The Caribbean Nurses Organization (CNO) awarded Vincentian born Phyllis Payne-Dublin “Nurse of the Year” at its 29th Biennial Conference in Suriname, held October 20 – 27, 2012.{{more}}

Phyllis was nominated by the Caribbean American Nurses Association (CANA). Phyllis is the Associate Director of Reimbursement, for a 320-bed long-term care facility in Brooklyn, New York. She is a Registered Professional Nurse and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health from St Joseph’s College, Brooklyn, New York; and a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from Central Michigan University.

She has dedicated her professional career to the practice of Geriatric Nursing and has served as Director of Education, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Director of Nursing. She is a Certified Nurse Assessment Care Coordinator and Educator, and is a Certified Gerontological Nurse and Practitioner.

She holds membership in several organizations, and is Past President and current Historian of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Nurses Association of N.Y. Inc. She is the recording and correspondence secretary of the Caribbean American Nurses Association, Inc and Vice President of Omega Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority, whose motto is “Service for Humanity”. She mentors high school and college students in her community to ensure that the nursing profession endures.

She has partnered with nursing groups on humanitarian outreach projects to St Vincent and the Grenadines and other Caribbean islands, conducting health education and screenings.

She has worked with the SVG Nurses Association of New York and the Caribbean Renal Failure Relief Foundation in fund-raising efforts to ensure persons with kidney disease receive the necessary medications and treatment.

She is also an active member of her community and church and has co-chaired outreach committees focusing on health education, screenings and assessments.

Phyllis is a quiet, confident leader who believes in connecting with front-line staff and assisting with the development of individuals through coaching, mentoring and education. She strives to be a positive role model, recognizing that nurses have great influence on the quality of care and service they provide to those they serve.

We are very proud of our colleague and wish her continued success in her endeavours.