St. John’s, Antigua, May 11, 2010 –. Nurse Ashline Francis-Samuel, a nurse in the MSJMC Radiology Department has been nominated “My Favourite Nurse” 2010.
Nurse Francis-Samuel who is also a midwife by training will receive her award at the Annual MSJMC Nurses Day Luncheon, May 12th. This award, the first of its kind by the hospital, recognizes one nurse who was receives the most votes by members of the community for being outstanding in patient care. As the winner, Francis will receive the grand prize of a trip to Puerto Rico, a photo shoot from Photogenesis Glamour Shots, a commemorative plaque and other prizes. The other finalists include, Nurse McBerth Arthur, Nurse Gracelyn John-Barton and Nurse Mininisa Hinds all nurses within the MSJMC Emergency Department.
Said Nurse Francis:
“I remember saying to Ms. Crump that even if I don’t win this, just being a part of it means so much to me. The reaction I’m getting from the patients who were telling me that they are going to vote for me was just heart-warming – They have never said some of these things to me before. This is a good thing… I like the feeling.”
“We couldn’t have done this at a better time,” said Salma Crump, Marketing & Communications Manager at MSJMC. “This initiative has caused quite a stir (a good stir) in the hospital. It just took on a life of its own - The patients and staff just ran with it.”
Continued Crump; “Overall we got just under 300 votes and anyone of our finalist could have been the winner because they are all great nurses - Nurse Francis is a rock star and is well respected throughout the hospital. One of the things I’m hopeful for with this initiative is that it will help to further highlight nursing as a rewarding profession. I want to thank everyone who voted.”
The lucky voter who won the opportunity to attend the luncheon is Tricia James.
Activities celebrating International Nurses Day will end with a Spa Day on May 13th, 2010 from 9am to 4pm. This will see a temporary spa set up at the hospital to cater for the nurses on shift. The event is being sponsored by Touch Therapies.
