Happenings May 17, 2024

Honoring Nurses and Celebrating Community Again: This Week’s Highlights

Dear Readers,

Due to overwhelming feedback, we are dedicating this week to our nurses again. This week we feature four more nurses who are making a difference:

• Helena Faustin - Known as “the Nurse that Cooks,” Helena combines her passion for nursing with her love for cooking, sharing nutritious recipes and promoting healthy eating within the community.

• Rose Green - Rose is celebrated for her exceptional care and dedication in the field of nursing, making a significant impact on the lives of her patients and their families.

• Alsion Burke - Alsion’s commitment to healthcare is evident through her tireless work and advocacy for better healthcare services, ensuring her patients receive the best possible care.

• Marlene Lofters-Dinham - Marlene’s innovative approach and leadership in nursing have set new standards in patient care, earning her recognition and respect within the healthcare community.

Reminders of the Upcoming Diaspora Conference - Preparations for the 10th Biennial Diaspora Conference are in full swing, scheduled for June 16-19. Register early to secure your spot and take advantage of exclusive hotel deals and airline discounts.

Warm regards,

Chris Benjamin Community Relations Officer Consulate General of Jamaica, New York

COOKING WITH HEART A Conversation with Helena Faustin, RN

Helena Faustin, also known as @thatnursecancook, is a Registered Nurse and content creator from New York City who shares her love and passion for cooking with her audience daily. As a mother of three, Helena inspires her followers to get comfortable in the kitchen and cook delicious meals for their families while preserving the traditional culture of Jamaican food.

The success of her massively popular food blog, “ThatNurseCanCook,” has delighted millions of viewers around the world. It has led to write-ups in various publications and established multiple partnerships and collaborations. Helena also competed in Food Network’s Outchef’d, where she battled against a celebrity chef and restaurateur and was crowned the winner in a home cook vs. top chef showdown. She recently released a new interactive cookbook called, “The Soul of Scotchie.”

Each of Helena’s recipes showcases the vibrant and robust flavors of Jamaican cuisine, demonstrating her talent for healing souls, one meal at a time.

We had the privilege of speaking with Helena Faustin about her journey, her inspirations, and her vision for the future.

When did you enter nursing?

I passed my boards in 2010 and have been a registered nurse for the past 14 years

Why did you enter nursing?

I entered nursing because the profession needed more nursing professionals with my background. It’s so important to deliver care that is culturally competent by professionals who reflect the demographic of the people that hospitals serve. I wanted to be that familiar face at my patient’s bedside so that I could best advocate for them and impact healthcare outcomes our community so desperately needs.

Who is your role model as a nurse?

I am inspired by the many nurses who came before me and have imparted valuable knowledge that have helped me become who I am today. Many of my preceptors and nurse leaders have guided me throughout my career and I’ve used their advice and principles to help me along the way.

What would you say is your greatest achievement thus far?

My greatest professional achievement has been my ability to transition into a nurse entrepreneur. I have been able to scale what used to be a side hustle into a full fledged business where I now have more autonomy over my time and I’m able to give back to my profession in ways that may have not been possible at the start of my career.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

I see myself continuing to give back to humanity, using my skills and knowledge as a nurse for charitable causes and continuing to run my content creation business into a blooming empire.

What do you do to take her mind off Nursing?

Cooking as always been a creative outlet for me. Work life balance is importance and cooking has been a way for me to maintain my mental health and fall in love with my hobby.

A LIFE OF DEDICATION

A Conversation with Marlene Lofters-Dinham, DNP

Marlene Lofters-Dinham’s journey from the small seaside town of Savanna la Mar in Jamaica to a distinguished career in nursing is nothing short of inspirational. Academically gifted, Marlene earned a scholarship to Ardenne High School in Kingston and later completed her high school education at Mt. Alvernia High School in Montego Bay. She moved to the U.S. in 1985 to pursue a degree in Computer Science at Brooklyn College, but her life took a pivotal turn following the birth of her first child, leading her to nursing.

Marlene graduated with an AAS degree from Medgar Evers College in 1995 and pursued her BSN, despite facing significant personal challenges. The critical care her daughter received in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit inspired Marlene to specialize in Pediatric Nursing. She has since worked in various pediatric settings, including as a school nurse, community health nurse, and longterm care provider.

In 2004, Marlene began working at Downstate Medical Center in the Pediatric Medical Surgical Unit, collaborating with the very doctors who once cared for her daughter. She became the first nurse on staff to obtain ANCC board certification in Pediatrics and PALS certification. Marlene also chaired the Nurse Governance Council and contributed to hospital-wide councils, advocating for nurse empowerment.

