Nursing Education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has evolved from a state of informal but recognized on-the-job training in 1948 at the then Colonial Hospital, to the structured formal institutional type that presently exists as the Division of Nursing Education (formerly St. Vincent and the Grenadines School of Nursing). In the earlier years of informal nurse training, a sole resident doctor conducted training with some assistance from the ward staff who performed the role of Instructors and supervisors. The requirement for entry into the nursing programme was based mainly on character references rather than academic ability.
As the health system developed, it created the need for changes to the existing system of nurse training and in keeping with this trend, the first tutor of nursing was appointed in 1953. By the early 1960’s, the then St. Vincent and the Grenadines School of Nursing was allocated rooms at the Nurses Hostel, however, administration of nursing education remained in the hands of the hospital matron. Following this era and noted changes in disease trends, emphasis was placed on changing the criteria for entry into the nurse training programme; which shifted from character reference to educational qualification.
A Preliminary Training for Students (PTS) was introduced. This training consisted of a three (3) block system with additional blocks of three months, each being held in the second and third year. In 1969, the length of the PTS block was increased to six (6) months. The introduction of the block system was a milestone in the history of nursing education and heralded a new era in its organization. For the first time students were assigned to a classroom in order to acquire theoretical knowledge using a formal syllabus.
In the early 70’s, the Advanced Nursing Education Unit at UWI Mona, Jamaica opened and nurse educators were formally trained. In 1975, the then School of Nursing moved from the Nurses Hostel to its present location at Largo Height. Under the administration of a Senior Nursing Officer of Education, a cadre of nursing educators were given the responsibility for the education of all students. The decision to relocate the school was done in keeping with the trend to expand and improve healthcare in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hence, it became necessary to relook the present system of training nursing personnel and reorganize the direction of the then School of Nursing for the future.
Hence, a more formalized and expanded syllabus was implemented; this marked the beginning of the end of the apprenticeship system and the birth of student status. By October, 1977, the school was officially opened with five (5) trained nurse educators and others were still in training. In 1986, a new primary healthcare-oriented curriculum was developed to guide nursing education. This heralded a new era in nursing education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, moving from the “Block System” of training to a more organized system of nursing education. In addition, standards were established and implemented to guide the education and practice of nursing.
MIDWIFERY PROGRAMME
This is a twelve (12) month post basic programme offered to Registered Nurses. It provides students with sound knowledge and skills in the art of Midwifery. It takes into account preventative, curative, rehabilitative and supportive services to meet basic health care needs of mothers, infants and families: giving special attention to at risk and high risk individuals. On successful completion of the programme the student receives a certificate from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College – Division of Nursing Education. They are then recommended to the General Nursing Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to write the licensure examination. Success at this examination leads to licensure enabling persons to practice as Certified Midwives.
REGISTERED NURSING PROGRAMME
This is a three (3) year programme. On successful completion of the programme the student receives a certificate from the School of Nursing. They are then recommended to the General Nursing Council to write the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration. Success at the examination leads to licensure enabling persons to practice as Registered Nurses.
This is an introductory course, which includes an overview of the School’s curriculum and policy. There is also an introduction to normal basic needs – their assessment, promotion and maintenance, as well as health concepts, levels of health, stages of the life cycle, interpersonal relationship/communication, health teaching and counseling and the nursing process. This course also presents the concept of illness and effects of hospitalization, which includes the concept of pain, stress, crises and crisis prevention. It also outlines the principles of pre-operative and post-operative care, describes the stages of dying and appropriate supportive nursing interventions.
This course deals with Biology of man as a whole as well as his individual parts and their inter-relationships. It also describes how man utilizes energy, information and matter from the Biosphere (environment) for his continued survival and maintenance of a dynamic equilibrium at various stages of the life cycle. This course further describes the application of the principles and concepts of human biology when planning and implementing care for individuals, families and communities.
