both challenges and rewards.

Unit co-ordinator of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital maternity ward, Mrs. Hayward was presented with the annual award by the Bermuda Nurses Association on Sunday.

"I was really very shocked to receive it,'' Mrs. Hayward told The Royal Gazette yesterday. "I was overwhelmed and honoured to know my peers were holding me up as a role model and recognising the contributions I have made. I really feel proud.'' Mrs. Hayward earned her Bachelor's degree of nursing from the West Indies College some 20 years ago, beginning her career at KEMH shortly after.

She worked in the hospital's newborn nursery before taking on the role of maternity ward co-ordinator five years ago.

"There are numerous challenges and rewards that come with the job,'' said Mrs. Hayward. "I have the chance to work with people and their families and to educate them about caring for their children.

"Looking after premature babies is a challenge. But we can work with the mothers and as the children grow we can share in those experiences.'' Mrs. Hayward regarded assisting mothers and fathers during the transition stage to parenthood as one of many meaningful rewards, while she considered teenage pregnancy and drug use as the hardest challenges.

"As a nurse, I have the chance to display my compassion, caring and kindness and be appreciated for it,'' she said. "In this area, we are involved in an important part of people's lives -- having children. At most times it is special and happy.''