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November 16, 2007 Volume 16 No. 15
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Skill and compassion in abundance. The family of a former patient established the Friends of Nursing program in 1988 as a way of thanking nurses for the excellent care they provide. Over the years, that gift has been multiplied by donations from many other grateful individuals and corporations. The program has supported the careers and professional development of more than 1,000 nurses. The 2007 awardees will be honored at the 19th annual Friends of Nursing Gala on Nov. 17. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 educational stipend, a trophy and a gold pin. “These awards are one of the greatest honors our nurses can receive,” said Mary Ann Fuchs, chief nursing and patient care services officer for Duke University Hospital and Duke University Health System. Here are this year’s award winners and a sampling of the praise from those who nominated them:
Janet Apter, MSN, RN Janet is a leader in her current position as an advanced practice nurse, on unit and hospital wide committees, and as a clinical expert. I have worked with her for over 18 years and I have seen her in many roles, all of which she has had the respect of others for her clinical and leadership abilities. Whatever position she is in, Janet quickly rises to the top through hard work, fairness, and an ability to maintain her focus on our mission here at Duke. -- A colleague
Pat Bixby, RN, CCRP Pat’s patients are devoted to her, and this is because she listens and is available to them to help with side effect management. Pat thinks about the larger goals and needs of our patients. Pat is someone who embodies the truest spirit of nursing care and has used her skills to provide wonderful patient care to research patients while building one of the leading clinical research groups in the country! -- A colleague
Minnie Blackwell, ADN, RN, CNIII Minnie provides exceptional patient care delivered in a compassionate manner. She is respected by her colleagues and the medical staff. Minnie has played a significant role in the successful implementation of the ultrafiltration program on 7300. She is a recognized champion of this therapy. Minnie is truly an excellent example of a staff nurse researcher. -- A colleague
Jolene Brewer, LPN Jolene is always professional, yet has a warm, caring way about her. She strives to make each patient in the treatment room as comfortable as possible. The patient’s comfort is her first priority. Jolene can always sense when I am tense and does her best to relax me. It is always calming to see her smiling face. -- A patient
Kathy Brink, BSN, RN Kathy Brink has touched me and my husband’s lives deeply and in his memory I would like to nominate her for an Excellence in Nursing Award. Kathy excels in every category â€" caregiver, patient advocate, educator, counselor and friend. She is a true professional. -- A family member
Anne Browning, RN Anne Browning is one of our brightest stars for the future of nursing! She has a smile and a can-do attitude everyday. She is the consummate professional. Ann focuses on each patient/family member as a person. The care and teaching she gives is geared toward their needs. She frequently receives compliments from patients and family members for the quality of care and compassion she has shown them. -- A colleague
Joan Cahill, RN, OCN, RSCN Joan is a strong and forceful nurse with a heart of gold who would do nearly anything to help a patient live a better life. Many patients speak very highly of Joan. She provides clarity in summarizing the status of the patient and the best approach to address problems -- even with her Irish accent! -- A physicianí¸€
Karen Dukelow, RN, OCN Karen Dukelow is the nurse that I always turn to when I need assistance. She makes things happen. When she speaks, others listen. She is the most compassionate person I have ever met. Whenever I talk to civic organizations and schools about my experiences with cancer, Karen Dukelow is always a main stay of conversation. Thanks Karen Dukelow! -- A patient
Debra A. Farrell, RN, CLNC Debra is the best nurse that I have ever worked with. When she is working, everyone feels better because they know that she will know what to do and who to get involved. Debra can take care of any patient that is admitted to 3200, and they will get the best care possible. She is a leader on our unit. I want her to take care of me if I ever have heart surgery! -- A colleague
Jane Fellows, MSN, RN, CNS, CWOCN Jane is a wonderful mentor to staff nurses, residents, interns, and other members of her team. Jane makes sure each patient has a clear understanding of their surgery, is well marked to best suit the individual, and recovery is enhanced by her attention to each person. This is Jane’s pleasure and her patients are truly grateful. -- A colleague
Elizabeth Fogleman, RN Libby is a preceptor on the unit and as senior staff she serves as a role model for younger staff. She gives sound advice on those tough situations and conversations. Patients and staff find Libby a pleasure to work with. She has an exceptional ability to provide a little joy and happiness for everyone she meets. I cannot say how important she has been to all of us and to all of her patients. -- A colleague
Ann Lynette Frazier, BSN, RN A young end-stage Liver Disease patient passed away during Ann’s shift and his wife was inconsolable. Ann comforted her with tenderness and understanding. Several hours passed before this patient’s wife was ready to separate from his bedside. Ann was attentive and caring the entire time. She never ignored or hurried her. Now that’s what nursing is all about. -- A colleague
Noreen Halley, RN Noreen made such an impact on our family. Her caring spirit, her sweet, soft voice was so reassuring that whatever she was telling you, made you feel good. She has continued to follow my son through his recovery phase by coming in early to visit while he was on the step-down unit and coming to the rehab center to visit on her days off. Noreen’s continued contact with our family has allowed her to see what those long, tiring nights in the ICU produced and she gets to see the rewards. -- A family member
Brittany Kristal Hill, RN Brittany’s leadership skills have shown through from the time she first started working on the Rehabilitation Unit as a GEMs nurse. She quickly accomplishes any task that she is given and she has taught others with the skill and patience of a nurse with far greater years of experience. She is now a CNII and is consistently adding to her contributions in ways that will make her a clear candidate for CNIII. -- A colleague