This course introduces the students to elements of Sociology, which includes the study of culture, social institutions and social groups. The emphasis on these elements will enable the Nursing Student to appreciate how social forces influence group behaviour and its resultant effects on health.
This course provides the students with a general overview of psychology. It takes into account the diversity and contemporary approaches in Psychology, definitions, history, psychological tests and ethical issues. It also provides students with a general understanding of the basic concepts/principles of the human behaviour throughout the human life cycle. Thus assisting students to develop a satisfactory interpersonal relationship with patients, family, peers and others.
This course focuses on the concept of nourishing human life. The nurse requires knowledge of the key nutrients and how they function to sustain life and the processes involved in maintenance and promotion of good health. This baseline information is useful in developing positive attitudes and developing the relevant skills for the application of the principles of human nutrition in the execution of promotive, preventive and curative nursing care at a professional level.
This course traces the evolution and factors influencing the development of nursing at International, Regional and National levels. It also includes professional ethics, the legal aspects of nursing, professionalism, the team approach and health services institutions.
This course provides students with basic information on drugs, their uses, contra-indications and administration. It gives the nursing student a background of the history of pharmacology and applies the basic knowledge and principles of pharmacology to the administration of drugs. In addition, it provides information on the classification of drugs, their actions in the body and therapeutic use.
This course is designed to enable nursing students to understand the nature and causes of disease and recognize their effects on the structure and function of the body systems.
This course gives information on the science and art of utilizing food and nutrition in meeting human nutritional needs in different states of health and disease. It provides a basic understanding of how food is used as a factor in aiding the alleviation of symptoms and recovery from illness. This course will provide a series of instructional modules, which can be utilized separately or in sequence with existing nursing care modules in Caribbean Schools of Nursing.
This course enables the students to understand the general principles involved in the study of micro-organisms, and to utilize knowledge gained in maintaining a safe environment for individuals and families within the community.
This course deals with interferences with the biological, safety and security and psychosocial/spiritual needs of the middle aged individual (45-64 years old).
The student will be taught to identify factors, which interfere with maintenance of these needs, and to utilize the nursing process in assisting the client to meet his needs. It also integrates the behavioural and biological sciences as well as pharmacological information specific to the 45-64 years old age group.
This course in IVA deals with needs interferences of the 12-44 years old caused by biological, psycho-social/spiritual and environmental factors. The student will be taught to identify factors, which interfere with the maintenance of these needs, and to utilize the nursing process in assisting the client to meet his/her needs. It also integrates biological and behavioural science as well as pharmacological information specific to the individual 12-44 years old. Health teaching and counselling are also included.
This course provides information about the family with particular reference to family developmental tasks, family life education and maternal and child health concept including the neonate. The students will be taught to utilize the nursing process to assist the following individuals to meet their basic needs:
- The Family
- The pregnant woman
- The woman in labour
- The post-natal woman
- The neonate
This course deals with interference with the biological, psychosocial/spiritual and safety and security needs of the 1 month – 11 years age group. The student will be taught to identify factors, which interfere with the maintenance of these needs, and to utilize the nursing process in assisting the client to meet his needs. It also integrates behavioural and other sciences, pharmacological information specific to the 1 month – 4 years age group also health teaching and counseling.
This course deals with interferences of the psychosocial needs throughout the life cycle with particular reference to mental illness. The course provides information on the promotion and maintenance of mental health, recognition of deviations from normal behaviour and related nursing skills to address these deviations.
This course deals with interferences of the biological, safety and security, psychosocial/spiritual needs of the 65 years and older age group. The Student will be taught to identify factors, which interfere with the maintenance of these needs, and to utilize the nursing process in assisting the patient/client in meeting these needs. It also integrates behavioural and other sciences, pharmacological information specific to the 65 years and older age group. Also, this course outlines the aging process and factors affecting the aged.
The course is designed to enable students to understand what computer systems are, their main parts and functions and how they are used by various sectors of the community. The basic use of the following commonly used application software packages will be covered: spreadsheet, word processing, database, desktop publishing.
