Health’s ‘first’ for the region

PIHOA’s Dr. Mark Durand (left) recognized the 16 Ministry of Health nurses who are launching the first-ever nurse practitioner training program in the RMI. Seated, from left: Dr. Aina Garstang, Minister Kalani Kaneko, Majuro Councilwoman Betty Tibon Imaikta, and Rev. Russell Edwards. Photo: Alson Kelen.
PIHOA’s Dr. Mark Durand (left) recognized the 16 Ministry of Health nurses who are launching the first-ever nurse practitioner training program in the RMI. Seated, from left: Dr. Aina Garstang, Minister Kalani Kaneko, Majuro Councilwoman Betty Tibon Imaikta, and Rev. Russell Edwards. Photo: Alson Kelen.

HILARY HOSIA

The Marshall Islands Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pacific Island Health Officers Association, has opened an opportunity for other Pacific health agencies by rolling out the Fiji National University’s nurse practitioner program in Majuro — the first time the program is being conducted outside of Fiji.

The pioneer trainees, 16 total, have been selected from 30 top nurses following a rigorous pre-course on medical math, study skills and mental health.

The 16 Health staff who have launched the training program were recognized recently at the Nitijela Conference Room and are already in high gear in the 18-month program.

Funding from the US Department of Interior made it possible to get the program moving after many years of planning. The group includes two nurses from Ebeye. The fund also covers two full time professors from Fiji National University (FNU) to be on Majuro for the duration of the program — Doctors Kavekini Neidiri and Paulini Quica.

The trainees will work, study and rotate in the many fields of the hospital — from classrooms in the mornings, to outpatient clinics, emergency room, newborn nursery and community outreach programs in the afternoons.

Upon completion, the nurses will have elevated their skills so they will not only be able to handle the majority of medical problems that patients present, but they will be certified to make diagnostic assessments including issuing prescriptions.

Read more about this in the October 21, 2016 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.