THE Bermuda Hospital Board (BHB) and the Bermuda College this week announced the launch of a new nursing certificate which will give graduates the chance to seek progressive positions in the health care field as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The new programme fills in the gaps left by the previous training provided for prospective nurses.

"We have been working towards providing better training and development opportunities for our auxiliary staff, which in turn also helps us improve the level of care we provide to our patients," said Kathy Ann Lewis, the College's director of Clinical Programmes.

"Although some training was available before, this training is certified, which means it is internationally recognised."

One of the programme's aims is to provide more Bermudian nurses, as there is a recognised shortage of them, and of nurses in general.

But "Bermuda is not alone in its need for qualified nursing. For people looking for job opportunities here in Bermuda and around the world, there could be no better profession and there are certainly few as rewarding," Ms Lewis said.

It is also hoped the course will improve the effectiveness of the auxiliary staff members, "who will be able to take on more responsibilities, and redefine task allocation of the nurse and auxiliary staff. The end result is to make patients' experiences at BHB more positive.

"The certificate also enables interested auxiliary staff to take their first step towards being a registered nurse by becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant."

Upon completion of the course, the opportunities are boundless. With so many options and availability in the field, any person can readily pursue a career in this fulfilling industry.

"The course will give the new CNA greater scope within Bermuda Hospitals Board's different areas, more responsibilities and a clearer career path towards more senior roles. We would love for those successful to climb the career ladder and become nurses as well," Ms Lewis added.

The certificate "gives our auxiliary staff the ability to be a certified nursing assistant, a step which was not possible without travelling abroad before. This opens up the qualification to so many more people in Bermuda and we hope that interested Bermudians take up this opportunity and join us in the health care profession."

In the near future the programme hopes to provide extra help to those doctors or physicians who need it. It fills in gaps that the assistant staff (without certification) could not fill in themselves. The programme is a stepping-stone into a wide range of career paths, and opens up many doors for those that follow through with the programme.