Beebe Healthcare holds nursing awards celebration
Beebe Healthcare’s Nurses Celebrating Nurses Committee presented the 2019 Nursing Excellence Awards during National Nurses Week at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach. This year, there were 39 nominees in seven award categories. The evening’s main guest speaker was Sally Cohen, a grateful patient.
“Nurses impact patients throughout the entire continuum of care,” said Rick Schaffner, RN, interim CEO, executive vice president and COO of Beebe Healthcare. “We are proud to celebrate all of our nurses as they deliver the highest level of quality and patient experience to the people we are privileged to serve.”
Ann Sebastian and members of the Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach recognized the 2018 VIA Scholarship recipient, Patricia Rowley.
Three of the 2018-19 DAISY award recipients were also highlighted during the ceremony: Brooke Talbot, Anne Villalobos and Liz Wilson.
A new award was added to this year’s ceremony, presented by Beebe Medical Foundation. The new Nursing Philanthropy Award was presented to Karen Pickard, MSN, RN, CNE, Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing program administrator. The award, which will be presented each year, is given to a nurse whose career and service to the community embodies several or all of the following criteria.
Nominees have been recognized by grateful patients through the Celebrate Excellent Care program, attend or volunteer at Beebe Medical Foundation events, or have organized a fundraising event benefitting the Beebe Medical Foundation, and are active donors, Giving Hands Society members, or 1916 Club members who are willing to speak with donors about philanthropy.
“Without our nurses, we would not be able to provide the high level of care that we do every day for our community,” said Steve Rhone, RN, BSN, MS, NE-BC, vice president and chief nursing officer for Beebe Healthcare. “Our nurses take great pride in making our healthcare system outstanding. This day every year is special because we are able to recognize their efforts.”
The event was made possible by the generosity of Rusty Rudder owner Alex Pires and the staff who ensured a memorable evening, said Laura Smith of the Nurses Celebrating Nurses Committee.
“To be nominated means someone took the time to recognize the nursing excellence found at Beebe Healthcare,” said Smith. “During the eighth annual Nursing Excellence Awards, 39 nurses were nominated. Even though this only honors 3 percent of our nurses and nursing assistants, Beebe appreciates all the care our colleagues provide on a daily basis. It is always special to honor the nominees and winners, especially with great weather at a great venue.”
The awards and this year’s recipients are: Bonnie Austin Nursing Leadership, Charlotte Buoni; Connie Bushey Nursing Scholarship, Morgan Mast; Eleanor Cordey Nursing Excellence, Jillian Abbott; Holly Rader Advanced Practice Nursing Excellence, Kim Travis; Professional Mentor Nursing Excellence, Janie Wells; Graduate Nurse Excellence, Amanda Heath; Certified Nursing Assistant Excellence, Gina Knapp; and Beebe Medical Foundation Nurse Philanthropy, Karen Pickard.
