This month, Women & Infants Hospital, a Care New England hospital, presented their annual nursing excellence awards at a ceremony held at the hospital. Nurses from across the organization were honored for their impact on patient care.
Below is a list of honorees.
Meghan Bertrand, RN, of Danielson, CT, a nurse on the Mother/Baby Unit, received the Home Loan Unsung Hero Award in recognition of her action in caring for a patient with opioid dependency. Her nomination read, “Meghan stands out for her innate ability to effectively communicate and compassionately care for even the most distraught women as they struggle with being separated from their newborns. Meg once again willingly stepped up to take onto her assignment a mother due to be discharged that evening to a hotel room without her infant. As discharge approached the mother grew increasingly upset and vocal….Meghan expertly de-escalated her and advocated to have her transferred to an inpatient psychiatric facility…Days later, the patient called the nursery not only checking on her infant’s progress but also expressing heartfelt thanks to Meghan for saving her life that night.”
Judy Gonzalez, CNA, of Providence, a certified nursing assistant on the Antenatal Care Unit, received the Nurses’ Choice Award in recognition of her support for patients, particularly those who are Spanish speaking. Her nomination read, “One of the best examples of her incredibly caring personality is the time she was ready to end her shift and noticed a patient who was heading to the labor room alone, without a support person. She only spoke Spanish. Judy decided she could not let the woman experience the birth alone so she went with her to the labor room and stayed with her the entire time while also communicating everything that was happening. Judy did not hesitate; she did not give it a second thought; she just went. Judy is the perfect example of what Women & Infants represents.”
Deborah Schoenfelder, MSN, RN, CNL, of Riverside, a professional practice specialist in the Department of Clinical Practice and Professional Development, received the Mary Dowd Struck Award in recognition of dedication, collaboration, and professional collegiality. Deborah has a unique ability to connect with and engage staff. Her nomination read, “If I had to identify a true leader in women’s health I would say it is Deborah. She is often sought out for her insight and expertise. She has a gift in her approach; often helping staff recognize that they have the answers already and when they don’t, working with them to find the answers together. She is a nurse and educator that fosters the best in those she interacts with.”
Julie Spirito, RN, of Cranston, nurse director of the Antenatal Care Unit (ACU), received the Carol Opiekun Scholarship Award. In recommending her for this award, a colleague wrote, “Julie continually emphasizes the importance of respect, transparency, and collegiality among all team members, which include a full care team spectrum of CNAs, RNs, clinical nurse midwives, physicians in various levels of practice, and senior leaders. Julie is a hands-on leader who focuses on the importance of continual clinical education among her team members.”
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