Inferior training for nursing students

These students are at a serious disadvantage since as the Trinidad students are obtaining their experience in surgical and medical wards while the Tobago students are in all the various health centres when only three health centres were approved for training. These students are taking blood pressures, blood sugar tests and helping out wherever necessary just to achieve their contact hours. A lot of time is being wasted and the objectives given do not correspond to the clinical areas since as they are supposed to be on the wards. Their objectives are yet to be achieved with only three weeks left for clinical experience.

The coordinator stated that Trinidad is aware of the situation and the students will be asked to do “either/or” in these exams. Examinations are scheduled between August 14 and 18 2006 and it is usually set across the board for all students. If they sit these exams without gaining the necessary experience, how are these students supposed to pass these exams?

They will be forced to take remedial exams like the batch before to make up for classes lost. They were told if they are not in Trinidad by August 31 2006, Nursing Council would cut their programme since as they did not sanction them being in the health centres. The question is, would you encourage anyone to apply to COSTAATT to become a nurse? If this continues Tobago will be at a serious disadvantage and the shortage of nurses will never cease because of this unfortunate situation.

V DES VIGNES

Scarborough