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Senior Public Health Nurse Carol Beharie has become a beacon of dedication and resilience in Jamaica's public health system. Her journey through the ranks is one defined by service, leadership, and a deep, abiding love for people.

From managing clinics to leading school visits, vaccination drives, health talks, and house calls across Westmoreland, Beharie has always made it her mission to connect with people at every level.

"I enjoy community nursing because I love to see people get better. It's a joy when you go to a home and the person improves because of your intervention," she told JIS ÐÓ°ÉÐÔ°É.

A wife and mother of two, Beharie says mentorship is one of the most fulfilling parts of her career.

"I mentor staff, especially community health aides and practical nurses. I have mentored staff who are now public health nurses and are doing well. And I feel good to see that I contributed to their development," she said.

Beharie began her nursing career in 1996 at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James after completing training at the Cornwall School of Nursing. She later earned a master's degree in health administration from the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica.

"After finishing my training, I wanted to serve people directly, and public health gave me that opportunity," she said.

Beharie also has a special place in her heart for midwifery. "I love to deliver babies. That's one of my passions," she shared.

Her experience and leadership were especially critical during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she served as one of the managers for Westmoreland's emergency operations centre. Stepping up during an uncertain time came with risk and sacrifice.

"Knowing that you, yourself, you're going to be exposed to something that is new, you don't know the effect that is going to have on you and you have to be one of those to step forward and take a vaccine," she said.

Despite eventually contracting COVID herself, Beharie never lost her drive.

"We were exposed quite a number of times. Got swabbed a couple times - not a nice feeling. Got COVID, but not severe. [It was] terrible to be at home in isolation or isolating yourself from your family. Yes. That wasn't nice."

For Beharie, nursing is not just a job - it's a calling.

"I feel good when I go to my bed and say, 'Today was a good day, I helped someone.' That's what keeps me going," she said.