2011 Nurse of Excellence -...

2011 Nurse of ExcellenceAWARD RECEPTION

May 18, 2011Woodbury Country ClubWoodbury, NY

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1383 Veterans Memorial Highway,Suite 26, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Phone (631) 435-3000Fax (631) 435-2343

www.nshc.org

The collective voice of Long Island’s not-for-profit and public hospitals

May 18, 2011

A M E S S AG E F R O M T H E CO U N C I LThe New York State Legislature in 1989 created a Nurse of Distinction Program. The program, coordinated at the time by Senator Tarky LombardiJr., recognized individual excellence in the nursing profession. Hundreds ofnurses were nominated from across the state, eight regional designees wereselected by peer review, and one nurse from that group was awarded. Theprogram was highly regarded by those within the health care industry andcontinued until 1995.

Since then, it has been the honor of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council tocontinue this tradition on a regional level through our annual “Nurse ofExcellence” program. The Hospital Council opted to maintain this recogni-tion program because the registered nurse is truly the core of any hospital.Each member hospital and nursing school selects a nominee based on spe-cific selection criteria. The nomination in and of itself is an honor. Then aCouncil peer review committee selects “the best of the best.” More impor-tant than those individuals named and honored is the celebration of theentire nursing profession that pervades this program. We are proud of thenominees and congratulate this year’s top nurse. We are just as proud of allof the nurses who care for thousands of Long Islanders, seven days a week,24 hours a day.

On behalf of our board of directors, the council staff and the leadershipstaff at all of our hospitals, we express our sincere appreciation to all nursesand salute their commitment to compassionate quality patient care.

Kevin W. DahillPresident/CEO

O R D E R O F P R O G R A M

2011 Nurse of Excellence Award

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wendy D. DarwellVice President/Chief Operating Officer,

Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council

GREETINGS FROM THE NASSAU-SUFFOLK HOSPITAL COUNCIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas Melzer

Chairman of the BoardNassau-Suffolk Hospital Council &

Chief Executive Officer,Long Beach Medical Center

INTRODUCTION OF NURSE OF EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Darcey, MS, RN-BC-NE

Chairperson, Nurse Executive Committee &Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services,

Southampton Hospital

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ALL “NURSE OF EXCELLENCE NOMINEES” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gara Edelstein, RN, MSN

Chairperson, Nurse of Excellence Sub-Committee &Vice President of Administration & Chief Nursing Officer,

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

RECOGNITION OF THE 2011 NASSAU-SUFFOLK NURSE OF EXCELLENCE... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frances LaFauci, RN, Ed.D

Associate Dean/Professor of Nursing,Suffolk County Community College

REMARKS BY THE HONOREE . . . .Lisa M. Quinones, RNC, MS, OGNP, ANP, ICCEProfessor of Nursing,

Suffolk County Community College

PRESENTATION OF THE TEAPOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Debra Giugliano, RN, MS, PNPStony Brook University Medical Center

2010 Nassau–Suffolk Hospital Council Nurse of Excellence

CLOSING REMARKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gara Edelstein, RN, MSNChairperson, Nurse of Excellence Sub-Committee

Vice President of Administration & Chief Nursing Officer,St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

N U R S E E X E C U T I V E S CO M M I T T E E


Kathleen Baker, RNPrincipal - Health CareersWestern Suffolk BOCES

Jennifer Bryer, PhD, RN, CNEChairperson, Dept. of NursingFarmingdale State College

Ann Cella, MA, MEd, RN, NEA-BCSr. VP Patient Care Services & CNOSt. Francis Hospital – The Heart Center

Rosie Chatman, RN, MAAssociate Director for Patient/Nursing ServiceVeterans Affairs Medical Center

Patrick R. Coonan, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FACHEDean & ProfessorAdelphi University

Patricia Darcey, RN, MS, BC-NEVP Patient Care Services & CNOSouthampton Hospital

Susan Dewey-Hammer, MN, APRNCollege-wide Nursing CoordinatorSuffolk County Community College

Faye Duda, RN, MPS, CNAChief Nursing OfficerLong Beach Medical Center

Gara Edelstein, RN, MSNVP Administration & CNOSt. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

Nicolette Fiore-Lopez, RN, MA, CNEPChief Nursing OfficerSt. Charles Hospital

Pat Hogan, RN, MA, NEA-BCSr. Vice President & CNOGood Samaritan Hospital Medical Center

Catherine Hottendorf, RNAssociate Executive Director, Patient Care ServicesSouthside Hospital

Minna Kapp, EdD, MBA, RNAssociate Professor & Graduate Program DirectorC. W. Post Campus of Long Island University

Susan Kwiatek, RN, BSN, MBA, NE-BCAssociate Executive Director, Patient Care ServicesGlen Cove Hospital

