Her managers and colleagues call her 'little giant' because of her diminutive stature and her devotion to as well as her mastery of the nursing profession. And, to the many patients whom she has cared for during her six years at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), she is kin to nurse extraordinaire Florence Nightingale, 'The lady with the lamp'.

For her valuable contribution to the nursing profession, 30-year-old Andrea Mignott of the Haemodialysis Unit was named the UHWI Nurse of the Year from among some 600 nurses at the institution.

Mignott, who was surprised at being selected, explained that she developed a passion for nursing from age 14, as a result of having to help care for her ailing grandfather.

"My grandfather was very ill and required constant attention. After school, I assisted in taking care of him and accompanied my mother to take him to the doctor," Mignott recalled. "I was anxious for him to get well and always ensured that he was comfortable. Caring for my grandfather inspired me to join the nursing profession," she said.

In 2003, the Annotto Bay resident and past student of St Mary High School fulfilled that dream when she enrolled at the UHWI School of Nursing.

The Nurse of the Year award programme was revived this year with the support of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), Claudett James, acting senior director of nursing at UHWI explained. In addition, the society also sponsors the monthly 'Back to Basics' programme introduced by the nursing administration to recognise the Nurse of the Month and the hospital ward that achieves the highest score in the Quality Care Audit.

Quality Care

"Encouragement sweetens labour," the acting senior director noted, "and, already, we have observed incremental improvement in the service and quality of care that patients receive."

Barbara Sinclair, director of nursing, medicine and nephrology at UHWI, spoke highly of Mignott. "She is an asset to the health team. She is conscientious, competent, reliable and has good interpersonal skills. Her dedication to her work is also evident in her perfect attendance," Sinclair added.

Since she started working at the hospital in 2003, Mignott has never been late or absent, and can always be called upon, even when she is off duty, the director of nursing stated.

"I am honoured that this prestigious award was bestowed upon me and I thank everyone who helped to make it possible," Miss Mignott said. "I love my job, and I enjoy caring for the sick and educating patients about healthy lifestyles." She paid tribute to her mentors, Barbara Sinclair, director of nursing; Judith Longmore and Charmaine Sewell, clinical nurse managers, all of whom help to make her work enjoyable.

"I could not miss the opportunity to see her accept this award," Henry Sterling, one of several patients present to show support, said. "I am delighted that she received this recognition."

Valerie Walters, Mignott's mother, was not surprised about the award her daughter received. "Andrea is committed to her job; even on her day off, if she gets a call to report to work, she makes every effort to get there quickly," Walters disclosed.

'I am honoured that this prestigious award was bestowed upon me and I thank everyone who helped to make it possible.'