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2007
Recipients of the 2006
Recipients of the 2005
Recipients of the
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Awards of Distinction Applications for the Awards of Distinction are due February 14, 2009. Criteria Award for Excellence in Research
Award for Excellence in Clinical Practice
Award for Excellence in Education
Award for Excellence in Leadership
2007 Awards of Distinction Excellence in Clinical Practice The recipient of the 2006 Sigma Theta Tau, International, Beta Mu chapter Award for Excellence in Nursing Practice is Susan Bohnenkamp, MS, RN, CCM, APRN-BC. Annie Blackett nominated Susie. Susie is an oncology clinical nurse specialist at University Medical Center where she collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to devise the most appropriate plan of care for her patients. Susie began her career at UMC as a staff nurse, progressing to charge nurse, clinical case manager and clinical nurse specialist. She acquired her Master’s degree and certifications in case management and as a clinical nurse specialist. In addition to providing excellent patient care, Susie mentors other staff. She initiated a journal club that has stimulated many evidence-based changes in nursing practice. Susie participated in a research project on the use of telemedicine for managing home management of patients with ostomies. Susie is a valued member of Beta Mu! Excellence in Leadership The recipient of the 2006 Sigma Theta Tau, International, Beta Mu chapter Award for Excellence in Leadership is Carol Feingold, MS, RN, CSN. Margaret Gigstad nominated Carol. Carol is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Carol has mentored many faculty members at the College, setting high standards and helping new faculty meet them. Carol is on the leading edge of nursing education, bringing team learning to the College. She is working with the College of Medicine to help them implement this exciting new method of instruction. Carol has also been a leader in the use of simulators for teaching patient care skills. Peggy writes: “In the classroom, in the clinical area, or serving her community, Carol Feingold is a consummate professional, a role model to faculty and an outstanding representative of nursing.’ Beta Mu is proud to claim Carol as a member! Outstanding Graduate Student Award The recipient of the Sigma Theta Tau, International Beta Mu chapter Award for the Outstanding Graduate Student is Kimberly Shea, MS, RN. Joyce Verran nominated Kim. Kim is in the process of completing her written comprehensive examination in the PhD program at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Kim is the student representative for both Master’s and Doctoral students, a challenging role as many of the students are distance learners. Kim has weekly meetings with the local students and online forums for those out of town to help them with course content. Joyce writes: “Without a doubt Kim is viewed by students as a mentor and a successful novice researcher.” Congratulations, Kim! Excellence in Leadership Virginia Goldner, nominated by Peggy MacMacken and Jayne Lowry, was the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Leadership Award. Ginny has worked at St Joseph’s Hospital for the past 25 years and is currently the Director, Medical Surgical Services and the Diabetes Care Center. Ms MacMacken wrote that Ginny is “. . . one of the most inspiring, creative and effective leaders with whom I have ever worked”. Ms MacMacken goes on to praise Ginny’s ability to influence nursing through visionary and innovative approaches writing that creativity “. . . is one of Ginny’s greatest gifts . . . which has resulted in amazing problem solving and exemplary patient safety programs.” Ms Lowry writes that “Ginny is a leader in both words and actions. Her creativity, courage, commitment, and determination have served to move nurses, physicians and other healthcare workers forward in creating an exceptional environment for patients an staff.” Ginny’s response to the important patient safety issue of patient falls led to her development of the “Ruby Red Slippers” program to identify patients at risk for falls. This program is gaining nationwide recognition through the Ascension Health organization In addition to her position at St. Joseph’s, Ginny is an active member in the Arizona Nurses Association and the Arizona Organization of Nurse Executives. She has been involved in the Arizona Hospital Association’s “Campaign for Caring” and a member of the Board of Directors for the Tucson Nurse Week Foundation.
Excellence in Clinical Practice Kara Adams, nominated by Gail Priestley, was the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. Kara is a Clinical Nurse Specialist at University Medical Center. Ms Priestley, also a Clinical Nurse Specialist at UMC, wrote “Kara loves to ‘do’ and she loves to ‘teach’, whether within classroom walls or out on a busy unit… Kara involves staff in projects and guides them through the process of improving care.” In addition she wrote that “Kara is a very busy and productive professional nurse. She has written several chapters for textbooks and has published articles on critical care topics. She lectures locally and nationally. On a daily basis she brings her enthusiasm for the science of nursing to the bedside . . .” Kara has implemented practice changes such as that of oral care for intubated patients that are research-based. She was instrumental in the implementation of the RASS (Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale) for use in the ICU. She has initiated changes that reduced pneumonia in ventilated patients, and reduced central line infections. In addition to her work at UMC Kara is an active member of the America Association of Critical Care Nurses, the Society of Critical Care Medicine and is a second-generation member of Sigma Theta Tau.