Frances LaFauci, RN, EdDAssociate Dean & Professor of NursingSuffolk County Community College

Kathy Mann-Finnerty, MA, MBA, RNChief Nursing OfficerNo. Shore University Hospital at Manhasset

Renee Mauriello, RN, MSNVP for Patient Care Services & CNOMercy Medical Center

Kim Mendez, EdD, ANP-C, RNVice President & CNOBrookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center

Margaret Minnick, RN, MSNVP Patient Care Services & CNOSt. Joseph Hospital

Jeannine D. Muldoon, PhD, RNDean & Professor, Division of NursingMolloy College

Marie Mulligan, RN, MSVice President for NursingJ. T. Mather Memorial Hospital

Myrna Myers-Laque, MEd., RN, NEA-BCVP Nursing & CNOHuntington Hospital

Susan Neville, PhD, RNChairperson & Associate Professor, Dept. of NursingNew York Institute of Technology

Sue Penque, PhD, RNSr. VP Patient Care Services & CNOSo. Nassau Communities Hospital

Patricia PispisaVP Patient Care ServicesEastern Long Island Hospital

Barbara Popkin, RN, MAAssociate Executive Director, Patient Care ServicesFranklin Hospital Medical Center

Carol Powell, RNProgram AdministratorEastern Suffolk BOCES

Thomas B. Rich, D.Min., RN, NPProfessor & ChairpersonNassau Community College

Barbara Sands, PhD, RNProfessor & Director, Dept of NursingSt. Joseph’s College

Kathy Skarka, MSN, RN, CNASr. VP & CNONassau University Medical Center

Arleen J. Steckel, PhD, RN, CPNPClinical Associate Professor, ClinicalProfessor Chair, Parent Child HealthStony Brook University School of Nursing

Mary Stedman, MS, RN, ANP, CNEProfessor /Associate ChairpersonFarmingdale State University

The Nurse Executives Committee is comprised of the chief nursing officers from all member hospitals anddeans and directors of schools of nursing.

N U R S E E X E C U T I V E S CO M M I T T E E CO N T I N U E D

Valerie Terzano, RN, MS, CNAAVP Nursing & CNOWinthrop University Hospital

Marianna Vazquez, RN, MS, NE-BCAssociate Executive Director, Patient Care ServicesPlainview & Syosset Hospitals

Maureen White, RN, MBA, NEA-BCSr. Vice President, Chief Nurse ExecutiveNo. Shore – LIJ Health System

Lee Anne Xippolitos, RN, PhDChief Nursing Officer, Stony Brook University Medical Center Dean, School of NursingStony Brook University School of Nursing

Gerald Zunno, RN, MSNVP Patient Care ServicesPeconic Bay Medical Center

NURSE OF EXCELLENCE SUBCOMMITTEEGara Edelstein, ChairpersonVP Administration & CNO, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center

Jennifer BryerChairperson, Dept. of Nursing, Farmingdale State College

Patricia DarceyVP Patient Care Services & CNO, Southampton Hospital

Frances LaFauciAssociate Dean & Professor of Nursing, Suffolk County Community College

Renee MaurielloVP for Patient Care Services & CNO, Mercy Medical Center

Amy PakesNurse Manager, Nassau University Medical Center

Susan PenqueSr. VP Patient Care Services & CNO, South Nassau Communities Hospital

Lee Anne XippolitosChief Nursing Officer, Stony University Medical CenterDean, School of Nursing, Stony Brook University School of Nursing

Debra GiuglianoStony Brook University Medical Center2010 Nassau-Suffolk Hospital CouncilNurse of Excellence

Valerie TerzanoVice President, Nursing & CNOWinthrop University Hospital


NURSE OF EXCELLENCE SELECTION CRITERIAOutstanding contributions to the nursingprofession and to the field of health caremust be demonstrated based on the follow-ing criteria:

■ Significant achievement within a particu-lar area of nursing, including clinicalpractice, education, research, or adminis-tration. The provision of direct nursingservices to assist patients and their fami-lies to function at optimum levels ofhealth is one example within clinicalpractice.

■ Demonstrates leadership and quality per-formance that provides a role model tocolleagues. Assists other nurses in theirdevelopment.

■ Participation in activities that foster apositive public image of nursing as a pro-fession.

NOTE: All registered professional nurses employed at aNassauSuffolk Hospital Council membership organization, or affiliated school of nursing, at any employmentlevel or scope of responsibility, are eligible to be nominated for the award. Prior nominees are not eligible.Each hospital or nursing school member of the NassauSuffolk Hospital Council Nurse Executives Committee iseligible to nominate one individual for the award. Eachnominating entity has an internal selection process to facilitate making an appropriate nomination.

