By Simone Augustus, Corporate Communications Officer
The University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) is proud to shine the Faculty Spotlight on Mrs. Sasha Samaroo-Burgos in the June 2024 issue of the President’s Newsletter. For the past decade, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos has served as a dedicated lecturer in USC’s Department of Nursing Education, leaving an indelible mark on both her students and colleagues as she inspires and innovates. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to the USC community through her teaching methods, dedicated mentorship, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
As a proud USC alumna, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos’ journey began within these very halls where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She further honed her expertise with a Master’s in Nursing Education from the University of the West Indies and is now pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice with a focus on Executive Leadership. Her academic journey, deeply rooted in USC’s values, is reflected in her passionate approach to teaching and mentorship.
Innovative Teaching Methods and Mentorship
In her role as an educator, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos employs a variety of dynamic teaching strategies to engage her students actively. From simulation activities and problem-based learning to interactive games like Jeopardy, Family Feud, crosswords, and Blooket, her innovative approaches make learning both enjoyable and effective. These methods not only foster critical thinking but also help students grasp complex concepts more easily. Through constructive feedback, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos motivates her students to reach their highest potential, creating an enriching classroom environment.
As a member of USC’s first cohort of nursing students, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos deeply understands the challenges her students face. Her personal experiences allow her to empathize with their concerns, providing professional and spiritual guidance to help them achieve a balanced, healthy life. She passionately believes in the World Health Organization’s definition of health, emphasizing the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being. Her mentorship goes beyond academics, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures the holistic development of her students.
Research and Publications: Advancing Nursing Practice
Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos is not only an educator but also an avid researcher. She authored a significant paper on “Palliative Care to Paralyzed Patients: Lived Experiences of Registered Nurses at the Intensive Care Unit of a Major Hospital.” Her current projects include developing clinical practice guidelines to enhance nursing quality and creating interactive games to improve classroom learning experiences. She is also gearing up for research on how classroom simulation influences students’ performance in nursing licensure examinations, reflecting her dedication to advancing nursing education.
Building a Resilient Community through Collaborations and Engagement
In addition to her teaching and research roles, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos serves as the vice president of the faculty senate, participating in vital discussions and advocacy for faculty development. Her involvement extends to attending various workshops and conferences, such as those on simulation, artificial intelligence in academia, and nurse faculty development. She recently joined the international group Teachers Transforming Nursing Education, which offers valuable resources and strategies for academic growth.
Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos fosters collaboration through her active participation in annual research days at USC and networking with private and public institutions to promote the university. Her commitment to enhancing the learning experience at USC is evident in her belief that students are the key stakeholders. She emphasizes creating an optimal academic journey, with God at the center, ensuring that success is achievable for all.
Contributing to USC’s Legacy
Guided by the exemplary leadership of Dr. Woolford, director of the nursing department, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos envisions a resilient, collaborative nursing department that upholds USC’s ethos. She is dedicated to strengthening alliances with other schools within the university, enriching students’ learning experiences as they embark on their spiritual and academic journeys. With a pledge to serve as long as it is God’s will, Mrs. Samaroo-Burgos exemplifies the spirit of dedication and faith that defines the USC community.
USC is honored to have Mrs. Sasha Samaroo-Burgos as a beacon of excellence in nursing education, inspiring future generations of nurses to achieve greatness in their professional and personal lives.