Jamaican-born Nursing Dean Dr. Suzanne Mullings underscores importance of mentorship

Jamaican-born Dean of Nursing at Eastern International College in Jersey City, NJ, Dr. Suzanne Mullings has underscored the importance of mentorship in the nursing profession, describing it as “a powerful force.”

“It has the capacity to unlock potential, to shape careers and to lift individuals to places they may not have imagined reaching on their own,” said Dr. Mullings, a seasoned leader in healthcare, education and community advocacy, in delivering the keynote address Saturday at the 28th Annual Vernese Weekes Scholarship Luncheon, at Eastwood Manor, on Eastchester Road in the Bronx, of the Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester (BMW) Chapter of the Caribbean-American Nurses Association (CANA).

“I stand here as living proof of that truth, and I know that the support of this organization, and the guidance of those who came before me, has been instrumental in my journey,” added Dr. Mullings, who was a recipient of BMW/CANA Chapter Scholarship Award 15 years ago.

“For the scholarship recipients here today, I urge you to cherish this moment,” she continued. “Know that the support you are receiving is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in your future, a vote of confidence in your potential, and a bond that connects you to a rich legacy of Caribbean-American nurses, who are committed to excellence, compassion and service.”

BMW/CANA Chapter presented its Vernese Weekes Memorial Scholarship Award to Jamaican-born Kenya Simms, a student in the Registered Nursing Program at Bronx Community College.

The Vernese Weekes Memorial Scholarship Award is named after the late Barbadian Registered Nurse and BMW Chapter foundation member Vernese Weekes, who in died in 1994.

As Dean of Nursing at Eastern International College, Dr. Mullings said she is “acutely aware of the generational changes that are shaping the future of nursing.

“The landscape of healthcare has evolved significantly, and, with it, the demands on nursing education have shifted as well,” she said, stating: “We are witnessing the integration of advanced technology in both patient care and educational methodologies.”

Dr. Mullings said telehealth, artificial intelligence and electronic health records are no longer the future.

“They are here, and they are transforming how we train the next generation of nurses,” she said. “As educators, we must ensure that our programs are responsive to these changes while still grounding our students in the core values of nursing: empathy, integrity and patient-centered care.”

Dr. Mullings noted that this generation of nursing students is entering the field during a time of “great challenge and unprecedented opportunity.”

“They are not only expected to be skilled clinicians but also critical thinkers, innovators and leaders who can navigate a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” she said, adding, that, as the Dean of Nursing, her responsibility is “to prepare our students to meet these challenges head-on, to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a world where the only constant is change.”

But Dr. Mullings said she also recognizes that the future of nursing is not solely about adapting to technology.

“It’s about preserving the human element of healthcare, ensuring that, as we embrace innovation, we never lose sight of the compassion and dedication that define this profession,” she said. “As I look out at the scholarship recipients, I see the future of nursing; a future that is diverse, dynamic and driven by a deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

“To our future nurses, know that you are entering a profession that is at a pivotal moment in its history,” she added. “You will be the ones to shape the next era of nursing, to bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas into a field that is evolving with each passing day.

“The education you receive today will be your foundation, but it will be your passion, your resilience and your ability to lead that will carry you forward,” continued Dr. Mullings, expressing her “heartfelt gratitude” to the Caribbean-American Nurses Association, to all the mentors, supporters and trailblazers who have shaped not only her career but the careers of countless others.

“To Winsome Robinson, to Dr. Witter, Dr. George, and to every nurse who dedicates themselves to this noble profession, thank you for your service, your wisdom and your unwavering commitment to excellence,” she said. “And to the scholarship recipients: this is your moment. You are the future of nursing, and we are all excited to see the incredible things you will achieve. Remember that you are supported, you are celebrated, and, most importantly, you are capable of greatness.”

Dr. Mullings took a moment to honor the legacy of the late Registered Nurse Winsome Rose Mullings-Robinson, her Jamaican-born aunt, whom she described as “someone very dear to this organization and to me personally.

“Winsome was a woman of great strength, passion and unrelenting commitment to the service of this organization,” she said, disclosing that Mullings-Robinson had brought her “into the fold, who saw potential in me and nurtured it, guiding me along a path that has brought me here today.

“Though she is no longer with us physically, her spirit remains an indelible part of who we are and what we stand for as a community,” Dr. Mullings added. “Let us all take a moment to join together in a round of applause to honor Winsome (Mullings) Robinson for her service, her dedication, and for all that she gave to this organization and to each of us.”

Dr. Mullings also recognized the other “great mentors” who helped to shape her career and supported her in reaching “new heights.”

“I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Jackie Witter and Dr. Alicia George, both of whom have stood at this podium before me as keynote speakers, and whose leadership and wisdom continue to guide me,” she said. “Their commitment to excellence and their tireless dedication to the nursing profession set a standard that I strive to uphold every day.

“I am deeply honored to follow in their footsteps, and I hope that, in some small way, my words today reflect the same passion and inspiration that they have imparted to me and so many others,” added Dr. Mullings, who began her educational journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Rutgers University in New Jersey.