Nurse of the Year lauded by colleagues

Natalie Hylton-Levy, who walked away with the coveted 2017 Nurses Association of Jamaica-Lasco Nurse of the Year crown, was showered with accolades by her co-workers at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), at a recently staged event in her honour at the Day O Plantation Restaurant, in Montego Bay.

“Mrs Hylton-Levy has demonstrated perseverance and determination. Having emerged second runner up in the 2016 competition, she believes in the power that lies within oneself and believes that she must ‘push’ to achieve,” one of her colleagues read from a citation. “Hence, she entered the competition a second time as she always saw herself as a winner.”

“Her experience as a well-rounded nurse and her involvement in numerous speaking activities in church have equipped her with a wealth of knowledge and skills that were showcased and enabled her to emerge as winner,” the citation continued.

Anthony Smikle, the chief executive officer at CRH, praised Hylton-Levy’s professionalism, dedication, mannerism and her commitment to teamwork, telling her that, “you are a leader not just for now, but for the future.”

Janet Coore-Farr, the president of  Nurses' Association of Jamaica president, who was in attendance, expressed much delight that Hylton-Levy was recognised by her peers in such a noteworthy fashion, which spoke volumes for how they felt about her achievement.

“We are even more happy that the western region (members) have taken it on to themselves to make sure that our nurse is given this wonderful awards ceremony,” said Coore-Farr. “We want to see more of it throughout the island and we’re very proud of Natalie.”

Guest speaker and the function, Reverend Devere Nugent told Hylton-Levy her achievement spoke to her commitment to her calling to serve her profession.“There is a sense in which the profession to which you are called, you are called to give care to the nameless, the voiceless and the powerless” said Nugent.

“Sometimes you are overwhelmed because when you think you have ended your shift and your duty, there is another voiceless, another nameless and another powerless to look out for.”

                      In addition to commendations she received, Hylton-Levy was presented with a gift by the acting deputy director of nursing, Epsilda Brown-Mairs. She was also presented with a number of plaques.