SickKids-Caribbean Initiative launches the first paediatric haematology/oncology nursing education program in Trinidad & Tobago

SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI): Enhancing Capacity for Care in Paediatric Cancers and Blood Disorders, in partnership with The University of West Indies School of Nursing (UWISoN), celebrated the official launch of its Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Nursing Education program in Trinidad and Tobago on September 14, 2016. The first of its kind, one-year program will be jointly delivered by SickKids Centre for Global Child Health nurse educators and UWISoN lecturers at the St. Augustine Campus. SCI sponsored 14 students from across the six SCI partner countries (The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago) for the first cohort of classes, which commenced September 5.

The program aims to create dedicated nursing faculty with paediatric haematology and oncology specialization in the Caribbean region. This post-basic diploma program will be delivered over one academic year through a mix of face to face classroom instruction and simulation labs, e-learning, telemedicine and clinical practicum. Nurses who successfully complete the program will be able to deliver evidence-based nursing care in a variety of settings to paediatric patients with cancer and blood disorders and provide education and guidance to patients and families about treatment plans and self-care management in their local home settings.

Nurses have a critical role in interprofessional teams caring for children with cancer and blood disorders managing the delivery of patient care and leading implementation of best practices and protocols. Through engaging nurses, SCI strives to increase the recognition of their integral role in the safe and effective care of children with cancer and blood disorders.

Watch the launch video: