Schools' asthma nurse Jennifer Wilson has been named the Nurse of the Year for 2008.

Mrs. Wilson accepted the award at a luncheon held at the Elbow Beach Hotel. She was recognised for her exemplary contributions to the profession of nursing and ultimately to our community. She was among five nominees for the honour.

"I have been a nurse for 19 years," she said. "My personality has always been to take care of people. When I was little, I used to bring home all kinds of animals and take care of them."

Mrs. Wilson said that she was first exposed to nursing as a candy striper and from there she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life.

The mother-of-two said that when she first started out as a nurse she had to do shift work but since she has had children, she has been able to do day shifts. "I can imagine it is hectic for moms who work 12-hour shifts and raise children but fortunately I am not in that situation," she said.

While she gratefully accepted the honour she said all who work in her profession share in it.

"All nurses do good work, they work hard and deserve recognition," she said.

Vice president of the Bermuda Nurses Association Loumeeka Orgill said: "Her commitment to the community through her role as asthma nurse has had an impact on the lives of so many young people.

"Her influence has brought about an improvement in the health of so many through prevention and good control instruction."

Mrs. Wilson can usually be seen at schools enthusiastically teaching students about asthma.

"You could easily find yourself captivated by her commanding personality, you won't want to leave your seat," Ms. Orgill said.

Mrs. Wilson works at the Hamilton Clinic under the Ministry of Health as a registered nurse. She holds a Master's degree in Public Health and a Bachelor of Nursing from Dalhousie University.

On the issue of the shortage of nurses at the local hospitals, she said: "There is a shortage of nurses around the world and that definitely will impact the type of care that is received.

"Young people are not choosing nursing, they are choosing fields where they can receive better financial rewards.

"That should not be the only determining factor for choosing a career. They should choose a career that motivates them."

"I find nursing very rewarding. I enjoy helping people, that's where I get my satisfaction."