Your Ultimate Guide on training to become a nurse in Barbados

Why you should become a nurse now?

Globally the nursing shortage is well-documented, especially after Covid-19. With an aging population, combined with an increased emphasis on preventative care, is expected to create demand for skilled nurses. In fact, registered nurse is one of the top 20 occupations expected to add the most new jobs from 2021 to 2031. This projected growth in job opportunities is one motive to be a nurse.

In addition, nurses are able to transition into numerous aspects of nursing and health care, ranging from working within acute care at the hospital to outpatient settings focused more on preventive care. Nurses have the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of health care partners, such as physicians, respiratory therapists, and allied health partners. Collectively, their interprofessional work helps to create quality patient outcomes.

SJPP Nurse Auxiliary Studies

Institution: Regal Development Solutions

Award – SJPP Certificate

Study Option: 3 Semesters

Tuition:

Face-To-Face: $3,820.00
Paper-Based: $3,830.00
Online: $3,830.00

This course is designed to equip you with the basic competencies you need in providing quality care to the older adult. It addresses the quality of life, needs of older persons and the type of care-giving facilities required to maintain health, dignity and a productive life for older adults

View full details here – https://sjpi.edu.bb/?attachment_id=4529

Nurse Training Course – Short Courses 

Institution: Regal Development Solutions

Award – CME Credits

Study Option: Workshop style

Duration: 1 day – 3 months 

RDS is a training and development company located in Holetown, St. James Barbados. They provide training and development solutions for individuals and organisations who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in any area. It is their vision that through education they will not only support but promote growth of business and industry in Barbados and throughout the region. Their training calendar is filled with sessions which cater to individuals from all walks of life, from the medical professional and from the wholesale and retail to the manufacturing industries.

Here are a few of the medical courses they offer :

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Basic Life Support (BLS)

ECG and Pharmacology for Practicing Medical and Paramedical Professionals

Fundamentals of Airway Management

IV Access and Placement (8 sessions online + practical)

Phlebotomy Fundamentals (6 sessions online + practical)

View medical course list – https://www.regaldevelopmentsolutions.com/courses/

BCC Certificate in Nursing Auxiliary Studies

Institution: Barbados Community College 

Award – Certificate 

Study Option: Full-Time

Duration: 6 Months ($1,820.00 BDS)

Requirements – Prospective applicants should have reached the age of seventeen (17) years at the time of application. Have obtained English Language at CSEC General Proficiency Level with Grade 1, 2 or 3 OR
Any qualification considered by the College to be equivalent to the abovementioned.

To see more please visit: https://www.bcc.edu.bb/Divisions/HealthSciences/Academics/Programmes/HSCCNMT6PT/

The Certificate in Nursing Auxiliary Studies aims to increase the quantity and quality of trained Nursing Auxiliaries in Barbados to service the human resource needs of public and private elder care facilities on the island. Graduates would be eligible to write the Nursing Council of Barbados’ examination for Nursing Auxiliaries and apply for enrolment with the Council.

Defining a Nursing Auxiliary

The Nursing Auxiliary, under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, assists with the provision of basic nursing care to older adults. The individual must have completed a course of training of no less than six months duration, which has been approved by the Nursing Council of Barbados. Upon completion of the prescribed training programme, the desirous graduate may take the Nursing Council’s examination and apply for entry to the roll of Nursing Auxiliaries.

 Applications for the Nursing Auxiliary Studies programme will close early April  and should be submitted no later than that date to be considered for a place in the programme.

Module 1

Introduction to Elder Care
Ageing in Place
Basic Anatomy and Physiology
First Aid
Foundations of Nursing 1
Clinical Practice 1

Module 2

Prevalent Health Conditions
Introductory Nutrition
Home Health Care
Foundations of Nursing 2
Clinical Practice 2

BCC Certificate in Nursing Assistants

Institution: Barbados Community College 

Award – Certificate 

Study Option: Full-Time

Duration: 1 Year  

Requirements – The requirements are passes in two (2) CSEC subjects at General Proficiency or equivalent level in English and one other subject (preferably a science subject).  Admission is on a competitive basis and qualified applicants are required to attend a selection interview. A Pre-Entrance detailed medical is also required. 

To see more please visit: https://www.bcc.edu.bb/Divisions/HealthSciences/Academics/Programmes/HSCNAYR1FT/

Once students have completed the 4 year Bachelor Course in General Nursing they can then continue their studying by completing the Post Associate BSe Nursing Program.

The College offers a one-year full-time programme for Nursing Assistants. The programme is open to persons seventeen and older. A Nursing Assistant will be able, under the supervision of a nurse to:

• – Give requisite nursing care.
  – Recognise physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients and families.
  – Give skilled nursing care relating to the basic needs of patients and families.
  – Function as an interdependent member of the health team.
  – Maintain ethical and moral standards required in nursing.

Successful completion of the programme leads to a Barbados Community College Certificate. Successful completion of the General Nursing Council’s Examination leads to enrolment and to the title “Enrolled Nursing Assistant”.

Master of Science In Nursing

Institution: UWI Cave Hill campus 

Award – MSc

Study Option: Full time: 1 year| Part-time: 2 years

Tuition Fee:

Local (Barbadian) applicant: BDS $25,000.00
Non-National applicant: BDS $30,000.00

Requirements – Applications are accepted from November to February. However, expressions of interest are accepted ALL year. The MScN programme is offered to general or psychiatric trained nurses who hold registration/licensure in their current jurisdiction of practice; can verify first licensure/registration if it is different from that which is currently held, and is eligible for licensure/registration in any of the countries served by the UWI.

Candidate should: Have a total of five (5) years post RN licensure/registration clinical practice as a registered nurse in an approved recognized agency, institution or organization where Primary, Secondary, Tertiary or Extended Health Care services are offered. Students requiring admission to Advanced Nursing Practice must have five (5) years current clinical practice. The time spent on any educational programme is not included in this five (5) year practice requirement. View all requirements here

The programme

The Master of Science in Nursing programme focuses on the integration of research, theory and advanced nursing practice to advance your nursing career in the roles of nursing educators and nursing administrators.
You will discover:
Application of theories and concepts to classroom and clinical
The art and science of advance specializations in nursing
Leadership and strategic management in educational and clinical settings
Development of mentoring and coaching skills
The relevance of computer technology in healthcare and nursing

Possible careers include:
Senior Nurse Executive
Director of Nursing
Nurse Manager
Nurse Recruiter
Nurse Entrepreneur

There are 16 approved courses in the Faculty of Medical Sciences which must be taken.

These courses include:

Research Methodology (Quantitative)
Qualitative Research Methods
Advanced Nursing Science and Theory
Mental & Physical Health Education and Health Promotion
Nursing and Health Information Systems
Policy and Ethical Issues in Nursing/Health
Nursing Research Project