Eleven years ago was the first time Nicole DeShields had been admitted to hospital. In labour prematurely she was scared but not alone. She delivered a baby boy and the support she received from the nurses more than heartened her. "They really broadened my view of the world," she said. "The care he (her son) received by nurses in the neo-natal and maternity units was excellent. It gave me a new outlook on what I wanted to do with my life.

"They were so caring and compassionate especially in their bedside manner. I remember there was one nurse who was to knock off at 8 p.m. My son's condition changed so she stayed longer and she made a point to meet me at 8.30 to update me on his condition personally.

"I thought 'wow, she stayed late for me'."

Mrs. DeShields, now a mother of three, said since then she's dreamed of becoming a nurse. She's worked ten years for King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the last eight as a nurse's aide at Agape House. And now she's moved a step closer to her goal.

Mrs. DeShields is one of the four chosen by the hospital for the Certified Nursing Assistant programme. The programme begins in January in Phoenix, Arizona at Gateway Community College. Running for six weeks, the course will cover medical terminology, professional regulations and other issues governing healthcare in Bermuda, mental healthcare practices, workplace ethics, professional conduct, teamwork and decision making. Ending in April, students can sit the Arizona State board exam in May to become certified.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board is covering the complete cost of the training including airfare, course materials and room and board. "And we will also continue to get our regular paycheques," Mrs. DeShields said.

She said the course would give her a better understanding of many of the functions she sees daily at Agape House. As a nurse's aide she does not dispense medication, handle IVs or urinary catheters but she will learn about these procedures in the course.

"My job as a nurses aide helps me make patients feel more comfortable," she said. "I assist with things like feeding and walking."

Concerned only that she will be separated from her family, she is eager to start the course. "I am excited but a little nervous about getting back into school," she said. "I love to learn and I think it's going to be a very interesting course. It's definitely a step in the right direction for me."

Lena Ostroff, former coordinator at Agape House, said Mrs. DeShields is an ideal candidate for the CNA programme. "She is certainly one of the most caring, compassionate and devoted care workers I have seen. Her patients would say the same I'm sure. That nurse she spoke of must have made quite an impression because she also puts in hours over and above what is required. Her compassion really is evident in her approach to her duties.