Caymanian Registered Nurse Kimberley Wedderburn has received the 2026 Cayman Islands Nursing and Midwifery Association’s Eloise Reid Excellence in Nursing Award, in recognition of her 17-year career at the Health Services Authority.

A summer internship at Anthony S. Eden Hospital, formerly George Town Hospital, was to be a defining moment, shadowing nurses in the Critical Care Unit: “Through this experience, I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” said Wedderburn.

After graduating high school and following Hurricane Ivan, she began her nursing journey through the Health Services Authority’s Licensed Practical Nursing Programme. That decision set her on a path that eventually led to further study and more responsibility inside the organisation. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Associate of Nursing Degree.

Wedderburn also earned three specialty certifications in Wound Care, Diabetic Wound Care and Ostomy Management. Those qualifications helped shape her work in a field that demanded skill, patience, and attention to detail.

The award recognises excellence in nursing and midwifery. Wedderburn’s example also shows how the Health Services Authority supports Caymanian staff to move from entry-level exposure into longer-term clinical roles. Her career reflects personal effort and the training pathways within the Cayman Islands public health system.

Recognition for service and steady growth

Wedderburn said the honour meant more than a personal milestone.

“When my name was called, I was in utter shock. Even now, when I think back on the moment, I feel that quiver of excitement all over again,” she said. “With that same feeling of excitement also comes gratitude and honour, as I was chosen to represent not only the name of nursing but, most notably, the prestigious example of Mrs. Eloise Reid, who is one of the best examples of Caymanian nursing excellence anyone could aspire to follow,” she said.

HSA leaders pointed to training and opportunity

HSA CEO Ms. Lizzette Yearwood said Wedderburn’s progress reflected both personal drive and the support available within the organisation.

“Congratulations to Nurse Wedderburn. Her accomplishments are a testament to her hard work and foresight,” she said. “Her progression through the organisation has been remarkable. It reflects not only her competence and dedication but also the opportunities that exist within the HSA for Caymanians to grow professionally and achieve their aspirations through hard work and perseverance. The professionalism and care she offers the community are encouraging.”

HSA Director of Nursing Dr. Karen Stewart also praised Wedderburn’s career and the example it set for others.

“This level of dedication, exemplified by Nurse Wedderburn, reflects the very best of the nursing profession. Her dedication to compassionate care, lifelong learning and professional growth serves as an inspiration and a testament to the high standards of nursing excellence we strive to uphold at the HSA,” Dr. Stewart said.

Wedderburn said the HSA’s training and professional development programmes had played an important part in her progress. She had worked across several departments and had taken part in the Transition to Practice Nursing and LEARN Clinical Ladder programmes, where she recently completed Level 3.

She said those programmes helped her stay current and confident in her work.

“The Training and Professional Development programmes have grown tremendously over the last few years, which has been an absolute asset to all clinical staff,” she said. “The programme allows us to ensure that we remain confident and competent in our daily practices and skills, and keeps us updated with evidence-based practices, thus producing consistent top-quality patient care.”

What the award meant for Caymanian nursing

Wedderburn welcomed daily challenges in nursing as part of the job. She said the difficult moments had helped her grow, especially as she adjusted from being a student nurse to working independently without a preceptor nearby. Over time, she said, those challenges became part of what made the work rewarding.

Her advice to people thinking about nursing was direct.

“Do it! But do it for the right reasons,” she said. “It is such a fulfilling feeling when you can share your love and passion through your nursing care. Nursing can be challenging, but that is the beauty of it, because those challenges are what will help you grow and become the best care provider you can be.”

Wedderburn joins other HSA nurses who have been recognised for their work, including Shanique Ayres, the 2025 Eloise Reid Excellence in Nursing Award recipient, and Ruth E. McLaughlin Alumni Excellence Award winners Christina Blair in 2025, Martika Williams in 2024 and Gracian Beale in 2023.