Nine Nurses Nominated for Excellence in Nursing Award

Kristen Welch was named peer-nominated award recipient

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

On May 7 in coordination with national nurses’ week, nursing leaders and peers recognized nine Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) nurses as outstanding, by being nominated for the organization’s third annual Excellence in Nursing Award. The award was established to recognize contributions by FMH nurses that support the advancement of nursing.

 

Nominees included: Russel Buswell, Emergency Department; Eileen Caffrey, Care Support; Taffy Davis, Education; Bethany Giberson, Med/Surg/ICU; Trudy Iams, Franklin Health Internal Medicine; Alicia Lowe, Surgical Services; Kimberly Moreau, Franklin Health Orthopaedics; Kristen Welch, Care Management; and Nancy Walters, Med/Surg.

 

“These nurses have demonstrated exceptional nursing practice and professionalism by initiating a sustainable and positive change in work environment or nursing practice while demonstrating our core values of pride, innovation, caring, and excellence,” said Pam Ernest, FMH chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care, in her address. “The award we are presenting today is to recognize these nurses, who demonstrate outstanding commitment to innovative and sustainable change that promotes optimal patient outcomes and a healthy work environment. All of our nominees are winners.”

 

Along with the nominees, Ernest also recognized the individuals who took the time to nominate a nurse by having each say a few words about his or her nominee before the winner was announced.

 

At the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Kristen Welch was named as the award recipient. Nominated by Cindy Whittier, Welch was cited for being an extraordinary person and clinician who epitomize nursing at its best. She is highly skilled and self motivated, consistently looking for the next challenge while always displaying the highest of standards.

 

Welch has worked in multiple hospital departments and made contributions to patient care excellence in each. “Kristen was instrumental in implementing patient barcode scanning that prevents medication errors. She also led the charge in developing communication tools to be used between hospital staff and physician offices enabling a smooth transition after a hospital stay,” added Whittier in her nomination.

 

Special recognition was also given to employees Douglas Dunlap, hospital chaplain, and Kristen Grondin, administrative assistant, who were declared honorary nurses for the immeasurable support they have given to the hospital, staff, and nurses.

 

Festivities prior to the award presentation included a social hour with refreshments and entertainment by Native Oak.