AS a girl, Beverley McPherson sometimes travelled with her father’s cousin on her nursing duties. Young McPherson was enthralled not only by her cousin’s nurse uniform, but also the care with which she assisted her patients.

“She was a big influence on my decision to become a nurse,” she said.

McPherson enrolled at the then West Indies College, now Northern Caribbean University (NCU), and entered the nursing programme as one of the first set of cohorts at the college.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has been a dedicated nursing practitioner since then. Her professional journey has also included a values-based approach that integrates spiritual and physical growth, engaging social interactions, and a robust, mission-centred wok ethic.

Since graduating, McPherson has specialised in comprehensive clinical expertise, focusing on preventative care and health management and has been lauded for her outstanding proficiency in diagnostic interpretation towards patient assessment.

“I have spent most of my working years overseas, and even though I have had so many accomplishments, my first degree from West Indies College is the one that is most recognised wherever I go,” McPherson disclosed.

With a Master of Public Health in Health Education from Loma Linda University, and a Master of Nursing – family nurse practitioner, ambulatory care, she has held critical positions in health care, and has served as a volunteer for over two decades in the Atlanta-Montego Bay mission offering free medical care to under-served communities.

“I come back every year and give back to the community in Montego Bay. I feel that it is a good thing to assist others that are in need and to treat them fairly despite their circumstances,” she said.

Her qualifications also include occupational health didactic from the University of California, and an adolescent medicine fellowship from the University of Cincinnati. She is also a stalwart advocate for equal treatment, celebrating diversity, and practising without discrimination. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Nursing Practice that has a focus on addressing unique health needs and barriers for certain marginalised groups of society.

At the recently held NCU 101st commencement ceremony, McPherson was recognised as the university’s 2024 Product Sample. The university saluted her for her commitment and professional acumen that aligns with NCU’s mission of educating students for lives of service throughout society, the marketplace and the Church.

“I am very honoured to be nominated as a Product Sample, and being a part of the pioneer nursing group. Hopefully, more nursing students will feel motivated to pursue higher degrees in the nursing profession and give back to their school and community,” McPherson said.