JAVEL MCGOWAN

Registered nurse and clinical nurse instructor – Caribbean School of Nursing, UTech

AS A secondary school student at the Ardenne High School, most of my after-school evenings were spent interacting with children ages 0-seven in the State’s care. My aspiration to become a Registered Nurse had multiple contributing factors. The story of my mother being on bed rest for her entire pregnancy, depending solely on the nurses and midwives and my determination to pursue an occupation in paediatric medicine encouraged my decision to apply to nursing school. The stigma attached to males in nursing did not deter me.

I was privileged to have had many mentors during training, being that I was now a member of the special species, ‘Male Nurses’, and I must say that my 1:99 ratio placed a bright spotlight on me. I was included in marketing strategies, including an appearance on Smile Jamaica - the morning show - and to increase awareness of males in nursing. I was also a finalist in the NAJ-LASCO Student Nurse of the Year competition 2016.

I recall my most memorable experience: my rotation at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital - my assignment to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Labour Room. I remember the first time I held a newborn child, I felt very nervous to even touch the little human that was so precious. The moment the little one was placed in my hands I travelled to a land of awe.

COVID-19 has been a challenge for all nurses in Jamaica because of the greatest fear, which is transmission of the virus to our loved ones who are most vulnerable. I have longed to spend time with family the way we used to. I, too, suffer from burnout as it is hard to ignore an institutional cry for help during our nurse shortage and high demand. COVID-19 has changed in a positive way our approach in the classroom. It has allowed for the implementation of innovative technology that was long overdue, however, nursing involves caring with the hands, so some lessons just can’t be substituted with technology, so with all protocols observed we remain steadfast.

Nursing is a self-fulfilling and selfless profession. We give the best of our soul and energy. I encourage the public to appreciate our nurses as the backbone of healthcare. Happy Nurses’ Day to my colleagues and to all our Jamaican nurses at yard and abroad.

“Nursing is a self-fulfilling and selfless profession. We give the best of our soul and energy. I encourage the public to appreciate our nurses as the backbone of healthcare.