Costello Honored With Essence of Nursing Award
Margaret Costello with a patient
Margaret Costello, MSN, MHA, RN, nurse in-charge on Tower 15C, in May received the 2007 Essence of Nursing Award, BWH’s top honor for nurses. Costello was recognized for her compassion, excellent patient care skills and supporting her colleagues. “Margaret’s total focus is the care of the patient, and to that end, she encourages every member of the staff to strive for excellence,” said Tower 15 Nurse Manager Suzanne Silvernail, RN, who nominated Costello for the award.
For Costello, nursing goes beyond taking care of patients’ physical needs—it also encompasses helping patients develop a positive outlook and the skills to cope.
“It’s about teaching patients how to maintain the highest level of function they can when they leave the hospital,” said Costello, who also teaches nursing as a faculty member at Simmons College. Costello is pursuing her PhD in Health Education Studies at Simmons College.
Costello joined BWH in 1988 as a nurse in-charge on Tower 14. She earned her BSN from Salve Regina College, MSN from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and MHA from Simmons College.
The four exemplary finalists for the 2007 Essence of Nursing Award were:
Joan Dorr, BSN, RN, of Tower 8AB. Dorr joined BWH in 1998 and was nominated for her patient care skills and superb teaching skills. “Everything Joan does and doesn’t do is about her patients,” said Alison Gilmore, MSN, RN, nurse manager of 8AB. “She is a stellar nurse and truly exemplifies what every patient hopes their nurse will be.”
Karen Green, BS, RN, IBCLC, of the NICU. Green has been demonstrating dedication in caring for patients and families in the NICU since 1981. “I have seen the look of gratitude in the eyes of patients as they take home a healthy baby knowing that Karen’s involvement and advocacy were primary reasons for the good outcome,” said Steven Ringer, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Newborn Medicine. “On more occasions than I can count, she has made the critical difference for a patient and family under our care.”
Mary Lou Powers, BSN, RN, of the CCU. When it comes to her patients, no detail is too small to escape Powers, who has served at BWH since 1970. “Mary Lou is an extraordinary patient advocate, knows everything about the patients in her care and remembers each and every detail even months after spending time with them,” said Elazer Edelman, MD, PhD, FACC, of the Cardiovascular Division. “I look always to Mary Lou for the most insightful and careful patient evaluation, input on family dynamics and feedback on how treatment plans are progressing.”
James Roche, MEd, BSN, RN, nurse in-charge of the Float Pool. Roche’s trademark enthusiasm and compassion influence everyone around him, whether he is caring for ICU patients throughout the Tower, orienting newly-licensed nurses or mentoring tomorrow’s Pastoral Care providers. “Jim role models the values of respect, compassion and dignity for the entire BWH community,” said Float Pool Nurse Manager Cathy Rumble, RN.