Baptist Health South Florida
NursingExcellence
Pride in Professional Practice
Summer 2013
Commitment to Excellence
A History of Caring
Florence Nightingale
May 12, 1820August 13, 1910
In this issue:
9 Mentorship in Action
10 Paying It Forward
11 Spotlight on Nurses Week
Nursing Excellence
Our Commitment Continues
Message from Corporate Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
Deborah S. Mulvihill, R.N.
N
ursing is an art and a
science, a profession and a
calling. Nurses are clinicians,
educators, researchers and
counselors. Nurses are the heart and
soul of healthcare.
We alleviate unnecessary pain and
suffering, give people health and hope
and ensure that self-respect and dignity
are not compromised. During some of
the most vulnerable times in people’s
lives, such as being hospitalized,
moving to a nursing home, giving
birth or learning to manage a chronic
condition at home, nurses are the
healthcare providers with whom
patients spend the most time and depend
on for their recovery.
As nursing has evolved over the
years, so has the definition of nursing
excellence. Most would agree that
nursing excellence begins with
providing high-quality, compassionate,
patient- and family-centered care.
However, achieving excellence in nursing is a continuing journey. Never has
our role been as vital as it is today –– as
a nursing shortage converges with an
aging population in an era of high-tech
medical breakthroughs. Our role will
continue to expand.
On this nursing excellence journey,
a commitment to lifelong learning and
networking is paramount to the continuing promotion of excellence. In turn,
nurses must support, guide and mentor
other nurses to succeed.
In this issue of Nursing Excellence,
Baptist Health’s chief nursing officers
reveal what inspired them to choose a
nursing career, while others reveal
what drives them today. I am confident
that their wisdom and advice will
inspire you to continue striving for
nursing excellence.
You’ll also read about Baptist
Health’s award-winning nurses who
demonstrate outstanding clinical and
From left, Deborah Mulvihill, R.N., Richard P. Cole and Baptist Health President and CEO
Brian E. Keeley. Mr. Cole’s generous donation ensures that his father’s legacy continues.
2 I NursingExcellence
Deborah S. Mulvihill, R.N.
teaching skills, and serve as role models
to their peers. Recipients of the DAISY
Award exemplify nursing excellence.
They give selflessly to those who need
our knowledge, skills, caring and
compassion. Patient-care initiatives
and nursing mentorship programs in
place throughout Baptist Health are
wonderful examples of nursing
excellence in action.
What better way to celebrate
nursing excellence than to highlight
Nurses Week, as well as the Robert B.
Cole Distinguished Nursing Lecture
Series. This year marked the 20th
anniversary of the event, made possible
by the endowment created by the late
Robert B. Cole in 1993. This beloved
nursing affair recognizes and honors
Baptist Health nurses for their extraordinary work. During this year’s
celebration, Richard P. Cole continued
to honor his father’s legacy by pledging
a $200,000 donation to ensure the
future of the lecture series.
Nursing excellence is a core value
and longstanding tradition at Baptist
Health, reflected in our leading patient
satisfaction scores and top performance
in national quality measures. Our
success is inextricably tied to our
outstanding nursing workforce ––
committed to patient care, safety and
quality outcomes.
As we look to the future to “lead
change and advance health,” we must
never forget our deeply rooted mission
of caring for people.
Baptist Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Becky Montesino-King, DNP
W
hat is the definition of
nursing excellence?
Excellence in nursing
practice is loosely
defined as the achievement of quality
patient outcomes that are better than
good and consistently surpass ordinary
standards of performance. Three key
individual nursing practices drive the
success of organizations known for
nursing excellence, such as those
recognized by Magnet designation.
The first practice, put simply, is
“do the right thing.” Nurses make many
important decisions during their workday. Doing the right thing may take
more time, but has countless rewards.
We all know that shortcuts lead to their
own set of problems, and may sometimes create unsafe conditions. Nurses
who are known for excellence in nursing
practice choose to do the right thing
and expect the same of others.
Another practice that delivers
excellence in nursing practice is “do the
best thing.” As nurses practicing in a
high-tech, scientific world, we need to
understand why we do things to determine if our actions are in the patient’s
best interest. I am always surprised when
a nurse refuses to adapt to a new,
evidence-based action and simply states:
“It isn’t how I was taught.” Nurses must
Becky Montesino-King, DNP
have an active sense of inquiry and
should continually strive to attain the
evidence that supports their actions.
Finally, the nurse who stands out
in excellence is one who finds joy and
fulfillment in his or her work. The
culmination of professional excellence
is going home at the end of a full day
knowing you took the time to do your
work the right way and the best way.
There is nothing more satisfying.
DAISY Award Recognizes Nursing Excellence
In March 2009, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Becky
Montesino-King, DNP, initiated the DAISY Award for Extraordinary
Nurses at Baptist Hospital –– a program that honors nurses for the
compassionate and skillful care they provide to patients, families and
each other.
The DAISY Award was established in Seattle by the Barnes family
in 2000 in honor of J. Patrick Barnes, who died of complications of
an autoimmune disease at age 33. The family wanted to turn their
grief into something positive.
DAISY is an acronym for “diseases attacking the immune
system.” The award program, in collaboration with the American
Organization of Nurse Executives, is represented in 1,515 healthcare
facilities throughout nine countries.
Sponsored by the Center for Excellence in Nursing, the DAISY
DAISY Award recipients receive special gifts at their
Committee developed criteria for nomination. Nurses should be skilled
surprise celebration.
and knowledgeable, competent and professional, kind and gentle,
caring and compassionate, family-focused and a patient advocate, committed and dedicated to excellence.
Since 2009, Baptist Hospital has honored 34 Magnet nurses with DAISY Awards in surprise ceremonies on the
nursing unit.
“Nurses who receive the DAISY Award exemplify the attributes of an extraordinary nurse,” said Dr. Montesino-King.
“Nominations come from patients, families and fellow team members. What an honor to be recognized for giving
selflessly to those who need our knowledge, skills, caring and compassion. Thank you to our DAISY nurses, who stand
out for excellence in extraordinary ways.”
Summer 2013 I 3
South Miami Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Sparger, R.N.
M
y nursing excellence
journey at South Miami
Hospital began nearly 35
years ago. I still remember
the day I started here as an agency
nurse. After working in the position for
several weeks, I knew I had found
my calling. I chose nursing as my
profession –– it is not just a job.
