Professor Villis Marshall (right), Sub Prior, the Order of St John Ambulance Australia, greets and congratulates Paulette Daley, who was awarded for her training in home nursing during a ceremony to present certificates to 87 graduates of various St John training courses at its headquarters in Kingston yesterday. Looking on is Victor Rhone, chairman of the council. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Photographer

RACKELL WILSON, the Portland nurse whose enrolled-assistant licence was suspended by the Nursing Council of Jamaica, has been shortlisted for a Prime Minister's Youth Award.

Wilson is nominated alongside Ryan Small, Sean Hylton and Oneil Clarke in the Youth In Service category. The award will be presented on December 6 at Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

It is the second time since 2007 that the Dam of Stanton, Portland, resident is being considered for the award.

"I would not be disappointed if I don't win but I am certainly excited that I am being considered," she told The Gleaner.

Wilson was placed on the national radar last year after her home community hailed her for being a heroine following a tragic crash there.

Rescue mission

Last December, a truck transporting people to market overturned into a ravine, killing 14. Wilson, who was two months pregnant, was among the residents who braved the steep, wet hillside that dark night to perform a rescue mission.

However, the Nursing Council said Wilson went too far when she administered an injection to a man whose leg was trapped under the overturned truck. She had given him a shot of Voltaren, which she said was prescribed for her. Wilson has been suspended for six months.

The nursing code prohibits enrolled assistant nurses from administering injections. The Nurses and Midwife Act states that enrolled assistant nurses must practise under the supervision of a registered nurse or a registered medical practitioner.

Meanwhile, if Wilson walks off with the Prime Minister's award, it would be her second time being recognised for her role in the Portland rescue. Earlier this year, the Kiwanis Club of Portland honoured her for voluntary and humanitarian service.

Badge of honour nominee

However, such acknowledgement was not repeated during the National Honours and Awards ceremony, held on National Heroes Day this year. Wilson was nominated for the badge of honour for gallantry but the award was not approved by the national awards committee.

Another medical practitioner, Dr Warren Jengelley, the doctor who arrived on the scene after Wilson and other rescue workers, was conferred with a Badge of Honour for gallantry.

Wilson has served as president of the Port Antonio Police Youth Club and secretary for the Portland Youth Council. Yesterday, she told The Gleaner that despite the suspension, she was confident the dark clouds would soon disappear.

"I have committed my life to service, to my community and I don't plan to stop," Wilson told The Gleaner.

daraine.luton@gleanerjm.com