HDGH recognizes outstanding nurses

Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare honoured some of its nurses Thursday as part of National Nurses' Week, which is observed each May.

The week brings recognition to the profession and coincides with the birthday of 19th-century legend Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

HDGH held an awards ceremony Thursday in the hospital's Healing Garden.

The Jeanne Mance Extraordinary Nursing Care Award is given to those who continually go above and beyond to provide compassionate and professional care to patients and who exemplify teamwork, stewardship and respect.

This year's recipients are: Melanie Vandewiel, NP, withdrawal management services; Jay Haroun, RN, complex medical care, and Kristy Mclean, RPN, withdrawal management services.

Milijana Radic, an RN in her final year of the Masters of Nursing Program at the University of Windsor, is the winner of the annual Lori Dupont Bursary. The bursary is for $1,000 to assist in continuing education costs.

“It was an exciting morning celebrating and honouring some of our best and brightest HDGH nurses who are leading the way through the direct impact that their care is having on our patients and families,” said Janice Dawson, VP of Clinical Services, Restorative Care and Chief Nursing Executive.

“What is even more special is that they are being recognized by their peers and nominated for these awards.

“As a nurse, I know the devotion these nurses have to bettering the lives of their patients. Nurses' Week is an important opportunity to celebrate the continued excellence, compassion, quality care and heart our nurses exemplify.”