Nurses honored for excellence by Wayne Memorial Hospital
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on May 20, 2004 2:00 PM
Courage. Heart. Brains.
Nursing can be likened to the "Wizard of Oz," says Dr. Sylvia Brown, associate dean for graduate programs and a professor at East Carolina University. She spoke during the nurse excellence awards for Wayne Memorial Hospital on Wednesday night at Goldsboro Country Club.
"You have already demonstrated that you have a wonderful brain," she said. "All of you have survived nursing school.
"You have the heart, and courage gives you the conviction to take risks. You have found a home, and that home is the nursing profession."
Ten awards were presented to outstanding nurses this year. The field was narrowed from 72 nominations. The nominations came from co-workers, managers and physicians.
Debra Hernandez, vice president of patient services at this hospital, said that a few common themes mentioned in the nominations were dedication, compassion, knowledge, motivation, teamwork, friendship and leadership.
The following were recognized this year with a crystal award:
*Described as a patient advocate, Teresa Barnett, a registered nurse with 12 years experience, provides spiritual, emotional and physical care for every patient she touches, Ms. Hernandez said.
*Karen Daniels, RN, nurse manager with 24 years experience, is a charter member of the St. Mary Catholic Church parish nurse program. She was recognized as being an inspiration to others and a shining example of nursing excellence.
*Noted as being most conscientious and looking for ways to do her best for her patients was Linda Dean, an LPN on the sixth floor with 14 years experience.
*Brenda Garner, a registered nurse on the third floor, was said to exhibit standards of quality nursing care and professionalism that reflected a nurse with far more years of experience than the four she has.
*Debra Griffith is an RN in labor and delivery with two years of experience. One of her nominators observed that when negativity is shown, Ms. Griffith "is the first to quickly step in and encourage the good to be seen in the situation. ... She does not take her profession for granted."
*Kathy Johnson, a registered nurse, has 35 years of experience. She works with the WATCH program, where she is a friend to those often avoided, Ms. Hernandez said. "Many of our patients say they would not live without the care they received from her," she said.
*Kelly McKnight, a registered nurse in the emergency room, was praised for her skills and attitude. "She radiates confidence and assurance," Ms. Hernandez said. "She sets an excellent example for all of us, and she makes a difference in the quality of care our clients receive."
*Sherry Murvin, an RN in surgical services with six years of experience, was credited with creating ways to boost employee morale and setting positive attitudes in the workplace.
*Janice Rouse, an RN on the second floor with 25 years experience, has frequently been named as one who goes the extra mile or makes a patient's stay more comfortable, according to nominations received.
*Meredith Stancil, RN in PACU with eight years experience, was honored posthumously.
Ms. Hernandez said Ms. Stancil showed great concern for others and helped many battling cancer while she was doing the same. "She has encouraged us to look for the good in others, made us thankful for what we have and never take life for granted," she said.
Ms. Stancil, 32, lost her own battle to cancer in April.
Karen Southard, chairman of the nursing advisory committee, applauded the recipients, as well as others in the nursing profession.
"You came here to be honored for excellence in nursing," she said. "I hope that you will leave here knowing that the future of nursing is in your hands.
"You represent the best of the best. You are healers, friends, mentors, consolers and heroes. You are nurses; the future lies within you."