I have had the honor of being a nurse
for more than 41 years. This profession
has allowed me the opportunity to grow,
share my experiences and continue on
the journey to nursing excellence. During my nursing career, I have made a
conscious effort to promote professionalism, excellent clinical practice, personalization, cultural diversity and holistic
care. In everything I do, the patient has
always remained foremost in my mind.
In my opinion, nurses who are role
models for nursing excellence provide
excellent care in a professional and
competent manner and demonstrate a
holistic approach to caring. They possess
personal qualities that enhance practice
and relate to patients, families, peers,
hospital administrators and community
members in a cooperative manner.
Achieving nursing excellence is a
professional journey that challenges
nurses to strive for quality while consistently learning along the way. Over the
years, the nursing profession has evolved
to include an increased focus on promoting
education, research, professional development and innovation to support clinical
practice. Why? It is because the best
environment to accomplish nursing
excellence requires all of these aspects
working in collaboration.
What does nursing excellence mean
to me? A culturally competent clinical
4 I NursingExcellence
nurse who promotes health, reduces
disease disparities and improves treatment
outcomes is achieving nursing excellence.
Nurses who participate in research, strive
for professional development through
certification and education and advocate
for patients and families are instrumental
in leading nursing excellence.
Many nurses are inspired by the
work of Florence Nightingale, R.N. She
had a passion for nursing excellence. She
believed in wellness and a healthy
Kathy Sparger, R.N.
environment. Ms. Nightingale was the
driving force behind evidence-based
practice in the pre-technology era. She
said: “Let us each and all realizing the
importance of our influence on others ––
stand shoulder to shoulder –– and not
alone, in good cause.”
National Award Recognizes Role Model
South Miami Hospital’s Nancy Burke, ARNP, was the 2012 recipient of
the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Navigator Award. The
Navigator Award is given to a nurse who demonstrates outstanding teaching
and motivational skills, is clinically and technically skilled and shares experiences willingly. This professional nurse acts as a role model to support and
guide others to succeed.
Ms. Burke has more than 37 years of experience in neonatal nursing
and her dedication to the field is evident. She serves as an educator and
mentor to novice nurses, encouraging them to utilize critical thinking skills and
evidence-based practice.
NICU co-worker Maureen Pahl, R.N., nominated Ms. Burke for the award.
“Nancy has an overwhelming impact on her students, colleagues and leaders
at South Miami Hospital,” she said. “She is the role model of role models for
neonatal nursing.”
Ms. Burke was honored to receive the Navigator Award. “When I first
became a NICU nurse, I dedicated my time to developing my
skills to meet the needs of my patients. That was many years ago,”
she said. “As I advanced in my
professional nursing role, I realized
that it takes more than great skills
to be a great nurse. My focus
then shifted to mentoring novice
nurses to help them expand their
knowledge and advance in their
Nancy Burke, ARNP, left, accepted the Navigator
nursing profession.”
Award at the NANN national meeting in Palm Springs.
Doctors Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Sandy Hyatt, R.N.
C
aring came naturally to me,
even at an early age. I started
working for a pediatrician when
I was only 15 years old. I
made rounds with him and interacted
with patients, family members and
nurses. He was a person who truly cared
about his patients and nurses –– and one
of my mentors.
I entered the field of nursing at age
18. My mother was thrilled. She always
said that nursing was a field of diverse
specialties, great satisfaction and incredible job opportunities. Little did I know
that I would be a significant influence
on my sisters and niece, who also joined
the profession of nursing.
I started my career as a medicalsurgical nurse with an inherent awareness of what was necessary to make a
difference in patient care. After a few
years, I transitioned to a nursing
leadership position and began a career
focused on positive patient outcomes —
the core of nursing excellence.
I’ve now served as a chief nursing
officer for over 30 years at several
facilities. I still have the same clear
vision about patient care and nursing
excellence as I did at the beginning of
my career and continually try to inspire
and instill the same vision in others.
My personal motto, adopted from my
grandmother, is “Can’t never made a
biscuit.” Translation: There is nothing
we can’t do if we just try.
Our journey to Magnet designation
has provided a strong foundation for
innovative, safe and professional nursing
practice. Baptist Health and Doctors
Hospital have received countless awards
for our nursing excellence. Doctors
Sandy Hyatt, R.N.
Hospital was awarded the Clinical
Excellence award by VHA, Top
Performer on Key Quality Measures by
The Joint Commission, and the
Excellence in Patient Care, Emergency
Department, by the Studer Group.
There is an increased demand for
highly trained nurses with bachelor’s,
master’s and other advanced degrees to
meet the challenges of healthcare reform.
We not only must continue to deliver
professional, evidence-based nursing
care, we must continue to redefine and
expand our roles to be the champions of
quality care improvements. Nursing
excellence is key to improving the future
of the healthcare delivery system.
An Excellent Career
Barbara Florence, R.N., has been a registered nurse with Doctors Hospital for more
than 35 years. While working as an intensive care nurse for 30 years, she provided direct
patient care to acutely ill patients and served as a mentor and charge nurse.
Ms. Florence now serves in a performance improvement role. She helps oversee the
quality of care provided in the Older Adult Program and the Sitter/Companion Program, and
assists with clinical partner orientation and development. As chairwoman of the Nursing
Quality Council and member of several hospital committees, Ms. Florence provides valuable
input for current nursing practice. She also has participated in a research project to improve older adult care, palliative care and critical care.
“Nursing has evolved for the better. We’ve come a long way, baby,” said Ms. Florence,
as
she
reflected upon her career. “Nursing did not get to where it is today by osmosis, but
Barbara Florence, R.N.
by commitment to the profession.”
Ms. Florence was the Doctors Hospital recipient of the Family Christian Association of America’s Black Achiever of
Excellence in 2012 –– an award that recognizes exemplary employees whose professional and personal accomplishments
make them a role model to others.
Ms. Florence offers this advice to novice nurses: “We were all new nurses at one time. When you look at us seasoned
nurses, remember that we came from where you are. The day is approaching when you will be the seasoned nurse
and mentor to others.”
Summer 2013 I 5
Homestead Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Gail Gordon, R.N.
A
s a young child, I had a Golden
Book about Nurse Nancy.
She took care of her dolls and
teddy bears when they were
hurt. Since my first name is Nancy, this
little book caught my attention. I
thought Nurse Nancy was a really cool
kid. I also was inspired by my mother’s
friend who was a nurse. She was warm,
friendly and caring. I decided I wanted
to know more about nursing.
In high school, I volunteered at
South Miami Hospital. I worked closely
with the hospital’s nurses and watched
them care for their patients. They
demonstrated professionalism and the
art of nursing. I wanted to be just like
them, and chose nursing as my career.
