As part of Nursing Week for 2023, Munson Medical Center’s Shared Governance leaders presented eight nursing awards to honor members of hospital nursing team who exemplify the nursing profession in the eyes of their peers. There were 232 nominations by members of the nursing staff.
Chief Nursing Officer Tami Putney, RN, presented the awards Tuesday in a special outdoor ceremony in the Building 29 parking lot. Members of a St. Francis High School jazz band provided musical entertainment and sweet treats were available from an ice cream vendor. The awards were as follows:
Nursing Provider Award – This category honors the hospital nurse practitioner who leads by ensuring a healthy work environment and teamwork as well as demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and contributes to clinical operations, and patient care outcomes. This person also fosters high standards of nursing, and professional practice. The winner was Cheryl Vorpagel, NNP, NICU.
Spirit of Nursing Award – This award honors the hospital nurse who demonstrates outstanding service as an individual professional nurse, making significant contributions to the community, a local or global health initiative, or the profession of nursing. The winner was Lehna Smallwood, RN, A3.
The Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award – This award honors the nurse who demonstrates outstanding involvement in the provision of the art and science of nursing and is an outstanding asset to the nursing profession, the community, and the organization. This person is recognized by peers, as evidenced by strength of character, commitment to the profession of nursing, and clinical competence. The winner was Emma Bar, RN, Emergency Department.
The Rising Star Novice Nurse Award – This award honors the nurse who has practiced for less than three years and is someone who contributes to a healthy work environment, teamwork, improving healthcare services, and also fosters high standards of nursing while promoting the professional development of self and other nurses. The winner is Sophia Sartorelli, RN, A4.
The Wisdom Keeper Expert Nurse Award – This award honors the nurse who demonstrates outstanding, distinguished lifelong contributions to the field of nursing, practicing for 10 years or more. This nurse contributes to a healthy work environment, teamwork, improving healthcare services, fostering high standards of nursing, and promoting the professional development of self and others. The winner is Melissa Mannion, RN, Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
The Engaged Leader Award – This award honors the nurse manager who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and contributes to department culture, teamwork, and professional practice. He or she also contributes to a healthy work environment, improving healthcare services, fostering high standards of nursing, and promoting the professional development of self and others. The winner is Shannon Trailer, RN, A4 manager.
Outstanding Patient Care Coordinator Award – This award honors the nursing patient care coordinator who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and contributes to a healthy work environment, teamwork, improving clinical operations, focused on patient care outcomes, professional practice, and professional development. The winner is Sara Franklin, RN, ICU.
Nursing Practice and Education Award – This award honors the clinical nurse specialist who contributes to professional practice and professional development of the healthcare team as well as fosters teamwork and high standards of nursing, focusing on clinical operations and patient care outcomes. The winner is Val Pfander, CNS, Surgical Services.