Nassau-Suffolk Nurse of Excellence Awardsponsored by the

Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council2010 Debra Giugliano, Stony Brook University Medical Center

2009 Eileen M. Roberto, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center

2008 Amy B. Pakes, Nassau University Medical Center

2007 Donna A. Tanzi, Huntington Hospital

2006 May-Lynn Andresen, North Shore—Long Island Jewish Health System

2005 Kathleen Perro, St. Francis Hospital

2004 Madeline Cozzi-Gottlieb, South Nassau Communities Hospital

2003 Virginia Reichert, North Shore University Hospital @ Manhasset

2002 Donna M. Johnson, Nassau University Medical Center

2001 Susan Hovani, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital

2000 Kathleen Southerton, University Hospital at Stony Brook

1999 Kathleen Miller, Long Beach Medical Center

1998 Elizabeth Devine, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital

1997 Alice Friedrich, North Shore University Hospital at Plainview

1996 Phyllis Parker, J.T. Mather Memorial Hospital

P R I O R R E C I P I E N T S


Long Island Nominations to the New York State Nurse of Distinction Award Program

1989 - 1995Eleanor O’BoyleJ. T. Mather Memorial

Sr. Rita VansonMercy Medical Center

Rachel Lin (deceased)Komanoff Center for Geriatric & Rehab Medicine (NYS recipient)

Dorothy PessoliVeterans Affairs Medical Center

Mildred O’ConnorLutheran Center for the Aging

Nancy MaehlVeterans Affairs Medical Center

Darlene PaduanoUniversity Hospital at Stony Brook

Carolyn Van HeldenSt. Charles Hospital and Rehabilitation Center

2011 N U R S E O F E XC E L L E N C E H O N O R E E


Award For

THE NASSAU–SUFFOLK HOSPITAL COUNCIL

Nursing ExcellenceIs Presented To

Lisa M. Quinones, RNC, MS, OGNP, ANP, ICCE

2011

For achieving significant accomplishments in an area of practice, serving as a mentor and inspiration for staff, providing assistance to

patients and families, and fostering a positive image of nursing.

This year, Lisa celebrates her 25th yearin nursing, in a career that has takenher from hospitals, to private practice,to community health centers to—forthe last 12 years—educating tomor-row’s nurses as a professor at SuffolkCounty Community College.

However, Lisa’s passion for teachingcould not be contained to SCCC stu-dents. She has used her skills as anurse, a teacher, and a leader to helppeople in need locally and abroad.Among her many activities, she hasbeen a consultant to and outreach edu-cator for the March of Dimes and avolunteer for Stony Brook’s NICUFamily Support Program.

Most impressive is her work as a“Leader of the Brigade/Director ofCurriculum” for the non-profit inter-national organization, Hope for aHealthier Humanity (HHH). She trav-els to Latin America, accompanied bynursing students or recent graduates,to provide health education to commu-nity leaders or “promotores” in ex-tremely poor, rural communities. Sheprovides basic health information, with

a special focus on maternal and infantmorbidity and mortality, which thepromotores can then take back to theirvillages. Through HHH, she hasworked on research and education ini-tiatives with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)in the Dominican Republic, and haseven presented to the United Nations’World Youth Alliance on maternal andinfant issues.

At SCCC, Lisa is a Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP)faculty member, a mentor and presen-ter for STEP, and a preceptor for grad-uate nursing education students. Shehas presented at numerous conferencesand workshops, received many aca-demic and professional honors, andpublished a variety of articles. She be-lieves in lifelong learning and service,is a role model for students and faculty,and has brought the nursing programto a new level of international serviceand awareness. Lisa personifies theNurse of Excellence and enthusiasti-cally gives back to her profession andto her community.

2011 N U R S E O F E XC E L L E N C E H O N O R E E


Lisa M. Quinones, RNC, MS, OGNP, ANP, ICCE Professor of NursingSuffolk County Community College

N O M I N E E S


BROOKHAVEN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL MEDICALCENTER

Keisha Ann Wisdom, RN, BSNNursing Administrative Supervisor

In her three years at Brookhaven, Keisha has been atrue professional, always willing to take charge, edu-cate staff, patients, and their families, and is ex-tremely capable of handling difficult and chaoticsituations. Her strong ethical principles are demon-strated in her understanding of patients’ needs, be-liefs, and cultural foundations. She has great visionwhen making critical decisions—ensuring that ap-propriate short term action is taken, while also con-sidering the long-term impact on the patient. Inaddition, she continually gives her time and expertiseto organizational committees and significantly con-tributes to Brookhaven’s continuous goal of improv-ing patient care. In her supervisory role, Keishamakes great efforts to be a role model and educatorto all staff.

