As Jamaica continues to grapple with the impact of the latest ‘brain-drain’ taking hold among civil servant bodies – particularly among nurses and teachers – the 2022-2023 Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ)/LASCO Student Nurse of the Year, La-Daniel Campbell, says she is committed to the development of her country and plans to work full-time as a nurse in Jamaica after completing her studies.

“The efforts of our nurses over the past two years have more than showcased that nurses of every station are the great blessings of humanity. I plan on working in Jamaica as long as I possibly can. I see Jamaica as my only home. I want to help my country become a place that people are proud to call home. If all the caregivers leave, there will be no one here to take care of those in need,” Campbell declared.

LONG LIST OF ACCOLADES

“For society and our health systems to improve, work must be done. We should stand by it [the country] in whatever way we can. I know some may consider my contribution small, but I believe it will be for the greater good.”

Along with the prestigious title, Campbell also received a cash award of $100,000 among other personal wellness prizes. For the 21-year-old, her most recent achievement joins a long list of accolades.

The Student Nurse of the Year’s journey initially began at the Ocho Rios Primary School where each year she donned the familiar white nurses uniform on school ‘career days’.

“I was really honoured to be given such a distinction, and I am very proud of myself. I am even more motivated to work harder in honour of the Student Nurse of the Year legacy and for the people of Jamaica,” she said.

Campbell’s interest for the nursing profession peaked during her seven-year tenure at the York Castle High School, where she developed an attachment and deep fondness for the staff at the nursing office.

For La-Daniel, it was a place where she found enjoyment, not from the patients’ agony but from the process of caring for someone for their greater good.

JAMAICA’S GREATEST ASSETS ARE ITS PEOPLE

Lascelles Chin, founder and executive chairman of the LASCO Affiliated Companies, said: “It is a wonderful sight to see the new crop of nursing students coming up through the ranks. Our companies, LASCO Manufacturing, LASCO Distributors and LASCO Financial Services, as well as the LASCO Chin Foundation, invest millions annually on activities to support the various professional groups, including cash awards, attendance at conferences, support for community projects and the awards ceremonies.”

Chin continued: “Jamaica’s greatest assets are its people, and our nurses are even more special. I implore the Government to continue taking all the necessary steps to provide an even more attractive working environment for our nurses to ensure our public healthcare system does not become compromised by brain drain.”