Christine H Dupuis-Reid of the northern community of Bense has captured the award of ‘Nurse of the Year’ in Anguilla. Dupuis, who was born and raised on Dominican soil, migrated to Anguilla twenty years ago. Of these twenty years, she has served as an exceptional nurse for the past thirteen years, having started her career in 2008. At current, she holds the position of Nurse Manager at the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Nephrology Department, the one and only hospital in Anguilla.
Notably, she graduated “Summa Cum Laude” from the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College which serves as the foundation of her career and in 2016, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus. Furthermore, in 2018 she received a Nephrology Certificate at the Humber College. In 2021, she served as a Chairperson for the Reprocessing Committee in preparation for accreditation and revitalizing of the hospital’s Central Sterile Supply Department.
Moreover, she expressed that in her short thirteen years of being a nurse, she has worked in every department such as Infection Control and Surveillance, Operating Theater, Emergency Room and on the Medical Surgical wards. Accordingly, she views herself as a well-rounded individual capable of taking on any task required of her.
Upon interview with Emonews, Dupuis voiced that she was nominated by her colleagues which placed her in the midst of over twenty other nominees. The nominees were then shortlisted to eighteen persons then to the final four persons. “I stood there unexpectedly knowing that the other nominees were equally good so whoever won it was rightfully deserved. I really just zoned out but when I heard my name I was in total shock. It was an exciting moment and one of the best joys of my life outside giving birth to my kids,” she stated. Simply, she describes it as simply a moment where she was overwhelmed with gratitude and joy.
In addition, Dupuis noted that she was inspired to begin a career in nursing because of two important women. Firstly, her mother. “When I was very young at the age of 10, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being her only daughter, I singlehandedly took care of her. The love I poured into doing that I knew that I had a caring attribute inside of me,” she articulated. Secondly, nurse Adora Toussaint of Bense. “I watched nurse Adora in her uniform walking house to house without complaining, rain or shine. She assisted me when I was giving birth to my daughters and was always willing to help. I felt that this was so admirable. Over the years the love I had for caring for others just continued to grow,” she shared.
Nonetheless, she highlighted that her career did not come without many obstacles. According to her, she has encountered patients with different personalities which may be challenging. The constant nagging and sometimes unkind words directed at her would make the job twice as hard. However, she has been able to overcome this challenge by putting herself in the shoes of her patients. “I wonder how can I deal with this person. I think of how I would have reacted if I was the one in the situation and I humble myself after considering their circumstances,” she stated.
More importantly, she voiced that her biggest challenge yet has been financial. “I have faced many financial constraints, having two daughters in university at the same time. I’ve always wanted to advance my career and obtain a masters. I have attempted my masters three times and have had to stop so that I could financially meet the needs of my children,” she added.
Despite life’s challenges, Dupuis encourages young aspiring nurses to join this noble profession. “You may have to put yourself behind for the most vulnerable entrusted in your care, to ensure that they get the best service. Notwithstanding this, it is a very rewarding experience,” she expressed. Pointedly, she considers nurses as the first link to patients in the health system. Accordingly, she believes that nurses ought to be people-centered and dedicated so that they are able to effectively care and advocate for their patients.
In light of her success, she expresses deepest appreciation to the research committee and the awards committee at the Princess Alexandra Hospital as well as her colleagues and friends who have nominated her. “I am beyond grateful. It sends a signal that my contribution is valued. Coming from a little community and being here at this point of my life, helps to propel me to do more,” she ended.
While Dupuis continues to fulfil her passion, Emonews wishes her future success and thanks her for her dedicated service as an essential worker.