EASTERN LONG ISLAND HOSPITAL

Katherine M. Bach, RN

Katherine’s career has spanned 34 years, includingthe past three years at Eastern Long Island. She ispresently the charge nurse in the Pain ManagementCenter in the operating room. She is a mentor andcoach for new staff members, and generously sharesher knowledge and expertise. As the Pain Manage-ment Center expanded, the types of procedures be-came more technical. She demonstrated a high levelof initiative and was instrumental in developing pro-grams for specific, patient-focused care, as well as thedevelopment of policies, procedures, informationalteaching packets, and discharge instructions.Katherine is hard working and dedicated to provid-ing excellent patient care, and her knowledge andskill make her an extraordinary resource to the hos-pital. Her strong leadership qualities inspire confi-dence, respect and the cooperation of others.

FARMINGDALE STATE COLLEGE

Jennifer Bryer, Ph.D., RN, CNEChairperson, Department of Nursing

Jennifer has been a nurse for 33 years and an out-standing nurse educator for 20 years in both clinicaland classroom education. As a nursing educator, shepromotes an atmosphere in which students are ableto critically think, embrace the science of learning,and flourish. Her innovative teaching strategies in-corporate the use of technology, case studies, conceptmaps, and collaborative techniques that encouragethe students to solve the everyday problems that areevident in patient care. Jennifer instituted a mentor-ing program for returning nursing students wherestudent-to-student involvement is available for tutor-ing, studying, and easing the returnee’s transitionback into the nursing program. She is a publishedresearcher. She expends tremendous energy in serv-ing as a guide, a motivator, a facilitator, and a rolemodel for all members of the Nursing Department.

FRANKLIN HOSPITAL

Ceil Sorrentino, RN, BSStroke Coordinator

Ceil has worked at Franklin Hospital for the pastthree years of her more than 30-year career. Her roleas coordinator has many facets in the area of patientcare as well as overall responsibilities for coordina-tion within the hospital. Ceil is always abreast ofcurrent guidelines for stroke care. She established aprocess that involves monitoring bedside practice,documentation, and compliance for staff at all levelsand across disciplines. Her responsibilities includeintegration of inpatient care coordination. Her col-laboration with department heads is mandatory toensure guidelines for care are followed, as per theAmerican Stroke Association. She provides ongoingeducation for nursing and physician staff on theguidelines and updates regarding overall care for thestroke patients. Ceil is a great patient advocate andprovides one-on-one education for patients at the

N O M I N E E S CO N T I N U E D

bedside. She is a champion for stroke care withinand outside the hospital, involved in both commu-nity education and outreach.

GLEN COVE HOSPITAL

Donna Donnelly, BSN, RNC

Donna has been at Glen Cove for five years andworks on a busy medical-surgical floor, where shehas often stepped up in difficult staffing situations.Her gentle and quiet demeanor belies the exceptionalnurse and powerful change agent that she is. Donnawillingly shares her education and experience. She isa preceptor to new hires and students, and schoolsthem in her compassionate, evidence-based practiceof nursing. Through her efforts she has inspired oth-ers to go the extra mile in their own professionallives. Donna assumes charge when assigned to do soand is competent in that role. In the clinical setting,Donna earned Clinical Ladder III status, one of threenurses at Glen Cove to do so. She developed and im-plemented a music therapy program, where she coor-dinates volunteers from local music programs andschedules visits throughout her unit and the inpa-tient psychiatry unit, which has a positive effect onthe patients and staff.

GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER

Kathryn R. Brennan, RNC, MS, CNORPerioperative Supervisor

Kathryn has oversight of the pre-surgical testing,pre-and post-procedure units, endoscopy, and painmanagement procedural areas. She is an 18-year vet-eran of Good Samaritan. She volunteers for hospital-based and system-wide community programs. Sheleads by example, working diligently behind thescenes, attending to every detail, assuring comple-tion, and praising the team throughout the process.As a situation presents, she reacts by researching theevidence, following through on every aspect, analyz-ing to develop a conclusion, and working through tofind a solution. Dedicated to quality care, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning, she sets highstandards for herself and others. She encouragesstaff to adopt lifelong learning, join professional

organizations, and pursue certification in their spe-cialties. Kathryn’s ability to maintain a professional,calm demeanor, enables her to be the perfect mentorto aspiring leaders.

