UHS RNs honored by regional nurses’ group

 
Four outstanding UHS employees were honored May 9 by the Professional Nurses Association of South Central New York.  Registered nurses Caroline Quidort, Debra Murphy, Danielle Caviness and Monica Lorenc received special recognition at the association’s 37th annual Nurses Day Breakfast in Binghamton.

"Nurses are leaders in the endeavor to provide safe, effective and restorative care," said John M. Carrigg, president and chief executive officer of UHS.  "They practice both the art and science of caring as they intervene clinically to strengthen, heal, comfort and save lives."

Each year the PNA honors the nursing profession and local RNs by presenting awards to exceptional professionals in the field.  The following awards were given to RNs who work at UHS Hospitals:

Caroline Quidort, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, UHS Wilson Medical Center, is the recipient of the Aspiring Professional Nurse Award.  She is described as:  “One of our most promising nurses, a compassionate and dedicated professional, the future of nursing.”  This particular award recognizes a member of the PNA who is in their first two years of practice and is mastering the knowledge and know-how of the profession. 

This individual has integrated learning and has applied it to their practice over the past two years.  Gaining experience is the prerequisite to becoming an eventual expert. This professional RN is a change agent who seeks to improve the profession of nursing with innovative and progressive ideas.  This RN functions as a role model for their peers, and acts as a preceptor and mentor for new nurses. 

Debra Murphy, RN, clinical practice nurse at UHS Wilson, is the recipient of the Nursing Practice Award.  This award goes to a nurse who demonstrates a commitment to the development of professional nursing, such as participation in professional organizations, committee work, community work or education programs. This nurse demonstrates leadership in bringing awareness of issues or problems to the appropriate venues for potential resolution.  The awardee is a member of the association who demonstrates outstanding performance in the practice of nursing. 

The honor acknowledges the essential contributions that nurses across the continuum make to the healthcare of our community. This nurse develops or implements special projects that impact professional practice, and implements innovative, progressive ideas.  They act as a change agent to improve and enhance nursing practice, and function as a role model for excellence in nursing practice. 

Danielle Caviness, RN, Surgical Stepdown Unit and South Tower 4, and Monica Lorenc, RN, Labor & Delivery, UHS Wilson, have been selected for the Advocacy Award, based on their work with the UHS Fetal Demise and Bereavement Program. The program extends support and services to maternity patients, patients’ family members and the community.  The award is given to any nurse who advocates for the healthcare field. The American Nurses Association maintains that advocacy is the pillar of nursing.

These nurses have identified and raised awareness related to people seeking healthcare, and have provided a direct service to a cohort of people seeking care. They have contributed time and service in the community. They have advocated professionally, legislatively or politically for healthcare related to our patients, community and nurses. 

In addition to the individual recognitions, the annual breakfast is an opportunity for nurses from the region to network and celebrate their profession.

UHS is a locally owned, not-for-profit hospital and healthcare system serving Greater Binghamton and surrounding counties. Founded in 1981, UHS provides a full range of medical, surgical, rehabilitative and long-term care services throughout New York’s Southern Tier.

Follow the latest UHS news and more at nyuhs.org and on Facebook—facebook.com/uhshospitals and Twitter—twitter.