Nurses receive awards for over-and-above care
Windsor hospitals this week recognized several nurses for providing “extraordinary” patient care.
On Wednesday, during National Nursing Week, Hôtel-dieu Grace Healthcare announced the recipients of the Jeanne Mance Extraordinary Nursing Care Award.
The award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to provide compassionate and professional care to patients, and exemplify teamwork, compassion, stewardship and respect.
This year's recipients are Lili Colautti, a registered practical nurse in in-patient rehabilitation; Theresa Dagenais, a registered practical nurse in complex medical care; and Sherrie Spencer, a registered nurse at the Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute.
“In celebrating Nurses Week under the theme `Changing Lives, Shaping Tomorrow,' we honour the dedication and transformative impact of our nurses,” Sarah Picco, director of restorative care, said in a news release this week.
“Their unwavering commitment shapes a brighter future for health care and touches countless lives in our community every day.”
On Thursday, Windsor Regional Hospital announced it had recognized Daleda Elachkar, a registered practical nurse at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, with the Jeanne Mance Extraordinary Nursing Care Award.
“Her patients know her by name, and know she cares for them, she shares in their joys and sadness, remembers them by name and follows closely with them on their cancer journeys,” the hospital said. “You will not find a more dedicated and caring staff member.”
Windsor Regional also honoured Maribeth Fitzsimmons, a registered practical nurse on 7 Medical at Ouellette Campus, who died last weekend after a battle with cancer. Fitzsimmons was a nurse for nearly 40 years and received dozens of nominations for an award this year, the hospital said. She was given her award during her stay in hospital last week.
“Affectionately referred to on the unit as `Merve,' everyone from student nurses to longtime teammates will remember her tireless efforts and continuous dedication and service on behalf of patients,” the hospital said.
Amber Michaluk, a registered nurse at the Hôtel-dieu Grace Healthcare's Toldo Neurobehavioural Institute, was named the recipient of the annual Lori Dupont Bursary, which assists with continuing education costs up to $1,000.
Michaluk is enrolled in a continuing education program for nursing at Durham College.
After she finishes that program, she aims to obtain a nurse practitioner designation, specializing in psychiatric mental health.
National Nursing Week began Monday and runs until Sunday.
In 1972, the International Council of Nurses designated May 12 — the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale — as International Nurses Day.
In 1985, the Canadian Nurses Association began negotiations with the federal government to have the week containing May 12 proclaimed as National Nursing Week.
The proclamation from Ottawa happened soon after.
In a written statement released Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau thanked nurses for their “constant care, compassion, and lifesaving expertise in supporting the health and well-being of Canadians.”
The theme of this year's National Nursing Week “invites us to reflect on the meaningful and lasting impacts nurses have within our health care system and beyond,” Trudeau said.