Nursing is an evolving profession —
there is always more to learn. Whether
you are practicing at the bedside,
teaching or leading others, each day is
different, full of new challenges and
experiences. What I enjoy most about the
nursing profession is the relationships I
build with patients, families, peers and
others. In nursing, sometimes your connection with others is powerful, but brief.
And sometimes you build bonds that last
your entire career. For me, caring and
giving to others are very satisfying.
My advice to new nurses is: Keep
learning and expanding your knowledge
by obtaining advanced degrees and
certifications. The profession’s many
roles provide you with numerous career
options. As you develop skills and gain
experience, opportunities to advance
increase substantially. To move forward,
you must be educationally prepared.
I also encourage nurses to get
involved –– volunteer to do the extra
Gail Gordon, R.N.
project; join that committee; be the “go-to”
person on your unit; do quality work; and
participate in everything you can. Make an
effort to try new things and take chances,
even if it feels uncomfortable. The more
you do, the more comfortable you will become. Each activity and additional responsibility allows you to learn and grow.
You’ll also want to maintain a record
of your accomplishments and keep your
resume current. You never know when the
perfect advancement opportunity will arise.
Baptist Health has many people and programs to help you advance in your career.
You just have to take the initiative, set
goals and strive to be the best you can be.
The Men Who Dare to Care
Men have provided nursing care since the third century. Today, male nurses are not only working in combat, but at
the bedside. America’s male nurses make up about 6 percent of the global nursing population. At Homestead Hospital,
they have an even larger impact –– representing 14 percent of the nursing staff.
Jonathan Perez and Carlos Lindado are nursing students who started their careers by first attending EMT school.
Both saw something “different” in the way nurses manage patient care in the hospital setting. They also were impressed
with the teamwork in the hospital environment.
Steve Trush, R.N., is a second career nurse. His nurse manager,
Hector Aleman, R.N., says he is an asset on MS5. “Steve is a high
performer; he is energetic, caring and loved by everyone. He really has
made a difference in our unit. He is always looking for ways to improve
our patient care and workflow.”
Nurse Manager Raul Botana, R.N., felt that nursing gave him the
opportunity to make a difference in this world. “I watched my grandfather die a miserable death with no dignity intact,” he said. Now,
Mr. Botana’s impact is far-reaching.
Homestead Hospital appreciates the men who serve in the nursing
field. They have become patient care supervisors, UPC chairs and nurse
Male nurses have a powerful presence at Homestead
managers. Who knows what the future holds for these talented nurses?
Hospital.
6 I NursingExcellence
Mariners Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Cheryl Cottrell, R.N.
A
s far back as I can remember I
wanted to be a nurse. My first
encounter with a nurse was
with the visiting nurse who
came to our home to assess the growth
and health of my sisters and me. I
remember that she was calm and kind.
She spoke with my mother about
nutrition and what to do when her four
adventurous daughters thought they
could fly off the roof like Superman.
I also remember missionary nurses
coming to our church and talking about
helping people in faraway places with
nutrition, clean drinking water, immunizations and disease prevention. These
nurses exposed me to the spiritual nature
of nursing. They had a great influence
on my desire to become a nurse.
My decision to become a nurse has
been reinforced throughout my career.
While earning my associate’s degree in
nursing, I learned that nursing is an art
and a science and that excellent nursing
care can be delivered only when you
consider the patient’s goals and desires
in the plan of care. While earning my
bachelor’s degree, I further expanded
my knowledge and learned to place
a greater emphasis on looking at
the patient and family and the
community dynamic.
I have fond memories of rewarding
experiences and joyous times as a direct
patient care nurse, including the time I
assisted with the precipitous delivery of
healthy twins in the Emergency Department, or cared for an older patient who
presented with sepsis and recovered.
As a novice nurse, I developed lifelong relationships with my co-workers.
Expert nurses, who were patient-safety
role models, mentored me to achieve
nursing excellence.
During my 40 years as a nurse, I’ve
grown and so has the profession of
nursing. The science of nursing has
progressed. Evidence supports nursing
practices or guides us to make practice
changes. Technology has also advanced
healthcare. Sometimes I fear we are
losing the art of nursing as we focus on
technology. Some of my best memories
as a direct care nurse are of simple times
when I sat and listened to a patient, held
Cheryl Cottrell, R.N.
a hand or hugged a family member.
Every day, I am reminded of what
an honor it is to be a nurse and how
grateful I am for the opportunity to
positively impact people at all stages
of their lives.
End-of-Life Care with Compassion
Mariners Hospital nurses are launching a new volunteer program called
No One Dies Alone. The national program was founded by Oregon resident
Sandra Clarke, R.N., after she learned that one of her patients had died
alone, even though she had requested that a nurse stay with him. Ms.
Clarke made it her mission to ensure that no other patient in her hospital
dies alone, especially since no one is born alone.
At Mariners, we often care for hospice patients who have no family or
friends available to comfort them during their end-stage of life. We are
currently recruiting and training volunteers for the implementation of the
No One Dies Alone program. Auxiliary and hospital staff members will serve
as “compassionate companions” and sit vigil with dying patients. This level
of care will ensure these patients have a dignified death. It also will help
alleviate caregiver stress on our bedside nurses who provide compassionate
care for our hospice patients.
The No
One Dies Alone
program, funded
by a grant from
the Center for
Excellence in
Nursing shared
governance council,
is a wonderful
example of nursing
In recognition of their nursing excellence, Mariners Hospital
excellence ideals.
nurses accepted the Pathway to Excellence Award at the 2013
ANCC Pathway to Excellence conference.
Summer 2013 I 7
West Kendall Baptist
Hospital
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Denise Harris, R.N.
N
ursing excellence is a journey
of the heart and mind, requiring
dedication to lifelong learning,
personal growth and mentorship.
Mentorship is not to be confused with
preceptorship. Preceptorship is a critical
period of learning and training for a new
nurse or nurse in a new role, specialty of
practice or organization. Preceptorship is
a key professional competency of a
proficient nurse and an obligation to our
apprenticeship profession.
Mentorship, on the other hand, is the
multiplier that enhances and enriches our
professional development, career satisfaction and success. A mentor willingly
accepts the role to help a mentee grow
and advance. Mentors give the gift of
their time, wisdom and experience to push
mentees forward to achieve excellence.
What Nursing Excellence Means to Me
“As descendants of the ‘lady with the lamp,’ nurses spread the warmth and
light of care, compassion and hope to the ones we serve. We have the
opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their
families and ourselves, thereby giving life its better meaning.”