- Disaster Management
This course will provide students with information and skills in Disaster Management to assist them with the planning and implementation of Disaster Preparedness and Management Programmes. - Epidemiology
This course introduces the student to the key concepts of epidemiology. It examines the modes of disease transmission characteristics of communicable diseases, methods of prevention, at the local, regional and international levels. Students will be guided in the identification of sources of data, the use of appropriate measures of calculations, the analysis and interpreting of data and the application of findings to infection prevention and control. - Operating Theatre Techniques
This course deals with the specialized aspects of Nursing Care given to person in all age groups. It includes Principles of Operating Room Nursing to encompass the basic used, anesthesia and the needs of the patient in surgery. Principles of Operating Theatre Technique include the basic technique used and also the needs of the patient in the Operating Theatre. - Recovery Room Nursing
This course deals with the specialized aspects of nursing care to be given to persons of all age groups. It includes principles of recovery room nursing to encompass the basic technique used, anesthesia and the needs of the patient in the recovery room. - Emergency Nursing
This course is designed to give information on conditions and life threatening situations warranting emergency care in any setting. Students are taught how to identify emergency situations/conditions, and how to classify patients in order of priority to receive health care. In addition, Students are taught the principles of emergency management to include basic techniques of First Aid necessary to minimize loss of life and alleviate suffering.
- Professionalism
This course is designed to give the nursing student information on the professional responsibilities of the Nurse and outline acceptable standards of practice and behaviours which reflect the core values of the profession. - Career Development
This course is designed to enable the nursing student to understand the dynamics of career development and to appreciate the relationship between personal and professional development. - Research
This course guides the student in the development of the knowledge base, appropriate skills and attitudes to conduct research for the benefit of nursing. The student will be taught to identify issues in nursing requiring scientific inquiry, how to prepare a research proposal and how to transpose that proposal to a scientific study and ultimately to evidence based practice. - Teaching
The students will be able to develop beginning skills in developing, implementing and evaluation teaching plans for individuals, families and communities. At the end of the session, students will demonstrate beginning competency in application and usage of a variety of teaching/learning methods. - Management
This course guides the student in the development of management skills required by professional nurses in management roles. These roles include delegation of responsibilities, networking, and facilitation of groups, conflict resolution, leadership, case management and collaboration. Concepts addressed include leadership, team building, organizational structure, change, managing quality and performance, workplace diversity, budgeting and resource allocation, and delivery systems.
NURSING ASSISTANT PROGRAMME
This is an eighteen (18) month programme. On successful completion of the programme the student receives a certificate from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College – Division of Nursing Education. They are then recommended to the General Nursing Council of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to write the qualifying examination. Success at this examination leads to enrollment enabling persons to practice as Enrolled Nursing Assistants.
This course incorporates the history of nursing, problem solving, interpersonal relationships, and health concepts. It also highlights the role of the Nursing Assistant and ethical and legal concepts. The effects of illness and hospitalization and how to meet patient’s needs are also important components.
This course provides the Trainee Nursing Assistant Student with information about the structure and function of the human body.
This course provides the students with a general overview of Psychology. It takes into account the diversity and contemporary approaches in Psychological tests and ethical issues.
This course teaches students to utilize knowledge of the structure and function of society in the delivery of health care.
This course will supply students with information on basic Nutrition and to assist them in applying these principles in menu planning, feeding the various age groups and modifying these principles to therapeutically manage nutrition related disorders.
This course is intended to give the student basic information on drugs leading to their administration within their scope of practice.
This course deals with normal aging and interferences of the biological, safety and security, psycho-social/spiritual of the 64 years and older age group. The students will be taught to identify factors which interfere with the maintenance of these needs, and to utilize the nursing process in assisting the patient/client in meeting these needs. It also integrates behavioural and other science and specific to the 65 years and older age group.
This course serves to provide the Nursing Assistant Student with beginning skills in caring for mentally disturbed persons.
This course introduces students to the basic first aid procedures to be carried out in an emergency situation.
