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In This Issue:
Recognizing Nurses' Contributions in Patient Care and Teaching
Click here for 5th Annual Medical Housestaff Nursing Awards photo gallery
A committee of medical residents had their work cut out for them as they selected nine winners among the 48 outstanding nominees. The winners are: Brenda Bailey, Cathy Blast, Carole Chapin, Marian Fitzgerald, Ludwine Jean-Jacques, Jeff Kwong, Nancy Mahan, Danilo Mupas and Gary Zina.
Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals' nurses are well-known for providing excellent patient care, and some extend that care to another population in need of nurturing-medical residents. These nurses surpass traditional job responsibilities and assume the roles of mentors by imparting their experience and skill to help residents develop into competent practitioners. Last week, residents expressed their gratitude by formally honoring nine nurses with 2005 Medical Housestaff Nursing Awards.
“This is our opportunity to acknowledge nurses who do a superlative job not only of caring for patients, but caring for us,” said Chuck Morris, MD, chief resident, as he and event co-chair Kathryn Finnerty, MD, and Program Director Bruce Levy, MD, welcomed nurses and guests to the May 5 ceremony in Carrie Hall.
These nurses each bring personal touches to their work and share certain attributes that help guide residents through the highly challenging first months on the job. Remaining calm in crises, taking pride in work, providing quality patient care, maintaining positive attitudes and understanding the needs of patients were common threads throughout each resident's presentation.
Dr. Ryan Turner triggered a few laughs as he shared a story about the first time he met Danilo Mupas, RN, of Faulkner Hospital's ICU. Mupas played a harmless prank to break the ice during Turner's first day on the unit. Mupas' sense of humor opened the door for friendship and mentorship between resident and nurse, helping Turner to adjust and develop his skills. “He really helped me to grow as a physician,” said Turner.
For the first time ever, a care coordinator received the award. Dr. Tony Gutierrez presented the award to Carole Chapin, RN, whom he described as “a phenomenal friend and person, always there to do whatever needed to be done.” One nominator recognized that Chapin “approaches her job with grace, kindness, and above all, humor.”
Dr. Dan Zuckerman shared an anecdote about Nancy Mahan's giving nature and positive spirit before presenting her award. The Oncology Services nurse brightened last Christmas for an on-call resident by bringing her a gift to unwrap, an act that truly touched the resident.
And Dr. Maria Livshin praised Brenda Bailey, RN, with perhaps one of the highest compliments a nurse can receive. “If I ever had to be admitted to the hospital,
I would request Brenda as my nurse,” said Livshin.