Wayne Memorial recognizes local hospital's best nurses
By Laura Collins
Published in News on November 8, 2009 1:50 AM
Wayne Memorial Hospital celebrated its nurses recently at the Excellence in Nursing Awards.
There were 58 nurse, nursing assistant, surgical and OB tech nominees in several categories: MT/NA/Surg and OB Tech, nurses in leadership and bedside/staff positions.
The employees were nominated by their coworkers, supervisors and staff outside of nursing.
"Each one of those 58 had a nomination of a coworker, a manager or maybe even visitors or patients. They fill out a form and they share their own story about why that person is deserving of recognition," said Amy Cain, director of public relations.
External judges scored entries based on integrity, honesty, accountability, character, enthusiasm, caring, compassion and competency that promotes the nursing profession.
Of the 58 nominees, the eight winners were: Jana Blackman, RN; Becky Byrd, RN; Felecia Davis, NA; Lena Jones, RN; Pamela Lewis, RN; Janette Smith, MT/NA; Donna Wimberly, RN; and Karen Yarbrough, RN.
Ms. Blackman has been at Wayne Memorial Hospital for 26 years. On her nomination form, it said she promotes "a sense of partnership in the organization," among other things.
Ms. Byrd is a 33-year employee at the hospital and she was nominated for using "creative techniques in teaching," and "providing outstanding organization for their experience."
Ms. Davis has worked at the hospital for a little more than six years and was nominated for being "routinely mentioned on (the) patient satisfaction survey," and for being very involved in employee drives for United Way and Relay for Life.
Ms. Jones has 37 years at the hospital and was nominated for demonstrating "integrity, honesty, accountability," and for leading and guiding the staff through "role modeling and suggestions and encourages them to continue education to promote growth and advancement."
Ms. Lewis has been at Wayne Memorial for four years and was nominated for her "commitment to the nursing profession and the positive influence that she has in the community."
Ms. Smith has been at the hospital for three years and was nominated for "promoting teamwork and contributing to positive patient outcomes by going the extra mile to ensure her patient's needs are addressed."
Ms. Wimberly also has three years at the hospital and was nominated for making "a tremendous difference to overall outcomes in the practice setting."
Ms. Yarbrough has been at the hospital for more than eight years and was nominated for being "outstanding due to her commitment and professionalism that she displays in encouraging others, communicating effectively and providing leadership."
Ms. Cain said the annual awards are a good way to spend time recognizing the nurses.
"There are a lot of reasons we do it, but mainly, to be able to recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the hospital," she said.
One of the winners, Ms. Blackman, director of health promotion, does community outreach programs, supervises the school nurse program and occupational health nurses, among other duties. One of her former school nurses nominated her.
Ms. Blackman said she had a variety of emotions when she found out she won.
"I was really surprised. I knew we had 58 nominees and really, really tough competition," she said. "I was shocked and surprised and happy."
"I want to continue doing what I'm doing and be an asset to the community," she said. "I really love my job and I feel really fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I do and that I enjoy it."