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Nursing Cadets Programme
One of the goals of the Government of The Bahamas is to provide quality healthcare to all residents and visitors. To fulfil this goal, the Ministry of Health continues to actively recruit Bahamian males and females to the nursing profession, who would be committed, caring and dedicated.
The Nursing Cadet Programme is a “Get Acquainted to the Nursing Profession” Programme for students, in grades 10 through 12. It was launched in 1996 to assist in recruiting candidates for direct entry into the Nursing Programme, The College of The Bahamas.
The programme is conducted each summer, and students are required to work a minimum of 32 contact hours. Students are thus exposed to the nursing profession, and are supervised by nurses who assist them with basic nursing skills.
Conditions of Service
At the beginning of the programme, during the first 2 days, Cadets attend orientation sessions, at the School of Nursing & Allied Health Professions, Grosvenor Close. Following this, Cadets participate in training and mentorship in a hospital and/or clinic setting.
Cadets work 5 days per week.
Cadets perform duties similar to those of assistant personnel. For example, they may perform hair grooming, feeding, bathing and reading duties, as well as assisting with recreational activities. They accompany and observe the nurse for many procedures.
All Cadets are required to complete 32 contact hours, which does not include orientation, post-clinical conferences and field trips.
A certificate of participation and a stipend of $150.00 are awarded to Cadets upon completion of the programme.
Objectives
1. To identify interested and competent high school students who show a positive attitude towards nursing as a career.
2. To provide assistance and encouragement to students so as to attain specific academic qualifications for direct entry into the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Programme.
3. To provide young persons with opportunities to experience the nature of and function of nursing and the organization.
4. To expose students to the hospital environment and healthcare personnel (such persons may become resource persons and help facilitate students to achieve their goal of becoming nurses).
5. To provide opportunities for the assessment of students regarding suitability for nurse training.
6. To identify students for Nurse Education Grants.
7. To sensitize this age group to the importance of the nursing profession to the healthcare system, and ongoing development of the nation.
Prerequisites
· Bahamian citizenship
· Physically and mentally fit
· Currently in grade 10, 11 or 12
· Possess 5 BJCs (or equivalent) including Math, English and a Science subject, at grade C level or above
· Desire (and personality) to serve and interact with the general public
· Reference by principal or guidance counsellor stating that student has the potential to obtain minimum, necessary BGCSE grades and subjects
· Favourable interview with committee
· Good standing in the community
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Contact The Office of the Director of Nursing by formal application, requesting inclusion in programme and indicate telephone or other contact.
2. Wait up to 2 weeks after receipt of letter for telephone reply.
3. Obtain interview date.
4. Provide requested documents that support application (acceptable proof of first 6 prerequisites/criteria for selection, along with passport or birth certificate, national insurance number and copies of BJC Certificates).
5. Participate in interview.
6. Await response via telephone.
7. Participate in programme, should response be favourable.
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