Jeanette Lachine Jansen, MSN, RN Jeanette has consistently interacted with members of healthcare teams from every level. She values every individual’s contribution to patient care and treats people with respect. She is competent, non- judgmental, approachable and willing to listen. Jeanette has been supportive and willing to answer questions, quick to praise for a job well done and provides constructive criticism in a manner that supports the learner. -- Colleagues
Jean Klingenberger, MBA/MHA, RN Jean has excellent assessment skills and routinely is proactive in presenting decompensation of a patient’s condition rather than being reactive to the situation. She is trusted to take care of the patients with the most complex problems and makes it look easy. To her it’s all in a day’s work! -- A colleague
Carolina M. Kroninger, RN, CNIV It has been a long unexpected road for us as our son continues to battle many viruses since his transplant. It is special people like Carolina who get to know the family and the patient and treats everyone like the special people they are. Her kindness and sympathy is genuine, her words of support are cherished. It has been an honor to get to know her. -- A family member
Paula H. Lee, BSN, RN, CNIII When a patient enters the ICU, Paula courteously explains the procedures to both the patient and the family members and lets them know what to expect over the next several days. She listens to their concerns and addresses all their needs. Besides being a great nurse, she is a great person and role model. They don’t get any better than Paula! -- A colleague
Nicole Martin, BSN, RN, CNIV If I were a patient, I would be honored if Nicole was my nurse. She is thorough in her care. First and foremost she considers herself a critical care nurse -- there to care for her patients. Nicole will go out of her way to see to their comfort. She is a nurse’s nurse, able to teach other nurses to deliver excellent patient care. She is truly one of my role models. -- A colleague
Paula McKinzie, MSN, RN, ANP-C Paula is our Patient Resource Manager and although she does have direct patient care, she interacts with patients, families, and the healthcare team on a daily basis. She is an advocate for patients and families during rounds while decisions are being made. She goes the extra mile to contact and include the family in conferences. Paula talks to patients and families and makes them feel important and valued in the health care process. -- A colleague
Barbara McLurkin, MSN, RN, CPNP Barbara is a consummate nurse, a potent combination of intelligence, clinical skill, compassion and determination that advances the care of our pediatric Cystic Fibrosis population. She is an asset to the institution and should be lauded for her efforts! -- A physician
Tanya Moore, BSN, RN Tanya is a nurse full of compassion. She focuses on total family care in the birthing center. She negotiates with the medical team to design a plan of care to meet the patient and family needs in a high-risk population. Tanya works in the community counseling on teenage pregnancy and also specializes in grief counseling. I have seen her cry and hold hands with a family over infant loss. Tanya is the epitome of women’s health care nursing! -- A colleague
Gwen W. Newton, BSN, RN, CNIV Gwen is an outstanding nurse who delivers excellent patient care. Some patient comments include: She was magnificent; she was extremely cheerful and friendly; she was great to both the patient and our waiting family; she is wonderful and very passionate about her job. Gwen is constantly striving to improve care for our patients and families. -- A colleague
Maureen Pace, BSN, RN, CNIII, CGRN Maureen is our unit preceptor. She identifies opportunities for learning that not only ensure the success of the orientee but improvement for all staff as well. Maureen was instrumental in revising all of our unit policies. Education is Maureen’s strength. She is very enthusiastic in everything she does. She has a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and is a great team player. -- A colleague
Joan D. Paramore, BSN, MS, RN It is important that nurses in case management roles be recognized when they are providing excellent patient care within the scope of their responsibility of care management and discharge planning, that can be complicated by regulations, limited resources, family dynamics, insurance limitations and more. This nurse does that every day! -- A colleague
Maryann Petrosky, BSN, RN Maryann displays a genuine concern for others. She provides reward and recognition for employee professional achievements and contributions to teamwork and customer satisfaction. In collaboration with her employees, Maryann has developed a unit level recognition program to ensure that staff are recognized for their contributions to quality care. Maryann is a strong advocate for patients, employees and the organization. A colleague
Joseph A. Rybicki, MSN, RN, CRNA Joe has developed and continues to lead the team responsible for the delivery of nurse anesthesia care in the Electrophysiology laboratory. He lobbied for, and brought about, teamwork that aims to deliver efficient and safe anesthetic care. Throughout the process, Joe has been a constant advocate for the patient, supporting and implementing initiatives to reduce anesthetic exposure, pressure ulcers and patient dissatisfaction with the services provided. -- A physician
Sara Sanders, RN Sarah communicated with my mother in a very compassionate way, and was very kind in keeping the family posted of current happenings with my mother’s condition. Sadly, my mother passed away. Sara came to visit our family on her own time after my mother’s passing. She is truly a wonderful nurse. -- A family member
Carol D. Smart, RN, OCN Carol has excellent clinical skills. She has foresight in understanding that involving the patient’s family will lead to improved patient compliance and outcomes. Carol has influenced the entire team by challenging us all to become certified as OCN’s. She collaborates with the entire team to achieve the best outcome for the patients. -- A colleague
Deborah D. Smith, BSN, RN Deborah showed us that, even though our nurses float to many units and may only work with a patient for one shift before moving on to another area, they can make a huge impact not only on the patients but their families as well. -- A colleague
Carol Weiner-Bissell, BSN, RN, CHPN Carol brings a refreshing and innovated balance to hospice nursing: skilled hands balanced with a caring heart, the compassion of shed tears balanced with a contagious laugh, the skills of a teacher balanced with the eagerness of a student and the confidence of a leader balanced with the humility of a team member. -- A colleague |
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