On Thursday, May 9th, Little Company of Mary Hospital (LCMH) recognized outstanding and dedicated nurses at Little Company of Mary’s 2019 Nurses Week Awards and Recognition Luncheon. This was part of a national celebration week to honor the nearly 3.1 million registered nurses in the United States that comprise our nation’s largest healthcare profession.
Four LCMH nurses and one care partner were specifically recognized for consistently going above and beyond in their compassionate care and duties. These recognitions include: Care Partner/Tech of the Year, Nurse Preceptor of the Year, Nurse Educator of the Year, Nurse Leader of the Year, and Nurse of the Year.
“We celebrate these individuals for their efforts in delivering compassionate care while encompassing the principles of ethical practice in the profession.” said Kathi Cavanaugh, RN, Interim CNO / Vice President of Patient Care Services at LCMH. “It is a celebration of the dedication and continuous improvement in safe and quality healthcare for our patients.”
Care Partner/Tech of the Year award was presented to Michael Badagliacco, Emergency Department. Michael’s nominator wrote the following: “He’s always there to work, he’s a team player and always stays over to help and makes sure everyone is ok before he leaves. There never is a moment where he is not working whether it is transporting a patient or helping out on a Code Blue, he is always there. He is always kind to every patient he comes across and greets everyone with a smile. Michael is the most responsible Tech, he can show you where everything is and he never minds helping anyone with whatever they need.”
Nurse Preceptor of the Year Award was presented to Jean Dykas, RN, Endoscopy. Jean’s nominator described her contribution as the following: “Jean is always kind and comforting to both her patients and coworkers. She is respectful and always maintains her composure- even on the busiest of days. Jean is always willing to cover extra shifts when the unit is short-staffed and changes her scheduled day off when the unit demands change. She does a great job moving the schedule along efficiently, leading safety huddle, managing add-on cases, and ensuring the appropriate number of staff are in place to complete the cases for the day.”
Nurse Educator of the Year was presented to Karen Marino, RN, 4 West/Ortho Educator. Karen received three nominations. Her nominators described her as the following: “I so enjoy watching Karen bring excitement for safe patient handling and the importance not to just be the safety factor but the compassion. Karen brings such a teaching tool to the classes and units of the importance safety equipment, being mechanical or a simple slide sheet…..Karen keeps the unit informed of new updates on procedures with the care of our patients. She has been the driving force behind our Falls Committee. She speaks with ortho patients keeping them comfortable and informing them on what is happening. She ensures that all ortho RN/CPs have received individual training for our ortho patients… Karen has been the leader on safety, keeping our patients safe from serious injuries that can occur from falling. Karen was a principle speaker for our bed alarms and helped us decide which bed would be best for LCMH. She is a strong thinker and holds herself to the highest standard. I am blessed to work with her.”
Nurse Leader of the Year was presented to Nancy Olsen, RN, APRN, Wound Care/Hyperbaric Therapy, Outpatient Diabetes Center and Heart Failure Clinic. Nancy’s nominator wrote the following: “Nancy interacts well with physicians, staff, and patients daily. Patients feel at ease when working with her. She puts the needs of the patient first. She routinely contacts physicians when a patient needs urgent care; like surgery.”
Nurse of the Year was presented Theresa Hughes, RN, Special Care Unit. Theresa’s nominator describes her as: “Theresa demonstrates professionalism by providing high quality care, advocacy, and by communicating clearly to patients and staff. She is consistently responsible and respectful and always takes the time to help others. Theresa’s quality of work is due to her demonstrating mindfulness and diligence on a daily basis. She provides nursing care based upon experience and current research. Theresa has a big heart and is empathetic. She goes above and beyond for her patients and staff.”
Venerable Mary Potter, founder of the Little Company of Mary Sisters, once said: “We all work, but again, it must be repeated, it is the spirit in which we work for which we will be rewarded.” These five individuals are exemplary of the mission of Venerable Mary Potter and the Little Company of Mary Sisters – to provide compassionate care to the sick and dying.
National Nurses Week coincides each year with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. The American Nurses Association (ANA) set these as permanent dates to position Nurses Week as a nationwide event. Throughout National Nurses Week 2018, LCMH also hosted a Nursing Breakfast and a Mass of Thanksgiving, in addition to other celebrations held to honor our amazing nursing staff.