Nominations for the annual Eloise Reid Award for Excellence in Nursing are now open. Members of the public, whether they are peers, patients or colleagues are urged to nominate a nurse they believe should be recognised and appreciated for his/her contribution and service to the Cayman community as a candidate for the award.

Nominees must have demonstrated excellence in the application of the standards for nursing practice and code of ethics, and have made exceptional contributions to the nursing profession in clinical practice. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, 5 May 2014.

“There are many dedicated, outstanding nurses living and working in the Cayman Islands. This award is a great way to bring us all together to celebrate the hard work that nurses do, and recognise the vital support that they offer to the healthcare profession,” explained Eloise Reid, former Health Services Authority CEO and Chief Nursing Officer for whom the award is named.

“I encourage everyone to take the time to think of a nurse who has gone above and beyond in her duties, and make the effort to submit his/her name so that we can in turn show our appreciation as colleagues,” continued Mrs Reid.

Joanna Rose-Wright, recipient of the 2013 Eloise Reid Award, reiterated that it is important to show appreciation for the efforts of nurses. “(Mrs Reid) encouraged all nurses to maintain professionalism and always strive for excellence,” she added.

The criteria for nominees include: the possession of high ethical standards; serving as a resource for colleagues and taking the initiative to mentor others; impact on the quality patient care system; exhibiting the characteristics of a positive role model with strong leadership and interpersonal skills; an expert level of competency in the delivery of holistic care; the ability and desire to acquire new learning and incorporate it in the practice environment; promotion of a high quality nursing practice environment; advocacy for quality health care; and demonstrated commitment to the promotion of the nursing profession.

Launched six years ago, the Eloise Reid Award for Excellence in Nursing will be sponsored this year by Tenet Health and presented during Nurses Week which take place on 10-16 May 2014.

The winner will be chosen by a selection committee, which is appointed by the Chief Nursing Officer, Hazel Brown, and will be awarded at the conference’s welcome cocktail reception on Monday, 12 May at the Marriott Beach Resort.

Nomination forms are available at the Health Services Authority or can be downloaded from the Cayman Islands Nurses Association’s website (www.cina.ky).

For more information, call 244-2610 or 244-2617.