Contact: Meredith Amor
Director of Communications
PR@Barry.edu
(305) 775-8629
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2020
Barry University Cardiovascular Perfusion Students to Graduate Early During Pandemic
(MIAMI, FL) With many hospitals stretched thin and fears that the situation will only intensify exponentially, Barry University is expediting the graduation of qualified health care professionals, allowing them to immediately head to the frontline of the fight against COVID-19.
Originally slated for May 9, seniors in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Cardiovascular Perfusion Program will now graduate on April 11. Cardiovascular Perfusionists are vital specialists who work in operating rooms and critical care units with heart and lung machines and other mechanical support machines. The scope of their practice includes long term support for respiratory and cardiac failure.
Of the decision to accelerate graduation for these qualified individuals, John McFadden, Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences said, “In seeing the speed at which the novel coronavirus is spreading and the great need for additional practitioners in hospitals across the country, it only makes sense to expedite getting these well-trained individuals into health care settings as quickly as possible. Every day matters in this fight.”
Andy Kemp, a US Air Force veteran, is among the graduates. He will start work in Naples Community Hospital on April 15th, only days after graduation. “I know what I do is one small part of healthcare,” he says. “I want to get in there and do my part and I want to help. I know that every bit helps, even the most junior team member.”