Excellence in Education
Diana Platt Lopez, nominated by Mary Kelley and SueKay Ulrich, was the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award. Ms Lopez is the Resource Clinician (Clinical Educator) for the Emergency Department at St. Mary’s Hospital. Ms Kelley describes Diana as “. . . a great asset to the Emergency Department. She was tasked to develop from scratch a program what would train new graduates to the ED setting. She did this with grace and a lot of hard work.” Ms Platt “developed classes unique to the ED, planning the schedule for the nurse to get bedside training and appropriate training outside the ED.” In addition to orientation programs, Diane “develops a yearly skills day for both required competencies and sills that are not frequently used in the ED.” Ms Ulrich described the program for orientation of new ED nurses that Diane developed, saying that “if is now an established and highly regarded program, known in the ED community for its support and nurturing of the new graduate nurse in the ED.” Ms Ulrich went on to say the “Diana Shares her expertise willingly and freely to ensure that the needs of the students are met.” In addition to her membership in Sigma Theta Tau, Diana is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the Emergency Nurses Association.
Excellence in Research
Rita A. Snyder, PhD, RN was the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Research Award, nominated by Dr. Elaine Jones. Dr. Snyder is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. Dr. Jones writes the Dr. Snyder’s “ . . .research demonstrates exceptional expertise in questions affecting contemporary nursing practice. For example, Dr. Snyder’s current study focuses on how systems problems are related to medication errors. Her results will inform recommendations to decrease mediation errors in nursing units around the country.” Dr. Snyder collaborates with other health-related professionals to facilitate nursing research, Dr Jones writes. “Many of Dr. Snyder’s publications are co-authored with colleagues in different disciplines and she has mentored many graduate students in her area of research.” In support of Dr. Snyder’s nomination, Dr. Mary Doyle wrote “Dr. Snyder is a valuable role model for graduate students learning about and participating in research. She exemplifies excellence in her dedication to research and scholarship.” Dr. Snyder is a member of the Arizona Nurses Association, the American Medical Informatics Association, and has been the Research Counselor for Beta Mu Chapter and a member of the Steering Committee for the Arizona Sigma Theta Tau Research Consortium.
Exceptional Ethical Behavior and Professional Commitment Award
It was with mixed pride and sorrow that the2005 Exceptional Ethical Behavior and Professional Commitment Award was awarded to Patricia Mc Donald. Pat, a Wound/Ostomy Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner at University Medical Center was nominated by Susan Bohnenkamp. In her nomination Susan wrote of Pat “Pat is an advocate for her patients. She will not stop until everyone understands the patient’s wishes. She tries to get what the patients need, and will not except no for an answer. I admire the candidate for her love of nursing and how she conveys and encourages everyone to be the best that they can be. She always says that the patient comes first and everything else will follow. Patients say that Pat is extremely compassionate and respectful.” Gail Priestley wrote in support of Pat’s nomination “I have always been impressed with her commitment to her patients and families and dedication to ‘doing the right thing’. Gail described Pat’s use of telemedicine to serve patients in outlying areas. “This program extends high quality care to those who would otherwise have to travel long distances or may not have resources. Pat presented issues related to the use of telemedicine in rural healthcare to the Arizona State Legislature. . .” Pat succumbed to cancer just days before she would have received this award. The award was presented to her daughters and mother.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award Rochelle Renee Storm was the recipient of the 2005 Graduate Student Award. She was nominated by Eileen Harrison. Ms Storm is a doctoral candidate in the University of Arizona College Of Nursing. She also works at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in the inpatient addition detoxification service. According to Ms Harrison, Rochelle “consistently demonstrates a high level of excellent nursing care, compassion, sincerity and knowledge. Her patient interactions serve as role models for students and peers alike. Rochelle mentors nurses and has her own highly effective teaching style. She demonstrates a commitment to nursing research, dissemination of that research, and evidence-based nursing practice.” In support of Rochelle’s nomination Dr M. Sue Pennington, PhD, RN, wrote that “Ms Storm has progressed in the doctoral program at an exemplary pace with demonstrated scholarship. Ms Storm has been the epitome of professionalism in nursing since I have known her: as head nurse, acting Associate Chief Nurse, as Nurse Practitioner, and now, as a doctoral student. She has consistently demonstrated a high level of energy, which she channeled toward improving programs for veterans and staff. Sigma Theta Tau Beta Mu · College of Nursing · 1305 N. Martin · Tucson, AZ 85721-0203 520.873.5290 · Email: Pmacmacken@carondelet.org Copyright ©2008- 2009 Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Mu Chapter
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