Seven Receive New England Regional Black Nurses Association Award

Congratulations to the seven BWH nurses who received 2009 New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA) Excellence in Nursing Awards for their contributions and outstanding nursing achievements.

Established in 1973, NERBNA provides educational programs to enhance nurse competencies in leadership and ethical practice, awards scholarships for those pursuing a nursing degree and advocates for and provides health services to the community to reduce mortality and morbidity in diseases that have a high incidence in minority populations.

The award recipients, listed below, were honored at a celebration on Feb. 6, National Black Nurses Day, at the Copley Marriott Hotel in Boston.

Grace Adrole

Grace Adrole, BSN, RN, of Hematology/Oncology, came to the U.S. from Uganda, where she lived under very difficult circumstances. She began college and became a nurse once arriving in this country. “She’s a highly skilled and compassionate nurse,” said nurse manager Eileen Molina, BSN, RN. “She always searches out education in the field of Oncology and strives to do the best at her work. Grace is a good role model and resource for staff and patients, and she remains focused on patient and family needs while always treating everyone with respect and dignity.” She recently was part of an HR focus group examining how minorities feel as part of the BWH family.

Ismenia Dorsey

Ismenia Dorsey, BSN, RN, who has worked in the NICU for more than 20 years, is known by her colleagues for her attention to detail, compassion, sensitivity and gentleness when providing care for babies and families. “She strives to integrate the principles of family-centered care and evidence-based knowledge into her nursing practice,” said nurse manager Marianne Cummings, MSN, RN, who, along with Marie Field, MS, RN, nurse educator, nominated Dorsey. “She is an outstanding nurse and a tremendous asset to the NICU.”

Petrona Forbes

Petrona Forbes, BSN, RN, of CWN-9, is known for her clinical expertise in caring for late pre-term infants. She is highly motivated, self directed and constantly striving to increase her knowledge base to better care for her patients. Presently, she is studying to become a certified lactation consultant. “She is a true teacher and active member of a hospital education committee,” said nurse manager Miriam Trainer, MS, RNC, IBCLC. “She always includes families in her teaching and believes this helps support the mother and baby. Her calm, caring manner encourages the patient and family to ask questions. She is an asset in the precepting relationship with new staff and students.”

Dany Hilaire

Dany Hilaire, BSN, RN, of Hematology/Oncology, is a positive and strong role model for young, minority staff at BWH, said her nurse manager Eileen Molina, BSN, RN. “She relates well to all co-workers, patients and families, and she is a positive influence on everyone she meets. She has a huge smile and a kind, caring manner.” Hilaire has excellent clinical and organization skills and is a resource to newer, less experienced staff. “Endearing and gracious, Dany has a high level of professionalism and always does an excellent job at whatever she takes on,” said Molina.

Guerly Laroche

Guerly Laroche, RN, didn’t speak Spanish when she applied to Brookside Community Health Center as an LPN in 1997, but the Haitian Creole and French-speaking nurse assured her nurse manager she could learn it. Shortly after, she mastered the language. “I soon learned that Guerly always meets her goals,” said nurse manager Elizabeth Scanlan, NP, who hired her in 1997. During her first two years at Brookside, Guerly studied to become a registered nurse and continues to consistently strive to improve her practice. “She knows our patients intimately and understands the challenges they face in their daily lives, and she helps them navigate the complicated health care system,” Scanlan said.

Nadia Raymond

Nadia Raymond, RN, of the ICU Float Pool, is well known throughout the hospital for her excellent patient/family care skills, in addition to her kindness, competence and willingness to help others, said nurse manager Cathy Rumble, MS, RN. “She stands out as a wonderful patient advocate who has no problem addressing patient concerns with the care team. Her professional clinical excellence and positive demeanor have always impressed me,” Rumble said.

Elcie Vixama

Elcie Vixama, BSN, RN, IBCLC, of CWN-9, consistently strives to improve her practice by increasing and sharing her knowledge as a preceptor for new staff. She enjoys teaching patients and always goes above and beyond to help patients and families with their needs. Recently, she became a lactation consultant to better assist moms with breastfeeding issues. “Elcie is a wonderful person and nurse,” said nurse manager Miriam Trainer, MS, RNC, IBCLC. “She is highly respected by all members of the health care team. She is loved by her peers and a good resource for clinical issues. Elcie is an example of what a nurse should strive to be.”