Marlene’s research on pediatric pain management, particularly for children with Sickle Cell Crisis, and her presentations on culturally appropriate care for Caribbean families, have made significant impacts. She later transitioned to the PICU, where she welcomed new resident doctors and was named Downstate Hospital Employee of the Month.

After completing her BSN and MSN in Nursing Education with a specialization in Simulations from Drexel University, Marlene joined NYC Health + Hospitals as a Nurse Educator. She became Lead Nurse Educator for all ambulatory outpatient sites, focusing on staff and community education. Marlene also became a certified healthcare simulation educator (CHSE) and served as an ANCC validator for the pediatric certification exam.

In 2019, Marlene moved to Woodhull Hospital to care for her ailing mother and currently serves as the Associate Director of Nursing Education and Research. She recently earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Chamberlain University.

Marlene continues to mentor the next generation of nurses as an adjunct faculty member at Medgar Evers College. She has also launched her company, “Lillian Clifford LLC,” and actively participates in the Jamaica Nurses Group NY, Inc. (JNGNY), where she has held several leadership roles and contributed to medical missions in Jamaica.

Dedicated to her family, Marlene describes her son Craig, his wife Kei, grandson Jackson, and her daughter Antoinette as “the wind beneath her wings that makes her soar.” We had the privilege of speaking with Marlene about her remarkable

NURSING EXCELLENCE A Conversation with Rose Green, DNP, RN, CNE

dedication as Nurse, Dr.

has made a lasting impact on healthcare. She spent 18 years in a level-one Trauma Emergency Room, providing critical care to New York City’s most vulnerable. Today, as the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) Representative, Dr. Green tirelessly advocates for nurses’ rights at multiple NYC H+H sites, including Elmhurst and Queens Hospital.

Dr. Green also serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Labor Management for NYC H+H/Elmhurst and is a Trustee of the NYSNA Tuition Funds, ensuring fair treatment and opportunities for nurses. As Vice-President of the Jamaica Nurses Group of New York, Inc., she contributes to healthcare initiatives locally and abroad.

In education, Dr. Green is an adjunct faculty member at LaGuardia Community College, inspiring the next generation of nurses to pursue advanced education and professional growth. Her commitment extends

to her personal life, where she enjoys hosting family gatherings, attending Broadway plays, and volunteering in her church community.

We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Green about her career and vision for the future.

When did you enter nursing?

My nursing journey began when I graduated from Rutgers University in May of 1998, with a BSN, and launched a job with Health +Health, on November 19, 1999.

Why did you enter Nursing?

As a child growing up in Jamaica West Indies, and living in Kingston, my joyous memories were visiting the country during the holidays. I can vividly remember watching and helping my grandmother provide care for the sick household or the neighbors, giving them bush tea or some ailment that would make them better. After witnessing the caring and compassionate spirit of my grandmother, I knew I wanted to become a nurse.

Who is your role model as a nurse?

Florence Nightingale said, “We do not teach what we preach, but what we are.” My Aunt and my sister were my role models who encouraged and inspired me daily to become a nurse.

What would you say is your greatest achievement thus far?

Before my mother died in January of 2018, We had a conversation about my dream of achieving my doctorate in nursing. I am proud to say I have completed this with high distinction.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

In five to ten years, I hope to see myself as a fulltime nurse educator, educating the new generation of nurses to focus more on evidence-based practice, for best practices and better patient outcomes in the population we serve.

What do you do to take your mind off nursing?

“Self-care is very important to me. I love pampering myself by going to the Spa, listening to music (Jazz or reggae), and traveling with friends and family. I also enjoy reading.

NEUROSURGICAL NURSING A Conversation with Alsion Burke

With over a decade in the medical field, Alsion Burke has dedicated her career to neurosurgical nursing, serving the Westchester County section of New York for the past five years. As part of the esteemed neurosurgical team at Westchester Medical Center, under the leadership of Dr. Chirag D. Gandhi, MD, FACS, FAANS, Alsion has worn many hats in her field.

In 2019, she was a staff nurse to Dr. Chad Cole, MD, who promoted her to lead nurse by the end of that year. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Alsion stepped up as a nursing supervisor at the hospital and also worked at the county center in Westchester. Her adaptability and leadership were vital during those challenging times.