–– Yen Musngi, R.N., ICU
“Being driven by and vested in the outcomes of the patients we care for;
empowering ourselves to make a difference by providing the best care
supported by evidence-based best practices; and improving ourselves
through continuing our education.”
–– Rebecca Maya, R.N., clinical nurse educator, ED
“Professionalism, holistic care, quality in practice and humanism equate to
excellence in nursing. It includes shared decision making about practice and
patient care through shared governance.”
–– Haydee Fernandez, R.N., manager, 3N/4S
“Maintaining a superior level of clinical expertise; incorporating a holistic
approach to patient care; and continually fostering the growth of my nursing
colleagues.”
–– Margaret Geneve, ARNP, supervisor house ARNP
“Giving, being and doing one’s best every day, 100 percent of the time, with
the ultimate goal of providing excellent care to all patients.”
— Floralynn Lacrete, R.N., supervisor, 3S
“To practice with heart, for the love of the art and science that is nursing,
and with deep appreciation for the profession.”
–– Suzanne Rodriguez, R.N., manager, SW/CC
“A holistic approach to helping patients and families in a compassionate,
safe and empathetic manner; professionalism, competence and dedication
that serve to improve the practice of nursing and outcomes; and effective
collaboration with other partners of healthcare.”
–– Sandra McLean, R.N., assistant vice president of nursing
8 I NursingExcellence
Denise Harris, R.N.
Oftentimes, mentors are individuals in our
careers whom we never forget.
I vividly recall two mentors who
guided me during my first job as a
practicing nurse at Johns Hopkins. They
were expert nurses who seemed to practice flawlessly, providing excellent patient
care that produced excellent outcomes.
While wonderful preceptors helped me
gain skills and knowledge at the bedside
to be proficient, my mentors helped me
navigate the emotional challenge of the
profession, often called “reality shock.”
As a new nurse executive, my mentor
helped me maximize my strengths and
pushed me to grow and excel. She
stretched my thinking and experiences
and enhanced my courage to tackle
difficult competencies.
Mentorship is a mutually beneficial
relationship. While the benefit to the
mentee is obvious, at the same time, the
mentor’s personal growth cannot be
underestimated. Most mentors agree that
it is personally fulfilling to contribute to a
colleague’s growth and development.
At West Kendall Baptist Hospital, the
best examples of mentorship exist in the
Professional Development Council and
Research Evidence-Based Council. In just
two short years, we have promoted 16
nurses to Advanced nurses and five nurses
to Expert; initiated 11 IRB-approved
nursing research projects; and sent several
staff nurses to present research findings at
conferences and lectures.
I attribute much of our nursing growth
and success to the mentors who have
supported our nursing excellence journey.
Baptist Outpatient Services
Message from Chief Nursing Officer Tina Jones, R.N.
J
une 16, 2005, 8 a.m. — Today is
the big moving day. I have a new
job, and we’re moving to a different city. Our house closing is
today at 3 p.m. My phone rings. It’s my
sister telling me that mom is not feeling
well and is being taken to the ER. She
will keep me updated.
2 p.m. — The new owners are at
our house doing the final walk-through
before closing. How exciting… she is
pregnant and the couple is delighted to
be buying our home.
2:12 p.m. — My sister is calling
again. She’s probably just letting me
know that she is on her way home from
the ER with mom. What do you mean
she coded, and they couldn’t bring
her back? She is healthy and only 63
years old! How can this be? I collapse
on the floor feeling as empty as my
vacated house. I can get there in two
hours! Tell her to just hold on until I
get there. I am a nurse… nurses are
supposed to be healing angels, right?
5 p.m. — I am finally at the hospital.
The ER has released my mom to the
funeral home. But I drove as fast as I
could! Why didn’t someone let her stay
in the ER until I arrived? Please, I need
to see her. Wait, the funeral director is
with her at the loading dock? You can
pull her out of the van and let me say
my goodbyes? But it is a tool van and
we are outside at a loading dock! She is
naked and covered only by a purple faux
fur blanket. I don’t understand! Where
is the compassion for our loved ones?
Today — Like many other nurses,
my response when people ask me why
I became a nurse is: “It is a calling.”
Although this rings true, I believe that
our experiences along the way mold us.
This experience had a profound effect
on me as a nurse. Until the day of my
mother’s death, I could never pinpoint a
defining moment or a real reason for
becoming a nurse. Now each time I
explore this question, I discover
new insights.
Nursing is my chance to make a
difference in the lives of patients and
Tina Jones, R.N.
their families and caregivers. As a nurse
leader, I have the chance to make a
difference in the lives of the nurses who
serve patients and their families. By
calling upon my personal experiences,
I can change the face of nursing and
healthcare and ensure that those I
serve understand that while nursing is
indeed a “work of art,” we can never
underestimate the value of it also being
a “work of heart.”
Mentorship Cultivates Leaders
Baptist Outpatient Services takes pride in its ability to mentor nurses into leadership roles. Mentorship is a
critical component of the Emerging Leaders Program. With defined roles, the mentor and mentee build a relationship
of trust and collaborate to outline a career plan. Nursing supervisors identify key talent, who are then considered for
the program.
Yeisy Toledo, R.N., nursing supervisor at Country Walk Urgent Care, is a graduate of the Emerging Leaders
Program and Versant RN Residency Program. “This program allowed me to see a different perspective in becoming a
nurse leader,” she said. “My mentor was a guiding support and gave me direction on how to handle difficult situations.
She also inspired me to further my education and obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.”
Ms. Toledo has paid it forward by identifying and developing future leaders at her site. “I am proud to say that I
mentored an individual who was placed in the Emerging Leaders Program and went on to become a nurse supervisor.”
Summer 2013 I 9
Profile of Success
Paying It Forward
Ann Marie Allen, MSN, strives to empower nurses and advance the profession
A
nn Marie Allen, MSN, is an expert clinician,
educator, leader, researcher and volunteer who
seamlessly blends these roles for the benefit of her
patients, co-workers and community.
Ms. Allen came to Baptist Hospital in 1989, after
spending the first two years of her nursing career as a critical
care nurse in New York. Ms. Allen, husband Barris and
daughter Anika moved to Miami in search of warmer
weather and sunnier days. Her bright career with Baptist
Health has spanned 24 years.
While at Baptist Hospital, Ms. Allen worked in surgical
services in such roles as assistant nurse manager and clinical
educator. At Homestead Hospital, she served as manager of
Specialty Nursing Services and House Supervisors before
being promoted to director, her current position.
