not be easily overlooked. Loving, caring and compassionate nurses are the heart within our medical system. What you receive is so much more than just a piece of paper; it is a promise of kindness, love and respect for what you do.”
This course, the first of its kind, provides the foundation for their careers in nursing as the next step in their journey is their pursuit of the LPN diploma.
As they take on their responsibilities as Certified Nursing Assistants, the Education department of SMMC and the White and Yellow Cross wish them success in their careers.