This course provides the Nursing Assistant Students with the knowledge and skills needed to assist in providing comprehensive Community Nursing Care to individuals and families within the various communities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
This course provides information about the pregnant woman with particular reference to family developmental tasks; family life education, family planning and maternal child health concepts to include the neonate.
This course provides information on the biological, psychosocial, and spiritual and safety and security needs of the individual with Medical and or Surgical problems; and to assist these person to meet their needs.
UWI MONA Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the SVGCC (Pre RN)
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) offers a Bachelors of Science in Nursing programme at the SVGCC on franchise from the UWI Mona Campus. This programme is a four (4) year Pre RN Bachelors programme and not a post RN programme.
- Complete and submit your online application form at https://www.mona.uwi.edu/apply. Select Campus:Mona-St. Vin & Gren Comm. Coll.
- Submit the following to the Division of Nursing Education (DNE) in Largo Height to facilitate the scheduling of an interview:
- Printed Online Confirmation Receipt
- Required documents (detailed below)
- Document processing fee of EC $25
Applicants are required to submit certified copies of their:
- Birth certificate
- Academic certificates
- Professional certificates and/or Diplomas
- Marriage certificate/Deed Poll (whichever is applicable) if present name is different from that on documents
Applicants must also submit:
- Two (2) certified passport size photos
- A letter stating why you are interested in applying for the Bachelors in Nursing programme. Please address this letter to
Mrs. Samantha Minors-Rouse
Registrar
St. Vincent and the Grenadines community College
Villa - Two (2) current references
- Recent police record
- Transcripts from previous Educational Institutions
Click here for details regarding entry requirements
For queries or more information regarding the BScN Programme or application procedure please contact Sr. Roxanne Maloney at the Division of Nursing Education using the following contact information:
- (784) 456-1185 ext. 208
- Sr. Roxanne Maloney – roxanne.stowe-maloney@svgcc.vc
SVGCC Partners with UWI to offer the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) partners with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus – Faculty of Medical Sciences, to offer Vincentians an opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) locally, through the SVGCC’s Division of Nursing Education (DNE).
The programme, which welcomed its first cohort in 2021, targets registered general and psychiatric trained nurses who have at least five years post RN experience.
The MScN is delivered through the blended format of online and face-to-face sessions and consists of 17 courses over a 2-year period and offers two areas of specialisation:
- Nursing Administration and
- Nursing Education
Step into the Future: Partnership between UWI, FMS Cave Hill and SVGCC for Quality Nursing Education
The Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI, Cave Hill Campus in September, 2018, introduced the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) degree in the specializations of Education and Administration. This initiative increased advanced training opportunities for nurses in Barbados and the OECS.
Given the alarming World Bank statistics on the English-speaking Caribbean’s nursing labour force deficits, and the need for strategic quality nursing education to build capacity in that labour force, and given the UWI’s vision and mission of advancing learning and creating knowledge and fostering innovation for positive transformation, the UWI expanded its programme offerings through partnerships with regional and international entities.
The remarkable intersect between the UWI’s strategic objectives; the region’s nursing labour force needs; and the facilities available to the Cave Hill Campus’ Faculty of Medical Sciences presented a unique harmonisation of purpose for the nursing profession, the Caribbean populace, and the UWI. Moreover, these conditions create an enviable opportunity for the existing MScN programme and course offerings in collaboration with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, commencing in September, 2021. According to Dr. Wendy Sealy, Programme Coordinator of the MScN programme at the UWI, Cave Hill Campus, such collaborations will build the capacity of the staff and students in the various organizations’ departments and serves to enhance the cross-fertilization of knowledge, expertise and skills.
The MScN programme will be delivered through the blended format of online and face-to-face sessions and consists of 17 courses to be delivered over a 2-year period. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to contact the St. Vincent and Grenadines Community College for further details on how to apply. Step into the Future.
For general information about the Master of Science in Nursing at Cave Hill
Learn more below