In a historic moment for the Jamaica Nurses Association of New Jersey (JNANJ), Celia O’Gilvie has been elected as the organization’s new president. This milestone marks a significant leadership transition for the 42-year-old association, which unites professional nurses committed to strengthening healthcare systems in Jamaica and addressing needs within local communities.
O’Gilvie, a healthcare veteran with over 17 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the role. As the founder and CEO of Caring Hands Healthcare Services, Inc., she has demonstrated a deep understanding of the healthcare industry’s complexities and a passion for patient care that transcends traditional boundaries.
Since taking office, O’Gilvie has outlined an ambitious agenda for the JNANJ. Supported by Vice President Michelle Whitfield, Secretary Judi Ali, and Treasurer Marline Spencer, her vision centers on expanding membership, especially among male nurses and newly licensed professionals, to diversify the organization and introduce new ideas. This strategy aims to influence positive changes in healthcare systems in both the United States and Jamaica.
O’Gilvie is also focused on forging a strong partnership with the Nurses Association of Jamaica and the Ministry of Health. This collaboration aims to standardize healthcare policies and procedures, which could significantly enhance the scope of nursing practices and ensure consistent patient care across borders.
One of her top priorities is reviving the JNANJ’s Scholarship Program. This initiative will offer crucial financial assistance to aspiring nurses, enabling them to pursue their degrees and contribute to the growing field of healthcare. Additionally, O’Gilvie envisions partnering with U.S. hospitals to provide student nurses with practical learning opportunities, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on experience.
In a bold move, O’Gilvie has committed to directing the association’s medical missions toward providing healthcare services to incarcerated women—an often-overlooked population in need of quality medical care. This initiative highlights her dedication to equitable healthcare access and her determination to address critical societal issues.
O’Gilvie’s journey to this leadership role is as inspiring as her vision for the JNANJ’s future. Born in Jamaica, she immigrated to Morristown, New Jersey, at the age of ten, facing the challenges of adapting to a new country alongside her family. It was during this time that her passion for caregiving began, as she took pride in caring for her nieces and nephews—a clear foreshadowing of her future career.
Her academic path reflects a strong commitment to both science and service. She first pursued a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, before turning to nursing. She earned her second bachelor’s degree in nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2000, becoming a Registered Nurse. Notably, she secured employment as an RN even before passing her nursing boards—an uncommon achievement that hinted at her future success.
Over the next 15 years, O’Gilvie worked across various healthcare settings in New York and New Jersey, from bustling hospitals to intimate home care.
In 2016, O’Gilvie founded Caring Hands Healthcare Services, Inc., a company that allowed her to blend her nursing expertise with entrepreneurial acumen. Under her leadership, Caring Hands became synonymous with high-quality, reliable home healthcare, empowering clients to achieve their best health outcomes in the comfort of their own homes.
O’Gilvie’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond her professional life. As the Director of Public Relations for HELP Jamaica Medical Mission of New Jersey Corp., a nonprofit organization, she volunteers her time to provide free medical care to disadvantaged, uninsured, and underinsured individuals.
Despite her numerous professional responsibilities, O’Gilvie finds balance in her personal life. An avid traveler, she draws inspiration from exploring different cultures and healthcare systems worldwide. However, her most cherished moments are spent with her daughter Mikaela, extended family, and close friends—a testament to the value she places on both professional ambition and personal fulfillment.
Praised by Jamaica’s Ambassador
O’Gilvie’s appointment has garnered attention beyond the healthcare sphere. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, offered her heartfelt congratulations on this achievement. “Celia O’Gilvie’s election as president of the Jamaica Nurses Association of New Jersey is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to healthcare,” Ambassador Marks stated. “Her visionary approach and commitment to fostering connections between Jamaica and the United States in the healthcare sector align perfectly with our national goals. We look forward to the positive impact her presidency will have on both our diaspora community and healthcare in Jamaica.”
As O’Gilvie steps into this leadership role, she has the support of the Jamaican American community and the broader healthcare sector. With her robust vision, extensive experience, and endorsement from key diplomatic figures, she is poised to lead the JNANJ into a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and impactful changes in healthcare policy and delivery.
