Practical Nurses Get City and Guilds Qualifications

The Mandeville-based Hospicare Education and Vocational Training Institute recently turned out 32 practical nurses with City and Guilds International Vocational Qualification (IVQ) in Health Care.
This was the first set of practical nurses in the Caribbean to receive certification by the United Kingdom’s leader of vocational qualifications.
Last September, the school received approval from the British institution to offer their nursing qualifications in Jamaica. At a graduation ceremony held on (September 2) at the Ridgemount United Church, in Mandeville, Principal of the school, Lavern Spencer said the graduates have created history and that they will be able to work anywhere in the world.
“We were assessed and approved by City and Guilds, and here we are one year later with a proud set of ladies who have created history at Hospicare, in not only pursuing, but completing the International Diploma in Health Care. This is an achievement which needs to be celebrated and remembered for years to come if not for a life time,” Mrs. Spencer stated.
Dean of Academics at the International University of the Caribbean (IUC), and guest speaker at the function, Dr. Beryl Webley encouraged the nurses to give of their best in retaining their jobs when they enter the work world.
“We have here individuals who have excelled, combining knowledge, skills- all these things that will set the phase for the future. As a country we have excelled in many areas, but there is a problem with attitude, so at all times display the right attitude, because your work will indicate your worth. These are the days when there are many options, and employers look for the best, and they expect the best with no compromise. There are many others who are willing and able to do their best, so the competition is harsh,” she said.
In her valedictory address, graduate Tina Page said despite the difficult days she and her colleagues persevered and are now on their way to a new start in life.
“There were days when we had problems paying our school fees and wanted to quit, but we pressed on with God on our side, and (a) world of information was opened to us, a world that we would not have normally explored if not for this course. We are now wiser, and for all my fellow graduates who came in to the institution as individuals who were considered not talkative and rather reserved; this course had us expressing ourselves through our debates and group presentations. We are now well rounded and have done exceptionally well,” Miss Page stated.