Mrs. Vona John

SR John Nursing journey at Tapion Hospital from November 1st, 1996 to December 31st, 2010. September 1996 – Nursing director position for Tapion Hospital was offered to her by Dr. Owen King. Upon acceptance she was interviewed by Board Member Mr. Charlemagne. 1st November 1996 Appointed Director of Nursing Introduction of Nursing Team Fifteen Nurses – Registered Nurses (RN) Registered Nurse Midwife (RNM) Registered Nursing Assistant (RNA)

• St. Lucia – (1)
• Guyana – (12)
• England – (2)

From November 1996 to December 1996, Nursing Director and Nurses met daily, five-day weekly upstairs NAPA building on John Compton Highway. Purpose: Review existing nursing protocols, policies, and procedures.

• Decision of work schedule
• Writing of nursing procedures, cardex
• Discussion on the most suitable shift for staff Nursing director was charged with the mandate to appoint suitable people to fill the position of housekeeper and a Security Officer. On successful completion of the interviews the following person were appointed:

➔ Mrs. Jane Romulus – Executive Housekeeper

➔ Mrs. Bernadette Albert

➔ Mrs. Verona Cunningham – House Keeper

➔ Mr. Leroy Phillip – Security Officer

December 15th- 31st

Hospital Preparation

Guided by the founding members Dr Leonard Surage, Dr Emsco Remy, DrAndrew Richardson and Dr Trona Bennett. Nursing and Support Staff worked assiduously to ensure they met the grand opening date of Tapion Hospital on January 1st, 1997.

SR John referred to her early days as “hectic”. Organizing the ward and private rooms.

Positioning of monitors and equipment in respectful places and working along with the housekeeping team in maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients.

Daily Tasks: Maintain smooth operation of the ward and other service areas.

Ward coverage: Supervision of Nurses and Non-Nursing staff. Attending Management meetings. Taking critical decisions as it relates to ward operations, nursing and support staff.

SR John handed over the baton as Nursing Director to SR Francisca Dickson at the end of her two-year secondment from Government of St. Lucia “Ministry of Health”