Florida Hospital Recognizes Nurses for Exemplary Care

Florida Hospital Recognizes Nurses for Exemplary Care

ORLANDO, Fla., April 29, 2008 - Nurses are the "largest single component of hospital staff" and are "the primary providers of hospital patient care," according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.  And according to a 2006 Gallup survey, nursing is considered the most honest and most ethical profession.  However, these vital members of the healthcare team are sometimes not recognized for all they do each and every day - whether it's providing emotional support to patients and their loved ones, helping with cutting-edge medical treatments, or lending a caring hand. 

That's why Florida Hospital hosted its annual Nursing Awards Luncheon on April 29 at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center to honor these sometimes unsung heroes.  Awards are given to those select nurses out of the thousands at Florida Hospital who exemplify the very best in patient care, leadership, research, and surgical services. 

"Nurses are a vital component to the healthcare industry," said Connie Hamilton, chief nursing executive and senior patient care officer for Clinical at Florida Hospital. "They not only provide skilled care, but also a healing hand to patients each and every day.  I am so proud of this year's award recipients who represent some of the best and brightest nurses at Florida Hospital."

This year's Nursing Excellence in Patient Care Awards went to the following nurses:

• Kelly Powers, Florida Hospital Altamonte
• Amelia Markland, Florida Hospital Apopka
• Grace Howle, Florida Hospital Celebration Health
• Jo Ann Keenan, Florida Hospital East Orlando
• Noemi Fouces, Florida Hospital Kissimmee
• Susan Eager, Florida Hospital Orlando
• Jennifer Opresko, Florida Hospital Orlando
• Pamela May, Florida Hospital Orlando
• Naazneen Dawood, Florida Hospital Orlando
• Gwendolyn Bambico, Winter Park Memorial Hospital, a Florida Hospital

Florida Hospital also distributed other awards to recognize nursing excellence:

• Lauren Wherley received the Nursing Excellence in Education Award.
• Elizabeth Lucey-Hearld and Yamile Der received the Nursing Excellence in Leadership Awards.
• Lynne Bustraan received the Nursing Excellence in Research Award.
• Maryam Dorri and Kelle Battles received the Betty Barker Sherman Awards for Nursing Excellence in Surgical Patient Care.
• Lynn Thompson and Ivoone Mansour received the Partner in Care Awards.
• Jennifer Fletcher received the Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund Award.
• Melissa Pennington received the Nursing Excellence in Leadership Award - Emergency Department.
• Arnel Chavez received the Nursing Excellence in Patient Care Award - Emergency Department.
• Kenzie Rizzo received the Nursing Excellence in Education Award - Emergency Department.

With eight hospitals and 16 Centra Care locations, Florida Hospital is one of the largest not-for-profit hospitals in the country, caring for more than a million patient visits per year - that's more than any other hospital in the country, according to the American Hospital Association.  The more than 2,000-bed system, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals in the country for the past nine years. 

###