With just over a year of service at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Roianne Thompson from the Department of Psychiatry, emerged the hospital’s 2025 Nurse of Excellence, during Nurses’ Week observed from July 13 to 19. Rasheeda Hayles, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Raquel Welsh, Surgery II are the first and second runners up respectively.
Despite being relatively new to the profession, Nurse Thompson has quickly earned the respect and admiration of the administrative staff, colleagues and patients for her professionalism and dedication to her duties.
Ironically, Nurse Thompson never envisioned herself caring for patients. Her dream was to become an aeronautical engineer, but life took an unexpected turn leading her down a different career path.
“Initially, I had no desire to pursue nursing, and I felt anxious and depressed when I started nursing school,” Roianne revealed. However, as she began to immerse herself in the nursing programme, her perception changed.
“I always claim that nursing chose me, and I have no regrets. The profession has been incredibly rewarding,” she related.
The Manchester High alumna, who hails from Waltham in Manchester, expressed that the award holds deep significance for her, as it recognises the compassion, empathy, and dedication she consistently brings to her role.
“It reinforces the standards I hold myself to and motivates me to continue growing. It validates that I’m making a positive impact on patients, families, and my team. It also encourages me to mentor others, advocate for high-quality care, and be a leader in my field,” she said.
Incidentally, Roianne is one of six nurses in her family, with one relative having earned a doctorate in nursing practice.
Nurse Thompson’s nursing journey began at the Knox Community College in Manchester, before transferring to The University of the West Indies School of Nursing to complete her degree. She related that her final semester proved to be quite challenging.
“I failed my SPAN of duty exams twice which almost made me give up a profession I didn’t want to begin with. My degree was delayed by two months, and instead of graduating with my cohort in November, I was awarded my degree the following January,” she explained.
After completing nursing school, Nurse Thompson worked two years at a dental office as a dental assistant and was promoted to a front desk manager and subsequently as office manager. In 2024, she joined the nursing staff at UHWI and during her short tenure, rotated through several departments including orthopaedic surgery, dermatology, accident and emergency, medicine, and now the Department of Mental Health, where she currently serves.
Carmen Brissett, director of Nursing, UHWI, praised Nurse Thompson for her maturity and the interests she shows in her patients.
“She has displayed so much resilience for someone so young not just in the profession but as a young lady. She maintains the ethical principles of nursing, is patient-centered meaning that she identifies her patients’ needs and seeks ways to meet those needs. She’s always seeking ways to ensure that the patients are comfortable considering that we work in mental health and sometimes the patients are psychotic. She’s very gentle when she needs to be and when she needs to be firm she is and she knows the difference when she is to be either one,” Nurse Brissett said.
Gillian Hyde, deputy managing director of JN Bank, commended Nurse Thompson for her outstanding service to the nursing profession. She noted that the JN Bank-sponsored Nurse of Excellence Award, now in its ninth year, is designed to recognise nurses who exemplify exceptional dedication and make a meaningful impact within the healthcare system.
“This enduring partnership [with UHWI] is a reflection of our deep respect and appreciation for the nursing profession, and our commitment to honouring those who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of so many,” she said.
“Through this ongoing partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to those shaping the health and future of our nation.”
Reflecting on her achievement, Nurse Thompson opines that what may have set her apart for the award is her holistic approach to patient care.
“We shouldn’t treat only the symptoms of an illness; we must treat the person. We must lead with both heart and skill,” she said, adding that empathy is a critical quality that a nurse should have.
“We tend to be sympathetic but lack empathy. Sometimes we need to put ourselves in our patients’ situation as most of the time being hospitalised is a new situation for them. Sometimes they are anxious and that anxiety is portrayed as being disrespectful. After speaking with them, you’ll find out that they miss their families or are worried about their jobs.”
As part of her recognition with Nurse of Excellence Award, Nurse Thompson plans to embark on an outreach project to teach psychological first aid to teenagers.
“At the UHWI mental health department, we have seen an increase in admissions in adolescents and young adults. They unfortunately are stressed and are going through traumatic events but are unable to utilise healthy coping mechanisms. COVID-19 affected us in more ways than one and we are seeing the aftereffects of the lockdown especially in our teenagers,” she explained.
To young nurses and students entering the field, Nurse Thompson offers heartfelt advice.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world. The profession is tough, but you are tougher. Remember why you became a nurse and don’t shift focus.”
Beyond the demands of the hospital, Roianne believes that nurturing her own well-being is just as important as caring for her patients and is intentional about making time to unwind and recharge.
“I love to read sci-fi and fantasy novels, absolutely love the beach and when I am extremely stressed, I bake,” she pointed out.
