As a Registered Nurse on the Neuro Unit at The Moncton Hospital, Trevor Brathwaite knows that providing exceptional nursing care goes beyond treating a patient’s medical needs. It means caring for the person behind the patient, with empathy, compassion and genuine concern for their well-being.
It is an approach to nursing that was inspired by someone very close to him—his mother.
Trevor has been part of The Moncton Hospital team for more than three years, but his connection to nursing began much earlier while growing up in Barbados, where he watched his mother dedicate her career to caring for others.
“Witnessing my mom’s dedication as a nurse to seeing the best for her clients and patients inspired me to become even better,” Trevor shared.
Today, that same commitment shapes the way Trevor approaches his own patients.
“Compassionate care is the foundation of nursing care. It’s delivering care not as a task, but from a position of empathy and having a genuine concern for the betterment of the patient.”
One moment in Trevor’s nursing career that continues to hold special meaning was receiving the Eunice Gibson Award for Nursing in Barbados, recognition that celebrated his years of service and contributions to health care.
“The honour was celebrated with family, colleagues and friends at home, and the Barbados Nursing Association saw my value as a nurse and highlighted my efforts for the nation and region to see,” Trevor recalled. “It made me even more aware of the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders with this noble profession.”
That sense of responsibility makes being recognized by a patient or family especially meaningful.
When Trevor learned that someone had donated and nominated him as a Hospital Hero, he was deeply honoured.
“Being recognized for what you have done gives you a special feeling. It’s not only the fact that you are recognized, but that someone took the time and effort to write and acknowledge how grateful they are for what you have done. That speaks volumes.”
Through the Hospital Hero program, patients and families can donate in honour of a employee who made a difference in their care. These gifts not only recognize the compassion and dedication of hospital employees, but also help fund important equipment and technology that supports patient care at The Moncton Hospital.
For Trevor, that donor support complements the care nurses and other health care professionals provide every day.
“I believe that we give our best as nurses genuinely; it is engraved in our code of ethics. Donor support, however, gives what we can’t at the bedside. It provides additional resources to help us provide efficient and effective care. The department and patients benefit from these donations every day.”
Above all, Trevor wants the person who nominated him to know just how much their gesture means, not only to him, but to the profession he is so proud to represent.
“I want to say thank you. These gestures mean so much to any nurse. We are often seen as the help, but when we are recognized as a HERO, this raises the bar and positions us in a place of value—not just perceived as a sidekick, but solidifying our autonomous role as a health care provider. Thank you so much for recognizing me and our valued profession: nursing.”
Another special moment emerged for Trevor on the day he received his Hospital Hero Award. His son Azaria Brown, PCA2 on the 4600 unit, also received a Hospital Hero Award.
It is clear that Trevor has passed down the lessons he learned from his mother about compassionate health care to his son. He was very proud to share this special moment with Azaria.
