1993/94.

Male nurse Mr. Edward Richardson was yesterday officially presented with the title after he was selected from among nine entries.

"I was very shocked,'' he said yesterday. "I didn't even know my name had been sent in.'' The 47-year-old was presented with his award at the Bermuda Nurses' Week proclamation ceremony held on the steps of City Hall.

The week, running from May 3-9, was officially opened by Minister of Health and Social Services the Hon. Quinton Edness.

"Nurses are the largest group of health care providers in Bermuda,'' he said, "and have a positive impact on peoples' lives every day by nature of their keen judgment, compassion and clinical expertise.'' Mr. Richardson was born in St. Vincent and received his nursing education in England where he was trained as both a psychiatric and a general nurse.

He arrived in Bermuda in 1972 at which time he was employed at St. Brendan's Hospital in various capacities.

"Most (of my time was spent) in nursing administration,'' he said yesterday.

"The main focus of which was quality assurance and increased service education for staff.'' Mr. Richardson said he has served in his present post as director of Montrose Substance Abuse Centre for the past four and a half years.

During his time here, he said he has become very involved with the Nurses' Association and served on its executive committee. He has also served as a member of the Bermuda Nursing Council -- the legislative body responsible for establishing nursing policy.

Mr. Richardson said nurses are invited to nominate whom they believe would best be suited as Nurse of the Year.

"I understand there were nine entered and I was chosen,'' he said. "The winner is selected by a committee which looks at not only one's performance as a nurse, but in the community as a whole.

"My primary focus now is my involvement at the hospital and to communicate with the development of a drug strategy,'' he said. "If I have one objective, it's to try to encourage greater cohesiveness for nurses and help them become more actively involved in the community.'' Mr. Richardson, married with three children, said his family has been very supportive of the hours he has put toward his career.

"To me they deserve a lot of credit,'' he said. "I've taken a lot of time, sometimes after regular working hours. My children's constant cry is `Oh daddy, another meeting.' My wife has also been very supportive and their support has meant a lot to me.'' A number of events have been scheduled in coordination with Nurses' Week by the Bermuda Nurses' Association to which members of the public are invited to attend.

Between 12 noon-2 p.m. today, a blood pressure screening and health promotion will be held at the Bermuda Library, with miniature golf at Belmont Hotel from 4-10 p.m.

On Wednesday, a netball game will be held at Bernard Park at 5.30 p.m. and a basketball game will be held at Saltus Grammar School on Thursday.

A fashion show will be held at Oasis nightclub on Friday and a fun run/walk at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, a gala dance at 8 p.m. will culminate the week's events.

TO BE THE BEST -- Mr. Edward Richardson was yesterday named as the Nurse of the Year. Shown (right) he accepts a plaque from Chief Medical Officer Dr.

John Cann (centre) and is congratulated by Minister of Health and Social Services the Hon. Quinton Edness.