Washington Adventist University and Northern Caribbean University Sign MOU to Bolster Nursing Workforce
Twelve Washington Adventist University (WAU) team members, led by university president Dr. Weymouth Spence, traveled to Mandeville, Jamaica, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Northern Caribbean University (NCU).
The MOU between Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and Washington Adventist University (WAU) was born from discussions with the Jamaican Ambassador to the USA, Audrey Patrice Marks, the NCU & WAU presidents, and NCU alumni. The aim was to enhance NCU through the NCU Educational Foundation and a nursing collaboration with WAU. In 2022, NCU President Dr. Lincoln Edwards visited WAU to discuss this partnership. Under the agreement, NCU students will complete prerequisites at NCU and transfer to WAU for their degrees. This initiative addresses the nursing shortage, as NCU can only admit 120 nursing students annually due to limited clinical space.
In anticipation of this partnership, Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, the WAU provost, and Dr. Tijuana Griffin, the WAU Director of Nursing, drafted an MOU. Additionally, Dr. Griffin and her team, along with Dr. Juliet E. Poyser, NCU Director of Nursing, reviewed the prerequisites for WAU’s nursing program.
“We are thrilled about the partnership opportunity with Northern Caribbean University, with the desired goal of increasing their nursing program enrollment. This collaboration now gives students the opportunity to enter the profession of nursing both at NCU and WAU,” said Dr. Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University. “Adventist HealthCare is also a partner in this innovative endeavor by offering financial and clinical support to WAU students. The desired outcome of this partnership is to fill needed positions in the nursing profession. We are hopeful to expand this model with Adventist HealthCare to other countries. Deep appreciation goes to the leaders at Adventist HealthCare and Northern Caribbean University for their support and creativity in addressing the needs of the nursing field.”
The MOU states that WAU and NCU “are joined by a common purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop and foster mutual understanding and a working relationship between the said parties within an academic arena (e.g., Nursing). This agreement will be used to strengthen academic collaboration and expand educational opportunities between both entities.”
“It is with excitement and rich anticipation,” said Dr. Kisunzu, “that through this partnership, distinctive excellence in nursing care will be ensured, and distinctive excellence in nursing education will be available for both citizens of Jamaica and the United States.”
Many person’s from NCU were at the event including the President Dr. Lincoln Edwards, and Associate Provost of Academic Affairs at NCU, Dr. Nanibala Paul.
“We are united in one purpose: to educate nurses to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Nanibala Paul, Northern Caribbean University’s Associate Provost, Academic Affairs.
“I want to thank Doctor Spence and his team for coming to Jamaica,” said Dr. Lincoln Edwards, Northern Caribbean University’s President. “I also thank Director Nurse Poyser, Doctor Griffin, Dean Wright, and our associate provost, Doctor Paul, for their support. This is a wonderful moment for the partnership between NCU and Washington Adventist University.”
Health Fair
This trip was an opportunity to enrich the lives of Jamaican citizens through health ministry provided by WAU nursing faculty. Prior to the visit, Dr. Helen J. Wilson, Professor of Nursing, and other faculty members met with Dr. Spence to express interest in serving the community through a regional health fair. Dr. Spence welcomed the idea and facilitated the mission trip. The faculty members, along with their spouses, conducted the health fair and were present during the MOU signing program.
The health fair took place on June 19, 2024, at the NCU gym, and on June 20, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Shelter. WAU served 185 people during the two days of health services.
Services provided include:
- Free reading glasses
- Blood pressure checks, weight checks, Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations
- Blood sugar checks
- Free dental hygiene supplies and a lesson on proper cleaning
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) basics
- Nutritional education
- Physician consultations by NCU doctors at NCU
NCU provided four nursing students and two nurses to assist with the attendees.
Andrews Hospital Visit
After the morning of health screenings, the WAU mission team visited Andrews Memorial Hospital. President & CEO Donmayne Gyles provided a meal for the team and gave them a tour of the healthcare facility.
Conclusion
WAU is looking forward to the partnership with NCU. The goal is to develop moral leaders to serve God’s people in the USA and Jamaica. A nurse who knows Jesus is a powerful instrument of healing and service. We look forward to future opportunities to expand this partnership and extend this healing ministry to the Jamaican community. It is a win-win situation!