Although she has held many roles throughout her
nursing career, Ms. Allen said she “is a registered nurse, first
and foremost.”
“Leadership and educational roles may have taken me
away from practicing at the bedside, but patients, families
and the community always come first,” said Ms. Allen.
“It’s very important to me to develop
strong partnerships in the community
and give to those less fortunate.”
True to the essence of nursing excellence, Ms. Allen
consistently seeks opportunities to learn, teach others and
advocate for nurses. She has obtained master’s degrees in
nursing and health services administration and is presently
working on obtaining her Ph.D. in leadership and education.
She serves as a team leader of Homestead Hospital’s
Leadership Development Institute and chairwoman for the
Center for Excellence in Nursing.
“In my various roles, I have the opportunity to mentor
nurses –– to pay it forward, empower the nursing staff and
advance the nursing profession,” Ms. Allen said.
Ms. Allen was selected to participate in the Baptist
Health Leadership Experience. She also was a member of
the first cohort of Baptist Health’s Nurse Executive
Academy, where she led efforts to develop a nurse-managed
follow-up care clinic located in Homestead. This clinic
successfully serves patients’ needs, while at the same time
reduces the hospital’s readmission rates.
10 I NursingExcellence
“It’s very important to me to develop strong partnerships
in the community and give to those
less fortunate.”
Ms. Allen volunteers, walks
and fundraises for the Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society,
Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation, American Cancer
Society and the Junior League
of Miami.
Each year, she
joins other healthcare
professionals on a
humanitarian mission
to Jamaica –– her
birthplace. During the
trip, organized by the
Kiwanis Club, the
group provides free,
quality healthcare to
those in need.
“My mission
trips and community
work allow me to
maintain that direct
patient contact. It
keeps me connected,”
said Ms. Allen.
For her volunteer
efforts, Ms. Allen has
received the Sigma Theta
Tau International Volunteer
Award and the Florida Nurses
Association Community Action
Award. In addition, she was
inducted into the Delta Iota Epsilon Honor Society and Phi Delta
Kappa International for her outstanding educational and leadership efforts.
Ms. Allen has made mentorship
and providing a positive example to
new and aspiring nurses a part of her
daily life. She offers this advice to new
nurses: “Set realistic goals and make
plans to attain them. Give back, and
strive to make a difference in your
community.”
Nursing Notes
Celebrating
Nursing Excellence
In early May, Baptist Health nurses
celebrated Nurses Week by attending the
Robert B. Cole Distinguished Nursing
Lecture, held at the Trump Doral Golf
Resort and Spa. This was the 20th anniversary of the annual event, which pays
tribute to Baptist Health nurses.
Guest speaker Kathy Dempsey, R.N.,
an expert in the field of organizational
change, presented “How to Thrive in the
Midst of Healthcare Change.” Ms.
Dempsey introduced practical steps for
nurses to embrace and manage change in
their personal and professional life.
The distinguished lecture event is
made possible every year by an endowment created by the late Robert B. Cole,
who served as chairman of the Board of
Baptist Health for more than a decade.
Mr. Cole’s son, Richard P. Cole,
honors his father’s legacy by supporting
and attending the nursing event every year.
To express his appreciation for the extraordinary work nurses do, Mr. Cole presented
a generous donation to the Center for
Excellence in Nursing.
Baptist Health’s chief nursing officers attended the 20th anniversary of the Robert B. Cole
Distinguished Nursing Lecture. From left, Deborah Mulvihill, R.N., Sandy Hyatt, R.N., Becky
Montesino-King, DNP, Richard P. Cole, Gail Gordon, R.N., Kathy Sparger, R.N., Denise Harris, R.N.,
and Cheryl Cottrell, R.N.
At Baptist Hospital’s Honors Hour, Magnet Nurses of the Year celebrated their accomplishments with
CEO Bo Boulenger and CNO Becky Montesino-King, DNP.
Spotlight on Nurses Week
During Nurses Week, May 6-12, the invaluable work of nurses was
celebrated. This year’s theme –– Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient
Care –– highlighted the leadership, innovation and advocacy nurses provide to
meet the healthcare needs of Americans.
Baptist Health entities honored their nurses in creative ways. At Baptist
Hospital’s Honors Hour, 35 nurses were named Magnet Nurse of the Year,
and each was presented with a gift certificate, recognition plaque and photo.
Homestead Hospital pampered nurses with massages and treated them to sweet
treats and a Diversity Dinner. At Mariners Hospital’s annual nurse breakfast,
nurses received gifts, watched a slide show and visited with special guest
Deborah Mulvihill, R.N., Baptist Health’s vice president and chief nursing officer.
After a recognition ceremony honoring Baptist Outpatient Services’
Nurses of the Year, recipients and their families enjoyed a fun-filled talent
show. South Miami Hospital presented its Nurse of the Year awards at a
breakfast event, and Doctors Hospital’s award-winning nurses received special
recognition and gifts.
The weeklong celebration allowed Baptist Health nurses to take a moment
to reflect on their profession, be proud of their accomplishments and set goals
for the future.
Homestead Hospital nurses Charmaine Richards,
R.N., Augusta Ojomon, R.N., Lois Johnson, R.N.,
Blanca Chavez, ARNP, and Pascale Francis, MSN,
were among the more than 1,100 Baptist Health
nurses at the Robert B. Cole event.
Summer 2013 I 11
Baptist Health’s corporate nurses gathered during Nurses Week to celebrate nursing excellence.
From left, CEO Javier Hernandez-Lichtl, Yen Musngi, R.N.,
Carol Vite, R.N., and CNO Denise Harris, R.N., gathered at
West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s Oscar Awards ceremony,
where Ms. Musngi and Ms. Vite were recognized as
Professional Practice Model exemplars.
Nurses were recognized for their excellent service
at South Miami Hospital’s Nurses Week breakfast.
From left, Christina Mesa, R.N., Maureen Pahl,
R.N., Debra Witherspoon, R.N., CNO Kathy
Sparger, R.N., and Vivian Cata, R.N.
Donna Bedo, R.N., prepares Florida
Senator Dwight Bullard for a hyperbaric simulation during Mariners
Hospital’s Shadow a Nurse Day.
Doctors Hospital nurses, from left, Elizabeth
Albers, R.N., Susan Dingler, R.N., and Ann
Levering, R.N., attended the Robert B. Cole
Distinguished Lecture Series.
