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In This Issue:
Extraordinary Care, Compassionate Nursing, Just What We Do
Chief Nursing Officer Nancy Kruger, DNSc, RN, led the salute to BWH nurses at the annual Recognition Celebration Dinner held in their honor last week. Supported by the energy of more than 550 friends, colleagues and supporters attending the event, Kruger led the presentation program that recognized all nurses, but highlighted many nurses for their work on a number of clinical and research initiatives at BWH. Kruger’s remarks captured the theme of the evening—“Extraordinary Care, Compassionate Nursing, Just What We Do.”
A special tribute was paid to long-time OR nurse educator Helen Cluett as Kruger and OR Nursing director Peggy Doyle, RN presented Cluett with a first-ever Lifetime (Achievement Award. Doyle walked the audience through Cluett’s rich history at BWH and her dedication and achievements in Nursing both inside and outside the walls of the hospital. The presentation of this inaugural award was followed by a few words of appreciation from Cluett, who explained that the self-gratification and fulfillment derived through the practice of nursing is immeasurable. “No matter what the status of our role within the professional realm, the common bond that unites us is our commitment and dedication to promoting and providing for the well being of our fellow man,” she said.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2004 Mary S. Fay Essence of Nursing Award to Gabriele Harrison. Harrison delivered a heartfelt presentation on the very essence of Nursing in the BWH NICU. As Harrison tracked her career at BWH and her work with parents, preemies and peers over her long tenure, the audience members soon realized why she was chosen as the 2004 awardee, if they hadn’t before. Harrison thanked many individuals in her remarks, but saved a special thanks for her colleagues in the BWH NICU, “who make being a NICU nurse so much more than just a job.”
The evening ended on a poignant note as the annual video presentation closed the agenda. Consistent with the night’s theme, the video highlighted the selfless dedication of the more than 2,000 nurses who continually dedicate themselves to the lives of BWH patients.