Lessons of our Foremothers

Shamel Rolle’s evidence-based research project will lay the foundation for shaping and adopting health-care policies in The Bahamas. Photo: Supplied.

Shamel Rolle grew up in The Bahamas with her maternal grandmother, Mavis Symonette Rolle—a registered nurse and midwife. As a child, Rolle would accompany her grandmother to the hospital and watch her care for patients for hours on end.

This is where Rolle’s appreciation for the nursing profession first took root. She saw the value in her grandmother’s work and the respect she received from her patients and their families. She witnessed first-hand the impact her grandmother had on the lives of those she cared for. And she knew she wanted to be just like her.

So when the time came for Rolle to choose her career path, she knew there was only one choice—nursing.

Today, as a doctoral graduate student in the Faculty of Nursing, Rolle is taking her research back to where her passion for nursing first began—The Bahamas.

“Nursing is more than a career to me. It compels me to advocate for patients, families, communities, and for the nurses entrusted with their care,” says Rolle. “My own observations and experiences fuel my desire to address the absence of a comprehensive, organized effort to address nurse turnover in The Bahamas.”

Rolle’s evidence-based research project will lay the foundation for shaping and adopting health-care policies in The Bahamas, where she hopes it will become the driving force behind building an empowered and robust nursing workforce.

“Examining the influence of job demands, job resources and well-being on turnover among nurses in The Bahamas during this pandemic will make a significant contribution to better understanding workforce issues in nursing,” says Rolle. “The findings may also be useful in the current and future disaster preparedness decision-making by stakeholders in the country.”

As a student and professional, Rolle leads with purpose. For her, both her personal well-being and the well-being of those around her is vital. “Minding the G.A.P.” is her philosophy, honouring the principles of generosity, accountability and persistence.

“To me, it means giving generously of my time, talent and treasure or finances, along with holding myself and others accountable for our words and actions, and persisting and encouraging others to do so in pursuit of professional and personal goals even in the face of adversity,” says Rolle.

Because her doctoral focus is personal and allows her to return to the place that first shaped her professional insight, Rolle sees this stage in her education and career as a continuation of her life’s work.

“I stand on the shoulders of exceptional Black women who have preceded me, and I am honoured to be recognized by the Faculty of Nursing, particularly during Black History Month,” says Rolle.

Each February, the University of Alberta celebrates the work of Black researchers, faculty, staff, instructors and students who are leading with purpose. Learn more about the stories, initiatives, and Black History Month events happening at the U of A.