Important developments in Trinidad and Tobago’s nursing history have changed over time, moving from unofficial health care during colonial times to a formal professional field influenced by local efforts. education and laws. Here are some key milestones:

● 1800: Religious organizations, primarily nuns, and unskilled attendants were used to care of patients in local hospitals (such as the Colonial Hospital, later renamed the Port of Spain General).

● 1837- The funding of the first hospital, which marked the beginning of formal medical care and the introduction of nursing positions. This was however a temporary colonial establishment on Cambridge Street (upper St. Vincent Street between Park and Oxford Street) in an old cinema.

● 1860: Florence Nightingale began influencing nursing in the Caribbean.

● 1860-1861: The lunatic asylum was established in Belmont for the mentally ill, as well as the San Fernando colonial hospital was established at the old army barracks (the old Ante- Natal Clinic) on the present hospital compound.

● 1889: As the need for organized nursing leadership grew, the Matron post was established.

● 1930: The Certified Nurses Association of Trinidad and Tobago was founded at the San Fernando Hospital.

● 1930-1940: The nursing council was formed to regulate nursing practice and education

● 1940: The West India School of Public Health in Jamaica, awarded the first two nursing scholarships to representatives of the two associations.

● 1943: A draft bill was created by both Nurses Association to allow for nurse registration in the colony

● 1956: Trinidad and Tobago gained self-government which allowed the country to have more national authority over its healthcare system.

● 1962: Trinidad and Tobago achieved full independence, leading to a greater role for local nurses in leadership positions.

● 1964: The Port of Spain and San Fernando Hospitals hired their first local nurses for the role of Matron.

● 1970: Local Nursing education and policy began to incorporate North America and other themes as a result of the impact of external organizations such as the World Bank, Pan America Health Organization (PAHO), and Canadian International Development agency (CIAD).

● 1974: Institutional Nurses at Port of Spain protested the acceptance of participants for the Health Visitor’s programme. The protesting nurses were warned by the Public Service Commission for their stance.

● 1976-1978: P.A.H.O support in creating the first Nursing General Education Curriculum to start the Nursing Education.

● 1978: Declaration of AMA ATA- Health focused on Primary Health Care and two Health Centers were constructed to achieve this goal. STAFF DEVELOPMENT COMMENCED AT PORT OF SPAIN GENERAL HOSPITAL AND INTRODUCED AT SAN FERNANDO GENERAL HOSPITAL AND ST. ANNS HOSPITAL SHORTLY AFTER.

● 1980-2000: Strengthen the scientific and Technological approach to Nursing- Introducing quality assurance and management strategies in Nursing.

● 2000: Launch of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) program at the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT).

● 2008: Regional Nursing body (Caricom) pushed for standardization of nursing education across the Caribbean.

● 2010-2020: Among the persistent issues that the TTNNA has been tackling are the necessity of the Health Sector Accreditation bill, better nurse-to-patient ratios, and switching from the NCR to the more RENR test in nursing.

● 2020: Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of Nurses, accelerating training in emergency and critical care.

● 2021-2025: Increased emphasis on advanced practice Nursing, Nurse practitioners, and digital Health Care Integration in Trinidad and Tobago.