Cayman’s nursing profession marked Nurses Week, celebrated earlier this month, with the return of the Eloise Reid Excellence in Nursing Award, which honours an outstanding registered nurse or midwife who has demonstrated excellence, creativity and commitment in their practice.
This year’s awardee, Shanique Ayres, is a young Caymanian graduate of the University College of the Cayman Islands nursing programme.
“Shanique Ayres’ energy and enthusiasm for nursing is well known among her peers and colleagues, all of whom report her willingness to go the extra mile for her patients’ wellbeing and to improve their care,” said nurse Helen Kirk, president of the Cayman Islands Nursing and Midwifery Association, in a press release.
“While this award has often been given to those who have a much more established career in nursing, the panel believe that Nurse Shanique will become an even more prominent figure in nursing throughout her promising career. It is important for us to not only recognise but also nurture such talent, and I am very proud of Nurse Shanique. All of us have great hopes for what she will bring to our profession.”
The Eloise Reid Excellence in Nursing Award honours Reid, who served for 30 years in the Health Services Authority, starting out as a registered nurse and becoming one of HSA’s longest-serving chief nursing officers, holding that role for 15 years. She became CEO of HSA in 2004, before retiring in 2005.
The award was established by the nursing and midwifery association and is sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability. It was last awarded in 2013.
“The Ministry is delighted to help bring back this important award, which is part of a larger recognition programme for our local nurses,” said Chief Nursing Officer Felicia McLean in a press statement.
“Recognising our nurses is essential to boosting morale, promoting excellence, highlighting the value of the profession, as well as encouraging young people and others who may be considering this career path to take that step. We must do what we can to make our nurses feel valued and appreciated, and to help promote this career to the next generation.”
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