“Nursing is more than just a job, it’s a calling.” This was a statement made by two nurses this week at an award ceremony held for nurses who have served the nation of Antigua and Barbuda for over 20 years.
At this event twenty-nine (29) nurses; three males and twenty-six (26) females were awarded for their years of service, at a virtual event held by the Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association (ABNA). In participation of nurses week around the world, the Association which was founded in 1948, began their week of activities on Monday, May 10.
The ABNA is recognized as the legal bargaining agent for nurses and community health aid workers in Antigua and Barbuda, fighting for their rights and better working conditions.
Registered Nurse and President of the Association, Soria Dupie Winston along with Specialist Nurse Zena Barnes both spoke to reporters from the Antiguan Trumpet about the challenges of being a Nurse and the perseverance needed to press on.
“I’ve been a nurse for over 25 years now. Many of the nurses who are awarded this evening started in 1995 and they are now unit managers, including me who is in charge of a unit. I’ve been a unit manager since 2016, as nurses we are resilient and we have a passion for health care in the nation,” Nurse Barnes said.
“Many people who become teachers and nurses think to themselves that it’s just another job, but that’s not true, you must have a passion for what you do, it’s a calling. To be in one profession for over 20 years is no easy feat, it must be a calling or else you will fade away,” Barnes continued.
Nurse Winston expressed that Nurses have been working tirelessly over the years, not only during the pandemic but long before.
“Nursing in itself is a 24-hour duty; you’re a nurse at work, you’re a nurse at home, and you’re a nurse in the community. Nursing isn’t just a job it’s a calling, you must be called or else you won’t stick with it when challenges arise,” Winston stated in agreement.
“Every day is a challenge as a nurse; we are challenged to function in not so good working conditions, we are faced with remuneration issues, we aren’t given much availability of scholarships for the furtherance of our education, and we aren’t given easy access to lands and housing,” Winston continues
“Things are more than difficult for us as nurses on the field. But as the Antigua and Barbuda Nurses Association we are committed to the fight of ensuring that we can retain our nurses, especially those who are skilled, experienced, more matured and seasoned.”