HUNTINGTON HOSPITAL

Deborah L. Feehan, MS, RN, C, CHPNClinical Nursing Supervisor

Deborah is a full-time clinical supervisor who hasworked at Huntington for 10 years. In her supervi-sory role, she oversees the daily operations of a busynursing department, in addition to serving as an ad-junct clinical instructor at a local university. Deborahis strongly motivated to learn, change, and challengeherself. She helped plan and design a medical-surgi-cal unit with a family-centered philosophy. Underher leadership, direct care nurses initiated many“transforming care at the bedside” concepts, such asfamily participation carts, quiet time, communicationboards, rooming-in, and aromatherapy. Deborah hasalways had a passionate interest in improving care atthe end of life. She was instrumental in the develop-ment of the hospital’s interdisciplinary palliative carecommittee. Her dream was realized with the hiring ofa palliative medicine physician, a nurse practitioner,and social worker to serve as the core of an interdisci-plinary palliative care team. She has exercised greatvision and initiative in making career choices thathave expanded her personal capabilities and Huntington’s mission.

LONG BEACH MEDICAL CENTER

Geraldine A. Moore, EdD, RN, BC, AE-CCoordinator - Health Styles

Geraldine has more than 30 years of nursing experi-ence and has been a role model to nurses, students,and lay people. She works in the hospital’s commu-nity health and wellness program. Geraldine has or-ganized asthma education programs for children,families, teachers and health professionals, facilitateda Safe Sitter Program that teaches young people firstaid and how to handle emergencies while baby-sit-ting, and partnered with the American Cancer Society to teach schoolchildren, adults and lifeguards


about sun safety. Working with seniors, she bringshealth screening and education to several communi-ties. Her charity work extends to meeting the needsof international communities, collecting supplies,money, and other donations. Geraldine inspires anew generation of nurses as an assistant professor ofnursing, teaching community nursing, professional-ism and nursing research. She is pro-active, innova-tive and demonstrates a strong, caring attitudetoward others.

JOHN T. MATHER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Lillian A. Donnelly, RN, BSN, OCN

A staff member on the medical-surgical oncologyunit, Lillian has worked at John T. Mather for tenyears. She uses knowledge derived from exposure todifferent modalities of care to improve and expandher abilities, and she works diligently to promoteunity between departments and nursing floors. Sheis a member of the hospital’s newly-formed palliativecommittee, providing invaluable knowledge obtainedduring a one-year home hospice experience. Shepossesses keen interpersonal skills and interacts wellwith co-workers, physicians, and administrative staff.Lillian is highly respected by her peers and is oftensought out as a person of reference. She is dedicatedto the performance of her profession and uses evi-dence-based practice and nursing research to providethe best quality of nursing care.

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER

Humilidad Umali, RN, BSNAssistant Head Nurse

Humilidad has worked at Mercy Medical Center for24 years in a myriad of positions and, for the pastthree years, has been the assistant head nurse on its37-bed acute rehabilitation unit. Quality patient careis a passion for Humilidad. She initiated a perform-ance improvement project for patient and family ed-ucation. There has been a steady increase in qualitycompliance on the rehab unit since the projectbegan. Humilidad coordinates the nurses’ assign-ments and participates in multidisciplinary teammeetings to plan the rehabilitation patients’ care and

discharge needs. Everyone admires her organiza-tional skills and she keeps the rehab unit togetherunder the most challenging of days. She always hastime for patients and is compassionate and cheerful.She has achieved Clinical Nurse III status for the pasttwo years. An active participant in the hospital’s out-reach programs, she brings services to the commu-nity and local churches.

NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Shyni Charley, RN, BSNAssistant Nurse Manager for Critical Care

Shyni has worked at Nassau University Medical Center for 20 years. As assistant nurse manager tothe critical care units, burn center, and PACU, she isresponsible for assuring the delivery of quality of careand coordinating the transfer of patients in and outof the critical care units. She assists supervision, re-sponds to codes and traumas, and coordinates theoverall care of the patients in SICU on the night shift.She is a proven leader and an invaluable resource.She is a mentor and role model to new graduatenurses in the ICU fellowship program, and is cred-ited by students with contributing to their successfulentry into practice. She is active in the community,volunteering in many capacities, organizing clothingand food drives, visiting homeless shelters, and plan-ning health fairs. Through her church’s ministry, shetraveled to India and Africa, improving residents’quality of life by building homes and schools, andcreating wells for clean drinking water.

NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Stacy E. Wahl, Ph.D., RN, CCRNNurse Educator

Stacy is a 25-year veteran nurse educator at NorthShore University Hospital. In her position on thenight shift, she is also a facilitator, change agent,leader, consultant, and researcher. Although her areaof expertise is critical care, she excels in all aspects ofnursing practice. Her preceptor program was devel-oped for North Shore, adopted by the North Shore-L.I.J. Health System, and implemented at all of thesystem’s hospitals. The preceptor program focuseson learning preferences, learning styles,


multiculturalism, and interactive learning. Stacy ischair of both the standards, policies, and procedurescommittee and the research committee. She is amentor to countless nurses and managers on thenight shift as they pursue advanced degrees. She isone of the most approachable members of the hospi-tal and staff members are comfortable asking her forguidance with varied patient care problems, initia-tives, and ideas. Her no-nonsense approach to thenursing profession allows staff — particularly newnurses on the night shift — an opportunity to learnfrom a highly educated and experienced nurse.

