Kathleen Roberts.

"From the time I was three years old I can remember always wanting things like nurse's kits for Christmas; it's all I can remember ever wanting to do.'' The 25-year veteran of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's maternity ward was yesterday honoured by her peers from the Bermuda Nurses Association at a gala luncheon held at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club.

"Those who know me know that tears come to my eyes very quickly; I'm humbled,'' she told BNA members in a short acceptance speech.

As reigning Nurse of the Year, Mrs. Robert intends to tour Island schools and youth centres talking about teenage pregnancy.

"Being a parent is not always easy and I don't think (teenagers) see that far ahead,'' she told The Royal Gazette . "I want to tell them to get an education first, that's what's really important.'' Born in Antigua 49 years ago, Mrs. Roberts received her formal nurses training in Northern Ireland before practising for a few years in a London, England, general surgery ward. She is now the Assistant Unit Coordinator of KEMH's maternity ward.

"After 25 years there, I sometimes feel like a grandmother; I'm always meeting the babies I'd helped to deliver. That's what makes maternity one of the more joyous wards (of the Hospital).'' NURSE OF THE YEAR -- Kathleen Roberts NURSE HEALTH HTH