Baptist Outpatient Services Nurses of the Year are, from left: Brian D. Graham, R.N., Grace
Long, R.N., Parisa Naji, R.N., Laura De Pina, R.N., Kendra Hardy-Dunnigan, R.N., Jorge
Piloto, R.N., Dora Escobedo, ARNP, and Gustavo Gonzalez, R.N., with CNO Tina Jones, R.N.
Nursing
Achievements
Publications, Presentations and
Research
Poster presentations:
Mavel Arinal, R.N., Floralynn Lacrete, R.N., Pamela
Patton, R.N. FNA South Region Symposium and Award
Ceremony, Davie, 2013. SKIN Bundle Initiative.
Freddie Auguste, MSN, Tamara Naar, MSN. Eighth Annual
Baptist Health Research Conference, Miami, April 2013.
Co-bedding: Does Policy Affect Staff Attitude and Perception?
Suzanne Balbosa-Saunders, R.N., Joanne Masongsong,
R.N. Eighth Annual Baptist Health Research Conference, Miami,
April 2013. Family Presence During Resuscitation in the Adult
Emergency Department.
Joanna P. Bringas, R.N. ANA Quality Conference, Atlanta, 2013.
Improving Nursing Satisfaction: A UBPC Plan.
Jan Brodnax, R.N., Doreen Coombs, R.N., Shakira
Henderson, R.N., Cassandra McDonald, R.N. AWHONN
Florida Section Conference, Clearwater, 2013. Going Green and
Saving Money: The Best of Both Worlds. The Opening of the NICU
Breastaurant. Process Improvement in Identification, Handling,
Ordering and Processing of Surgical Specimens. Co-bedding: Does
Policy Affect Staff Attitude and Perception?
Rosalina Butao, R.N. ANA Quality Conference, Atlanta, 2013.
Shared Governance Equals Shared Decision Making. Brick by
Brick: Opening a Hospital With Excellence Already in Its Walls.
Olivia Cocabo, R.N., Delia Hipos, R.N. Miami Teaching
Institute, Greater Miami Area Chapter of AACN, 2013. Early
Mobilization Therapy for Ventilated Patients.
Delores Eachus, R.N. Eighth Annual Baptist Health Research
Conference, Miami, April 2013. Caring Nurse Angel.
Yoania Fernandez, R.N., Bibiana Vargas, R.N. 2012
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Impact of the
Pharmacist on an Interdisciplinary Heart Failure Team: A Mixedmethods Approach.
Fatima Garcia, R.N. ANA Quality Conference, Atlanta, 2013.
Virtual Journey Club: An Innovative Way of Bringing Evidencebased Practice and Research to Nurses in Their Workplace. Miami
Teaching Institute, Greater Miami Area Chapter of AACN, 2013.
Implementation of a Patient Personal Privacy Password to
Enhance PFCC Communication.
JoAnn Gottlieb, Ph.D., ARNP. Eighth Annual Baptist Health
Research Conference, Miami, April 2013. FNA South Region
Symposium and Award Ceremony, Davie, 2013. Predicting the
Risk of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and Compassion
Satisfaction in Registered Nurses.
Leticia Guerra-Scheib, R.N. AWHONN Florida Section
Conference, Clearwater, 2013. Improving HCAHPS Scores on an
Obstetric Unit Using an “Ask Me” Button.
Shakira Henderson, R.N. FNA South Region Symposium and
Award Ceremony, Davie, 2013. Evidence-based Practice.
Shakira Henderson, R.N., Adaeze Ohaeto, ARNP. FNA South
Region Symposium and Award Ceremony, Davie, 2013. Hyperglycemia Protocol: Effect of Glycemic Control on Medical-Surgical
Patients.
Kareem Johnson, R.N. Eighth Annual Baptist Health
Research Conference, Miami, April 2013. Integrating
Palliative Care Into the ICU: A Multidisciplinary Approach.
Luz Lorenzo, R.N., Eugene Obando, R.N., Georgeanna
Quamina, R.N., Carmen Rodriguez, R.N. Philips EPIS
Meeting, Baltimore, Nov. 2012. Buddy System on 4 Tower.
Victoria McCue, R.N. ANA Quality Conference, Atlanta, 2013.
Empowering Nurses Through a Shared Governance Model.
Nursing Peer Review.
Jenny Sanabria, R.N. FNA South Region Symposium and
Award Ceremony, Davie, 2013. CAUTI Initiative.
Sally H. Seaborn, R.N. Eighth Annual Baptist Health Research
Conference, Miami, April 2013. Going Green and Saving Money:
The Best of Both Worlds.
Nada Wakim, DNP. FNA South Region Symposium and Award
Ceremony, Davie, 2013. Blood Transfusion Practices in the
Elective Total Joint Replacement Patient: A Research Study.
Eighth Annual Baptist Health Research Conference, Miami,
April 2013. Occupational Stress in Medical-Surgical Nurses: A
Generational Perspective.
Victoria Pope, ARNP. 12th National Conference on
Anticoagulation, 2013. Careful Monitoring Decreases Warfarinrelated Admissions.
Jennie Alderman, R.N. 2013 National Organization for
Associate Degree Nursing Conference: Nurse Staffing Ratios and
Patient Outcomes.
Loredana Arana, R.N., Connie Barden, R.N., Louis Gidel,
R.N., Lisa-Mae Williams, R.N., Beth Willmitch, R.N. Philips
EPIS Meeting, Baltimore, Nov. 2012. A Unique Approach to
Multidisciplinary Rounds Using Office Communicator. Leveraging
Technology to Improve Organizational Efficiency and Operations.
eICU Support Matrix: Who Ya Gonna Call?
Podium presentations:
Joanne Aberilla, R.N., Olivia Cocabo, R.N., Delia Hipos,
R.N. Sigma Theta Tau, Fort Lauderdale, 2013. Early Mobilization
Therapy for Ventilated Patients.
Frederique Auguste, MSN, Nancy Burke, R.N., Shakira
Henderson, R.N., Tamara Naar, MSN, Maureen Pahl, R.N.
South Miami Hospital State of the Science, March 2013. Eighth
Annual Baptist Health Research Conference, April 2013. Co-bedding: Does Policy Affect Staff Attitude and Perception?
Cheryl Cottrell, R.N., Dawn Kressly, MSN, Melanie O’Neill,
R.N. ANCC Pathway to Excellence 2013 Conference. Keys to
Excellence: The First in Florida.
Kareem Johnson, R.N., Tina Sanjar, M.D. Center to Advance
Palliative Care National Conference. Integrating Palliative Care
Into the ICU: A Multidisciplinary Approach.