PECONIC BAY MEDICAL CENTER

Judie A. Lizewski, RN, BSN, CWCNWound Care/Nursing Education

After 18 years in various roles—medical-surgical,telemetry, and staff nurse in the intensive care unit—Judie decided to pursue certification in wound care.She has succeeded in making the Wound Care Pro-gram a success. She worked with the nurse educationdepartment to instruct all nursing staff in wound careand the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.Because of her dedication to her patients and respectof her peers, Judie was the first RN to serve on thehospital’s board of directors. She has led the way forothers to follow in her footsteps and always presenteda balanced view and perspective to the leadership.Judie volunteers her nursing skills to children in thecommunity, as well as around the world. She servedas a missionary in Uganda, providing care and educa-tion to the children of King’s Kids Orphanage. She isa role model to new nurses, and an expert to her col-leagues, able to stand by their side assisting, educat-ing, and orienting to improve the practice of nursing.She is well-rounded, multi-faceted and has served hercommunity, hospital and the world.

PLAINVIEW HOSPITAL

Diane M. Gafa, RN-PACU, BSN

Currently a nurse in the PACU unit, Diane hasworked at Plainview Hospital for 13 years. She is thechairperson for the PACU/ASU/ENDO CollaborativeCare Council, where she makes process changes to

help Plainview provide safe patient care, increase efficiency and enhance patient care experience.Diane is certified as a preceptor and represents thedepartment at the nurse practice meetings. She isboth a board member of and the PACU Coordinatorfor Blanca’s House, a medical mission that travels toSouth America to perform much-needed surgeries.She is responsible for supplies, equipment, and staff,and raises funds to provide necessities that are notdonated. Diane is also in charge of PACU staff. Shescreens and interviews new candidates, and is respon-sible for the operation of the PACU. She educates theexisting hospital staff on new procedures, equipment,and best practices.

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA MEDICAL CENTER

Margaret Connick, RNCStaff Nurse

Margaret has worked at St. Catherine’s for 44 years,holding positions in every department in the hospital.She is currently a staff nurse in oncology. She has be-come an advocate for oncology patients, and was in-strumental in opening a dedicated oncology unit atthe hospital. She also is an advocate for the use ofhealth care proxies and makes sure that everyone ofher cancer patients knows the importance of theproxy. Her quiet, soft-spoken tone gets things done,and she is always there for her patients, in addition tohaving the respect of everyone in the hospital. Shetreats all her patients with compassion, caring, dig-nity, and respect. Margaret is strongly committed tosharing her knowledge and mentoring younger staffabout the challenges of oncology nursing. She is thenurse at the bedside that makes a difference for herpatients, families, hospital, and community.

ST. CHARLES HOSPITAL

Cecilia A. Hill, BS, RNDirector of Infection Control

Cecilia has worked at St. Charles for more than 36years. With her current focus on infection control,she has effectively implemented systems to preventand control hospital-associated infections by ensur-ing that the appropriate resources are in place to


effectively protect the patients, visitors, and staff.This entails stringent surveillance of targeted infec-tions, the establishment of infection control policiesthat conform to government guidelines and compli-ance with these policies, and the education and train-ing of staff, patients, and families. Her colleagues,supervisors, staff and patients are the grateful benefi-ciaries of her positive attitude and generous nature.Cecilia inspires and mentors staff with the samesteady resolve to always do the right thing and ensurethat every patient receives the best care. She is activein her community, doing various screenings and fluvaccinations, as well as obtaining food and clothingfor various charities. Cecilia is an outstanding rolemodel who assists in nursing development and in-spires other nurses to grow and develop.

ST. FRANCIS HOSPITALTHE HEART CENTER

Maria Vitsentzos, MSN, RN, ANP-BCPalliative Care Nurse Champion

Maria has held a number of positions in her 25 yearsat St. Francis. In 2005, she was selected for the devel-opment of a palliative care service at the hospital. Inher present position as program director, she ana-lyzes palliative care trends, and tracks, analyzes andreports on the program’s progress in the hospital’ssemi-annual and annual reports. She hosts weeklypalliative care team meetings, encourages and ac-cepts palliative care referrals from clinical nurses, in-cludes the primary nurse in family meetings and inthe establishment of patient goals of care, and pro-vides regular palliative education to newly-hirednurses in orientation classes. Maria created a pallia-tive care brochure and bereavement resource guidefor patients and their families. She gives palliativeeducational presentations to staff and hospital com-mittees, and represents the palliative care program atnational and local conferences. St. Francis recog-nizes her many diverse accomplishments with pride.She is a visionary who takes strong action to bringthe outstanding work done at St. Francis a nationallevel of recognition, serving to advance the profes-sion of nursing.

ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL

Lucille Hughes, MSN, RN, CDEDirector of Diabetes Education

Lucille has worked in nursing for more than 20 years,the last two at St. Joseph Hospital. As the diabetes ed-ucator, she established a diabetes program at the hos-pital that has quickly become a source of support forthe community, hospitalized patients, and staff. Shehas had remarkable success in a short period of time.Lucille created and implemented a monthly commu-nity diabetes support group, and has assisted an in-sulin pump support group. She reached out to themedical staff and pharmacy to implement collabora-tive evidence-based practice. Now every unit has adiabetes nurse champion who was mentored andcoached by Lucille, reflecting her endless energy anddevotion. She also developed a diabetes educationcorner at the hospital that promotes and supports dia-betes education for the nurses, and fosters dialoguewith the staff. She is an adjunct faculty member atMolloy College and teaches a continuing educationprogram for school nurses called, “The Care of theDiabetic Student in the School Setting.”

SOUTH NASSAU COMMUNITIES HOSPITAL

Kathryn Garizio-McDonagh, RNNurse Coordinator for Radiation Oncology and Radiosurgery

Kathryn has been a nurse for more than 11 years,providing compassionate, responsive patient carewith specializations in radiation oncology, inpatientoncology, recovery, cardiac care, and hospice. Herdiverse experience and utmost respect for the nurs-ing profession, combined with her expertise and acu-men in oncology patient care, has been critical to thelevel of excellence achieved by South Nassau’s cancerprogram. In her role as radiosurgery coordinator,she is responsible for formulating policies and proce-dures, coordinating weekly radiosurgery conferences,initiating performance improvement projects, andcoordinating with different specialties to ensure thatthe department runs smoothly. She has a strong clin-ical foundation. Kathryn consistently goes above andbeyond her job responsibilities by assisting other


members of the team, coordinating nursing coverage,assisting with the department’s Gamma Knife pro-gram and helping with special procedure patients.She serves as an exceptional mentor and resource forother nurses, as well as a preceptor to new nurses,training them in radiation oncology.

SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL

Patricia M. Mitchell, RN, BSN, CNOR

For 15 of her 38 years in nursing, Patricia has workedfull–time, 12-hour shifts in the operating room, inaddition to working as a charge nurse after 3 p.m.She also works part time in an urgent care center.She is very versatile and willing to work in both theED and PACU, whenever she is needed. Patricia iscompassionate and will go above and beyond toserve her patients. As a union delegate, she guidesnurses when there is a labor issue. She meets withmanagement and sees both sides of an issue. Patriciais very diplomatic. She is strong, confident, a goodteacher and a great mentor to younger nurses. Sheinitiates change to help nurses to increase staffmorale. Patricia volunteers her time with Interna-tional Surgical Missions Support, which provides freemedical care and trains local professionals. She hasbeen on medical missions to Haiti, Nepal, and Africa.She is passionate about all tasks that she takes on,and heals not only from the heart, but with body,mind and soul.

SOUTHSIDE HOSPITAL

Lynne V. Grant, RN, BSN

An emergency department nurse in practice formore than thirteen years, Lynne came to the profes-sion of nursing by an unconventional route. Herprior career was in mortuary science. While manag-ing a funeral parlor, she realized that she gained themost satisfaction from comforting and supportingfamily members during their saddest hours. Thiscompassion and skill naturally led her to nursing.She joined the staff of Southside Hospital as a nurse’saide in the emergency department, returned toschool, and earned her nursing degree. A hands-on

nurse who always finds the time to hold a hand oroffer a hug, Lynne has also become an instrumentalmember of the ED team. She helped to develop andrevise the ED’s trauma policy, and is the co-chair ofthe department’s collaborative care council. Thecounsel has improved the security of the ED byworking to increase the security department’s pres-ence, secured additional interpreter phones to helpthe Limited English Proficiency Team, and devel-oped a cost-effective method of securing EKG cablesand leads to the monitors that has saved the hospitalthousands of dollars. Lynne shares her knowledgewith new nurses, serving as a preceptor, and demon-strates true leadership within the department. She isas active and giving in her personal life, volunteeringfor community health fairs, captaining the blooddrive and raising funds for the American Heart Association.

