CANDICE Thompson probably had a feeling she would emerge the 2010-2011 Lasco/Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) 'Nurse of the Year', long before the announcement at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel on Saturday.

After all Thompson, a mother of one and ward sister at the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine -- knew that the day would come when all her years of outstanding service would one day reap rewards.

Thompson, who emerged winner from a field of six finalists, said it was God's doing.

"For the first time in my life I am constipated for words. But guess what, God favoured me. I stand here today, deeply honoured and in awe, of being the recipient of such a prestigious award," said an elated Thompson during her victory speech.

Apart from the Nurse of the Year Trophy, Thompson walked away with a $130,000 cash prize, a gift basket, the Edith Allwood - Anderson Trophy, a scholarship from the Ministry of Health which is tenable at the tertiary level for a Master's level programme, and $10,000 shares in the Nurses Co-operative Credit Union.

But Saturday was not the first time Thompson was being recognised for her good work. She was named the Spanish Town Hospital's 'Employee of the Year' for the period 2007-2008. Earlier in 2004, she was honoured by the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) for her outstanding contribution.

Last year, she represented the NAJ at the International Council of Nurses Conference in South Africa. She also served as a board member for the Diabetic Association from 2005-2008 as well as on other committees.

She was also runner-up in the 2003-2004 RJR All-Island Outstanding Nurse of Clinical Practice.

Thompson is a registered nurse and registered midwife and has certificates in Nursing Administration as well as clinical practice at the supervisory level. She is currently pursuing the Masters in Nursing Administration at the University of the West Indies.

She said she goes by the belief that "if you can conceive it, you can achieve it."

"Success is challenges turned inside out, commitment and enthusiasm make things possible," she added.

Meanwhile, Lavern Campbell -- a Sister and unit manager at Percy Junior Hospital in Manchester -- was named first runner-up and received a trophy and cash prize of $80,000 from Lasco.

Campbell, who has been working at the hospital for the past 23 years, said she is guided by the philosophy that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Jillian Mason-Cleary, second runner-up, received $50,000 and a trophy.

The other three finalists -- Claudine Douglas, Shamara Bowland and Jennifer Foster -- also received prizes from Lasco. All six finalists received gift baskets.

Saturday's function also facilitated the recognition student nurses and saw the Brown's Town Community College's Yanique Cummings as the 2010-2011 Student Nurse of the year.

Cummings received a $20,000 cash prize from Lasco and as well other prizes from corporate sponsors.

Staford Rowe of Knox Community College School of Nursing created history when he was named first runner-up to Cummings, becoming the first male to enter and win and award in the competition.

His colleague Chadene Humphrey was the Second Runner Up, while Knox Community College copped the Top Nursing School of the Year Award.

The annual LASCO/NAJ Nurse of the Year Awards Programme recognises and rewards excellence in the nursing profession and in community development.

This year's finalists were judged by a panel from civic society and the NAJ, headed by former public defender Howard Hamilton.

Saturday's awards ceremony brought the curtains down on Nurses Week Celebration, which officially kicked off on July 18 and was observed under the theme 'Delivering Quality, Serving Communities: Nurses Leading Chronic Care'.

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