Shakira Henderson, R.N. Johnson & Johnson Maternal-Child
STTI Seminar, Jan. 2013. Evaluation of Instructional Methodology
of the WHO/UNICEF 20-hour Breast-feeding Course on Maternalchild Staff Nurse Knowledge Gain, Attitude and Perception of
Breast-feeding Support. NICU SEFANN Annual Conference, March
2013. Hot Topics in the Tropics. Leadership in the NICU.
Angela Montaque, MSN. South Miami Hospital State of the
Science, April 2013. Healthcare Guide in Caring for the Visually
Impaired Patient.
Lisa-Mae Williams, R.N. Miami Teaching Institute, Greater
Miami Area Chapter of AACN, 2013. Acute Kidney Injury
Treatment Guidelines: A Bold Global Initiative.
Publications:
Allen, R., Carrion, C., Long, L., Narciandi, A., Primiano, D.
(April 2013) Development of Automated Palliative Care Financial
Reports for a Health System. Journal of Palliative Medicine.
Barden, C., Davis, T.M. (2012). The Tele-ICU: A New Frontier in
Critical Care Nursing Practice. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 24(3),
287-288.
Barden, C., Davis, T.M., et al. (2012) Professional Accountability
in the Tele-ICU: The CCRN-E. Critical Care Nurse. 35(4), 353-356.
Barden, C., Daye, O., Hubbard, K., Williams, L.M. (Dec.
2012) Tele-nursing in the Intensive Care Unit: Transforming
Nursing Practice. Critical Care Nurse.
Gidel, L., Golembeski, S., Kim, S., Nelson, L., Willmitch, B.
(2012) Clinical Outcomes After Tele-ICU Implementation.
Critical Care Medicine, 40(2), 450-454.
Golembeski, S., Kim, S., Willmitch, B. (2012) Perceptions of
the Care Experience in Tele-ICU Enhanced E-critical Care Units.
AACN Advanced Critical Care, 23(3), 323-329.
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Gottlieb, J.A. (April 2013) Music as a Comfort Measure to
Improve the Quality of Life for Patients Receiving Palliative Care.
Journal of Palliative Medicine.
Johnson, K., Sanjar, T. (April 2013) Integrating Palliative Care
Into the ICU: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Journal of Palliative
Medicine.
Biggs, C., Henderson, S., Miller, A., Post, J., Reyes, L.,
Vargas, B., Vidal, E. (Sept. 2012) Heart Failure Telephone
Coaching Program Improves 30-day Readmission Rate. Critical
Pathways in Cardiology.
Education and Certifications
BSN degree: ■ Jennie Alderman, R.N., Judy Bancroft, R.N.,
Alicia Brown-Rowe, R.N., Raydene Christian, R.N.,
Danielle Chung, R.N., Diane Deaza, R.N., Kelly Delgado,
R.N., Carolina Ferreira, R.N., Amy Fowler, R.N., Nubia
Garciga, R.N., Marisela Giron, R.N., Geme Gonzalez, R.N.,
Nayrovis Gonzalez, R.N., Dawn Hibbert-Wilson, R.N.,
Rosa Jaramillo, R.N., Velma Kelly, R.N., Clara Lopez, R.N.,
Carmen Ramos Miguel, R.N., Sharon Miles, R.N., Marilyn
Palmer, R.N., Ana Pita, R.N., Alice, Ramirez, R.N., Arely
Rego, R.N., Valery Renaud, R.N., Valery Rivas, R.N., Maria
Triana, R.N., Shatondre Williams, R.N.
MSN degree: ■ Ivette Audivert, MSN, Vania Blanc, MSN,
Diana Bodiwala, MSN, Olive Daye, MSN, Sophia
Demosthene, MSN, Debra Denny, MSN, Christina Edozie,
MSN, Dawn Hire, MSN, Kenneth Hubbard, MSN, Kristy
Martinez, MSN-NE, Magaly Michaud, MSN, Lourdes
Pastoriza-Posada, MSN, Maggie Procunier, MSN, Marguerite Rowell, MSN, Karen Sperling, MSN, Karla Tamayo,
MSN, Trina Vidal, MSN, Denise Wilson, MSN.
DNP degree: ■ Olushola Alaka, DNP, Linda Brewer, DNP,
Donna Sparks, DNP.
Certified: ■ Jennie Alderman, MSN, Certified Professional in
Healthcare Quality (CPHQ); Michael Barron, APRN, Adult
Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNPC-AG); Flora
Benamor, R.N., Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse
(CGRN); Jose Chamorro, MSN, Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP);
Julieta Ducasa, R.N., Certified Healthcare Leadership for Mass
Casualty Incidents; Mayra Durango, ARNP, Advance
Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP); Rosable Gutierrez, R.N.,
Registered Nurse Board-certified (RN-BC); Carlos Herrera,
R.N., Certified Sedation Registered Nurse (CSRN); Maureen
Pahl, R.N., Certified Quality/Risk and Case Management;
Norma Romero, ARNP, Certified Medical Professional Auditor
(CPMA), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified in Healthcare Quality Management (CHCQM); Pam Sabatino-Holmes,
R.N., Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN); Tradsa Saiyen, R.N.,
Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN); Althea Shadeed, R.N.,
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC); Teresita Stanley, R.N.,
Certified Postanesthesia Nurse (CPAN).
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP): ■ Hector Gordillo, MSN,
Stephanie Toledo, MSN.
Board-certified Cardiovascular Nurse (CVRN): ■ Angela
Montaque, MSN, Francesca Viale, R.N.
Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): ■ Pedro Alonso,
R.N., Orisel Lopez, R.N., Annette Miller, R.N., Georgina
Orozco, R.N., Sheeja Thomas, R.N.
Certified High risk Neonates (RNC-NIC): ■ Vania Blanc, R.N.,
Maiana De Cortada, R.N., Barbie Espinoza, R.N., Janet
Jaen, R.N., Elaine Matias, R.N.
Certified Medical-Surgical (CMSRN): ■ Alejandra Angel, R.N.,
Martha Bell, R.N., Nancy Buduen, R.N., Ingrid Castillo,
R.N., Susie Collins, R.N., Olga Correa, R.N., Raquel Dickson, R.N., Mariola Flores, R.N., Fabiene Gabrielle-Lestrel,
R.N., Lizette Gonzalez, R.N., Janet Hunsinger, R.N., Maria
Kahn, R.N., Rena Lott, R.N., Yaismary Otero, R.N., Amy
Renfroe, R.N., Carina Reyes, R.N., Yetzabel Rizo, R.N.,
Monica Ryland, R.N., Luis Sablan, R.N., Steven Trush,
R.N., Kim Velas, R.N., Jasmin Villaflor, R.N.
Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN): ■ Honoree
Ceballos, R.N., Bridget Gorman, R.N., Robert Seymour,
R.N.
Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS): ■ Geri
Schimmel, R.N., Gina Vogt, R.N.
Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): ■ Peggy Bullard, R.N.,
Yamile Jimenez, R.N., Karla Tamayo, MSN, Rosaura
Velazquez, R.N.
Professional Awards/Recognition
Ann Marie Allen, R.N., received FNA Community Action Award.
Leslie Azor, R.N., Nicholas Camejo, R.N., Randall Carballo,
R.N., Gilyem Casanova, R.N., Roma Cruz, R.N., Maiana
DeCortada, R.N., Mariliza Delfin-Morales, R.N., Stella
Deligero, R.N., Dexter Dolina, R.N., Nubia Garciga, R.N.,
Kimberly Hawkins, R.N., Maria Esther Jaurrieta, R.N.,
Jennean Knowles, R.N., Cecile Manahan, R.N., Natalie
Moreno, R.N., Maribel Movilla, R.N., Mireya Munoz, R.N.,
Josephine Pagente, R.N., Robert Ramirez, R.N., Cristina
Reyes, R.N., Lou Jean Reyes, R.N., Jessica Rodriguez, R.N.,
Johana Ruiz, R.N., Francesca Viale, R.N., named South
Miami Hospital Nurse of the Year.
Yvonne Barbato, R.N., Susan Blancas, R.N., Alice Cockerel,
R.N., Diana Deaza, R.N., Terry Delgado, R.N., Angelines
Diaz, R.N., Yanet Dominguez, R.N., Bridget Eguiluz, R.N.,
Yolene Febe, R.N., Arelys Fuertes, R.N., Gerri GallowayRouette, ARNP, Evelyn Gonzalez, R.N., Kristal Gutierrez,
R.N., Karla Lacayo, R.N., Jackie Llovet, R.N., Alejandra
Londono, R.N., Temeeka Louissaint, R.N., Gemma
Marcelino, R.N., Paula Marimon, R.N., Ninoska Marquina,
R.N., Jesus Medina, R.N., Tamberline Nissly, R.N., Angelie
Parreno, R.N., Alberto Pascual, R.N., Darlene Pearson,
R.N., Sandy Poe, R.N., Rafael Rivera-Lopez, R.N., Patrice
Sanon-Dawson, R.N., Sue Stouffer, R.N., Maria Tamayo,
R.N., Raquel Tamayo, R.N., Anne Marie Taylor, R.N.,
Hermite Toussaint, R.N., Malinda Walsh, R.N., Bob
Workman, R.N., named Baptist Hospital Magnet Nurse of
the Year.
Vanessa Benavides, R.N., Wendy Forde, R.N., Fatima
Garcia, R.N., Arturo Penarredonda, R.N., Yetzabel Rizo,
R.N., Nancy Vihlen, R.N., Christine Williams, R.N., received
DAISY Award.
Sandra Benitez, R.N., Ofelia Cabrera R.N., Viviana Castillo,
R.N., Jorge Hirigoyen, ARNP, Rosie Lamb, R.N., Helene
Omana, R.N., Melanie Santos, R.N., received award at Baptist
Hospital Best Practice Fair, March 2013.
Nancy Burke, ARNP, received NANN Navigator Award.
Rosalina Butao, R.N., Ana Cabrera, R.N., Denise Harris,
R.N., Andre Lavallee, R.N., Victoria McCue, R.N., named
award finalist, FNA Region 6 Symposium and Award Celebration.
Alice Cockerel, ARNP, received Clinical Educator Award, FNA
Region 6 Symposium and Award Celebration.
Kelly Delgado, R.N., Marilyn Hincapie, R.N., Brandi
Joseph, R.N., Yen Musngi, R.N., Ashley Polster, R.N.,
Cynthia Romano, R.N., Jenny Sanabria, R.N., Freda
Santiago, R.N., Carol Vite, R.N., Audrey Wellham, R.N.
received West Kendall Baptist Hospital Oscars Award.
Barbara Florence, R.N., Regine Narchet, R.N., named FCAA
Black Achiever of Excellence, 2012.
Teresita Foliacci, R.N., elected to National SGNA Nominations
and Elections Committee.
Fatima Garcia, R.N., Shakira Henderson, R.N., Floralynn
Lacrete, R.N., named poster winner, FNA Region 6 Symposium
and Award Celebration.
Judi Gilbert, R.N., named finalist, 2012 March of Dimes Nurse
of the Year.
Shakira Henderson, R.N., received FIU PATH Award for advocacy.
Shakira Henderson, R.N., Maria Esther Jaurrieta, R.N.,
Tanya Judkins-Cohn, R.N., received NNF evidence-based care
nursing grant.
Rosa Noguera, R.N., named co-leader, AWHONN, Miami-Dade
County Chapter.
Maggie Procunier, MSN, inducted into Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society.
Pam Sabatino-Holmes, R.N., named president, South Florida
Chapter of the Intravenous Nurses Society.
Geri Schimmel, R.N., named to ASHRM Faculty.
Linda Timmons, R.N., inducted into Miami-Dade College Hall
of Fame.
Nada Wakim, DNP, awarded third place poster, FNA Region 6
Symposium and Award Celebration.
Beth Willmitch, R.N., received Philips VISICU Cindy Gregory
Excellence in Leadership Award, 2012.
Theresa Worden, R.N., named Mariners Hospital Preceptor of
the Year.
As of April 2013
Nursing Excellence is guided by the Editorial Advisory Board, which includes DeDe Austin, R.N., Doctors Hospital; Rosalina Butao, R.N., West Kendall
Baptist Hospital; Sandy Jones, R.N., Homestead Hospital; MarySue Lloyd, R.N., Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital; Deborah S. Mulvihill, R.N.,
Baptist Health South Florida; Maria Olmeda, R.N., Baptist Outpatient Services; Melanie O’Neill, R.N., Mariners Hospital; Jan Brodnax, R.N., South Miami
Hospital. Editor: Christine Kotler. Editorial Coordinator: Nancy Eagleton. Art Director: Denise Winston.
Copyright ©2013 Baptist Health South Florida. All rights reserved. None of the contents of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without the prior
written permission of the publisher.