By 2021, Alsion had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Jin Li, MD, caring for patients with severe headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological disorders. She continued to advance her career by serving as lead nurse to several prominent figures, including Dr. Jared Pisapia, M.D., MTR, Dr. Gurmeen Kaur, MD, and Dr. Merritt D. Kinon, MD, FAANS, FACS. In 2024, Alsion’s dedication was recognized with the Care Champion Award from Westchester Medical Center for her outstanding work and patient care.

Nursing has always been Alsion’s passion, bringing her immense joy to help patients during their most vulnerable moments. Her favorite quote by Maya Angelou encapsulates her approach: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Here is a glimpse into Alsion’s journey in nursing and her future plans.

When did you enter nursing?

I have been in the nursing field for over a decade, I have been practicing as a neurosurgical nurse for a little over 5 years.

Why did you enter nursing?

Nursing is a call; it is from your heart to help others. From I was a young child, I always enjoyed helping people, during my high school years I was in the health careers program at Dewitt Clinton High School for 4 years, during that time is when I realized I had the aptitude to become a nurse.

Who is your role model as a nurse?

I have a few remodels in nursing. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge them. Professor Morgan, He was my med surgical and pharmacology professor at Jersey College School of Nursing. His story inspired me, while in nursing school his mother was dying of cancer. He was a full-time nursing student; he would go home and care for his dying mother. Despite the challenges he was facing in life, Professor Morgan did not give up, he was resilient. He went on to graduate nursing school and be the Valedictorian of his graduating class. Second, I would like to acknowledge my paternal grandmother Dexter Lewallen . She always expressed to me her desire to be a nurse, but she was unable to do so, I promised my grandmother I would fulfill this dream one day, and with the help of God I was able to be her first grand daughter to become a nurse. I would also like to acknowledge my 2 dear friends Jordanne Angus, and Marsha Reid- Clayton, I began my journey as a nurse with these two women, both were from Jamaica and did not have much outside help. I watched them go to school daily for years missing out on secular activity in order to achieve their goals. Together we were all able to finish school. Today they are both Trauma nurses in the ER at a level I trauma hospital, Jordanne is also a nurse manager, and Marsha is a charge nurse, nurse lead, and an aspiring doctor.

What would you say is your greatest achievement thus far?

My greatest achievement so far has been becoming the lead nurse to some of the top neurosurgeons in the United States. Working alongside these physicians has challenged me to be a better nurse and has expanded my level of critical thinking.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

In 5 to 10 years my dream is to broaden my specialty from neurosurgery to neurosurgery and oncology. I would like to be a part of research studies that help prevent neurological cancers in patients. I would also like for my 2 friends and I to manage a practice and focus on women’s health.

What do you do to take her mind off Nursing?

During my free time I enjoy traveling, participating in women’s empowerment events, church events, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Pastor Terry Lee warmly invites New Yorkers to join the White House Prayer for Our Nation during a special trip to Washington, D.C. Departing from New York City, attendees can embark on the journey for $75, choosing one of two convenient locations as their starting point.

• In Queens, the New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ Apostolic Inc. at 130-08 Springfield Boulevard, Springfield Gardens.

• In Brooklyn, travelers can join from The Byways & Hedges Youth for Christ Ministry at 323 East 53rd Street, located between Snyder Avenue and Church Avenue.

The trip begins early, with a 5:00 AM departure to ensure a timely arrival at the nation’s capital. Participants will have the opportunity to unite in a collective prayer for the nation within the hallowed halls of the White House. This meaningful journey promises a chance to connect with fellow believers while standing in solidarity for peace, hope, and unity. Pastor Terry Lee encourages everyone to seize this opportunity for spiritual growth and reflection, joining in a collective voice for our nation’s future.

Why Partner

Contact

Click HERE to download the commitment form. We look forward to your confirming your participation in the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

Conference Chairman

Mr Courtney Campbell

President and CEO, VM Group courtney.campbell@myvmgroup.com natasha.reid@myvmgroup.com lorna.peddie@myvmgroup.com

Conference Secretariat

Mrs Ariel Bowen

Undersecretary (Actg) , Diaspora, Protocol and Consular Affairs Division, MFAFT ariel bowen@mfaft gov jm diasporaconference@mfaft.gov.jm

Mr Lloyd Wilks

Director, Diaspora Affairs Department, MFAFT lloyd.wilks@@mfaft.gov.jm diasporaconference@mfaft.gov.jm

Conference Project Manager

Ms Lisa-Ann OGilvie

Principal and Lead Event Project Manager Caribbean Events Group lisa ogilvie@caribbeaneventsgroup com diasporaconference@mfaft gov jm

300 E 42nd Street New York, NY 10017 https://congenjamaica-ny.org 212-935-9000