Announcing the 2019 Nurses Week Award Winners
Author
South Shore Health
Each year during National Nurses Week, we pause to celebrate the critical importance of South Shore Health's nurses. One of our favorite traditions is our annual Nursing Awards. It's an honor to read nominations for the dozens of nurses who were nominated by their peers to receive awards for their exceptional service to our patients and their families.
Below are the recipients of South Shore Health's 2019 Nursing Awards. Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all of our nurses for all they do, every single day.
Hall of Fame Award
Maura Kennedy, RN, Home Care Division
Presented to a nurse who has a lifelong dedication to nursing with the ability to be a visionary to adapt the practice in nursing to meet the changes in healthcare.
Innovation/Continuous Improvement Award
Naomi Pollara, RN, Critical Care Unit
Presented to a nurse who has an “eye” for continuous improvement in healthcare, is critical to better patient outcomes and the overall development of total quality management as we move toward a zero defect free culture. This award is given to a nurse that meets these challenges of continuous improvement in his/her own practice on a daily basis to not accept the status quo.
Transformational Leader of the Year
Mary Tenney, RN, Nurse Manager, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Presented to a nurse who exemplifies the South Shore Health mission and the elements of a Magnet culture by consistently demonstrating transformational leadership qualities.
Patient and Family Centered Care Award
Tracy Baker, RN, Home Care Division
Presented to a nurse who consistently supports patients and families in achieving positive healthcare outcomes. Consistently reflects the high standards of the ASPECTS of patient and family centered care. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team to include patients and families in all aspects of their care. Promotes principles of patient and family care to other healthcare team members. Supports colleagues to create more time for the caregiver at the patient’s bedside. Participates collaboratively in the mentoring and education of patients and families, nurses, and members of the healthcare team.
Community/Population Service Award
Kristen Esson, LPN, NCPRSS, South Shore Medical Center
Presented to a nurse who has made significant professional or voluntary contribution community-based settings, community outreach efforts or serving specialized populations in disadvantaged areas. This nurse has transferred knowledge in a manner that promotes dialogue, open communication and interdisciplinary relationships within the community setting.
Exemplary Professional Practice Award
Kerry Weiss, RN, Two Pond Park
Presented to a nurse who demonstrates exemplary clinical practice. This nurse utilizes innovative and creative approaches to achieve quality outcomes. Consistently provides compassionate and professional nursing care to patients and families. Advocates for patients and families in all activities. Demonstrates skilled communication with patients, families and the interdisciplinary team. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team. Actively participates in professional practice activities. Demonstrates professionalism in all activities throughout South Shore Health and in the community. Actively participates in mentoring staff. Continues to advance own professional development.
Rising Star of the Year Award
Laura Zuzevich, RN, Emerson 3
Presented to a nurse who is new to his/her role who demonstrates commitment to the nursing profession though commendable daily performance. This nurse exceeds the expectation of a novice in their position and possesses an inner drive to succeed.
Sue Tobin Award
Caitlin Oliva, RN, Critical Care Unit
Presented to a nurse who demonstrates expertise in nursing practice and actively promotes the mission, vision and goals of evidence-based nursing with his/her colleagues and within the organization. This nurse serves as a resource for staff. He/she is a valued colleague for the respectable working relationship he/she fosters. Meaningfully contributes to patient care by continued focus on optimal patient/family outcomes.
Outstanding Contributor Award (Nursing Support)
Karen Laffey, Care Progression
Presented to a colleague who support nurses, such as Nursing Assistants and Medical Assistants, and is an integral and important part of the healthcare team. This award is given to a colleague who delivers exceptional patient care, and routinely goes “above and beyond” in providing consistent support to the nursing services. With patient safety as a priority, this colleague regularly exhibits a positive attitude, promotes teamwork among staff and creates caring connections with patients. The winner of this award displays leadership qualities, a remarkable work ethic, constant professionalism and an endless commitment to the quality of his/her patients.
Commitment to Excellence Award (Nursing Support)
Dorrie Berry, Pain Clinic
Presented to a colleague who delivers outstanding customer service and is dedicated to supporting every day nursing excellence, such as Unit Coordinator/Administrative Assistant/ Team or Patient Coordinators/ Schedulers. The winner of this award is a “go-getter” and challenges themselves by asking the “whys.” This person utilizes their knowledge to make improvements and shows a consistent positive attitude and professional demeanor. They are often the first person patients and families come in contact with when arriving to or contacting the department.
Author
South Shore Health