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Diane M. Carlson, RN, MS, CNAA-BCDirector of Nursing Support Services

Diane has had a 25-year career at Stony Brook, buther current focus is the oversight of and responsibil-ity for the hospital’s assistant directors of nursing,the nursing office, hospital bed coordinators, who as-sist in assigning beds to patients awaiting admission,the nurse scheduling and information system, andthe RN Float and per diem pools. She is always avail-able to the nursing office and division, in addition tocoordinating hospital activities as emergencies arise.As incident commander, she is responsible for acti-vating nursing emergency teams for disasters and/orweather-related emergencies. Diane makes sure col-laboration is maintained between all health care pro-fessionals and inspires leadership communicationand patient safety. She has coordinated fundraisingevents to raise awareness for the Burn Center Foundation. She is not afraid to try new things orexplore ways to further high quality care for patients,families and staff. Diane continuously taps into herskills as a teacher. She challenges, supports, encour-ages and instills confidence and pride in the staff; sheis always a mentor and leader.


SYOSSET HOSPITAL

Alice B. Aiello, RN, CEN, MS

Alice is a registered nurse with 20 years of experiencein the Emergency Department at Syosset Hospital.She is a highly skilled nurse with excellent diagnosticand triage skills. With her great people skills, she canmake the grumpiest person smile. Alice motivatesthe evening team to work together in harmony, ex-pecting quality care from the other members of theED staff. She mentors new ED nurses and helpsthem to be successful members of the department.She has been instrumental in the high Press Ganeypatient satisfaction scores achieved by the ED. Alicehas the unique ability to remain calm during themost chaotic ED shifts, thereby keeping her staffcalm. She participates in a number of communityevents for breast cancer and Parkinson’s organiza-tions and other charities, in addition to doing speak-ing engagements for NY Organ Donor network.

VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER

Theodora C. Raft, BSN, RN-BC

Theodora has been at the VA for six years and is aboard-certified cardiac vascular nurse. She hasclearly mastered the skill set necessary to manage thecomplex needs of the adult and geriatric patients en-trusted to her. She is particularly proficient in identi-fying and responding to arrhythmias and serves as amentor for staff members who are less experiencedthan she is in cardiac monitoring. Theodora excelsin the technical aspects of clinical nursing, she iscompassionate and able to connect with patients inorder to motivate them to make changes necessary topromote and maintain their health. She has a uniqueability to remain cool under pressure, a vital trait inthe chaotic environment of a busy acute-care unit. Inher community roles, she is an active participant inher local Parent Teacher Association, serves on aboard at her church that provides health educationon a variety of topics, and also extends her work withan organization called “Protect Allergic Kids”, a sup-port group for parents of children with food allergies.

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Sandra Zaera, MA, RN-BC - Clinical Educator

Sandra has been in nursing for 40 years, includingthe last six years at Winthrop. She is a clinical educa-tor for the pediatric and pediatric intensive careunits. With her vast experience in so many roles, sheutilizes her knowledge to educate staff RNs, patientcare associates, clerical support staff, and other edu-cators and nursing managers. She possesses a style ofteaching that facilitates learning. As a staunch advo-cate for patient education, she provides CPR trainingto parents of infants who have experienced acute lifethreatening events and whose children will be dis-charged with a tracheostomy or on a ventilator. Shedeveloped an asthma action plan in both English andSpanish for patients so that their discharge instruc-tions would be clear. She partnered with diabetic ed-ucators and coordinated a pilot on the pediatric unitfor patients with insulin pumps, so that the treatmentthe patient had become accustomed to was not inter-rupted due to hospitalization. She is a role model,mentor, teacher, and consummate professional whodelights in the success of others.

The teapot tradition began in the 1980s with the NewYork State Legislature’s Nurse of Distinction Program. Thefirst recipient of the Long Island Nurse of Distinction nomi-nation spoke of the challenges that nurses and all of health careface, and will face, in the decades to come. In keeping with themessage that day, it was recollected her comments included,“most of us nurses are like teabags, we don’t know our ownstrength until we get into hot water.”

The allegory resonated among those involved in the pro-gram and it eventually became a custom for a prior recipient ofthe Nurse of Excellence award to bestow a teapot upon the cur-rent honoree. The teapots remind our honored colleagues oftheir achievement and of their strengths. Like each of us, theteapots are seldom exactly alike. They celebrate the uniquevalue that each Nurse of Excellence brings to those they serve.And, the teapot symbolizes and reminds us that “hot water”often brings out the best in us and in our profession.

Representing the not-for-profit and public hospitals serving the residents of Long Island

1383 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 26Hauppauge, New York 11788

Phone (631) 435-3000 ■ FAX (631) 435-2343

www.nshc.org

Douglas Melzer, Chairman of the BoardKevin W. Dahill, President/CEO

Wendy D. Darwell, Vice President/COO

2011 Nurse of Excellence -...

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