11 UTSW RNs to join the ranks of the DFW Great 100 Nurses
Each spring, the Dallas-Fort Worth Great 100 Nurses organization recognizes the best nurses in North Texas. This year, an impressive 11 UT Southwestern RNs will join the Great 100. These nurses were selected from among 700 nominations. Candidates are judged in five categories: role model, leadership qualities, compassionate caregiver, significant contributions, and service to the community.
“We are thrilled that the Great 100 is honoring 11 of our dedicated nurses this year,” said Susan Hernandez, D.N.P., M.B.A., RN, Associate Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. “I’m so incredibly proud of this group. They represent bedside caregivers, educators, and leaders, and it’s gratifying to see the breadth of their work recognized in such a visible way. Their expertise and compassion make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families and extend into our greater community.”
Dr. Hernandez is the current President-Elect of the DFW Great 100 and begins her two-year term as President this summer.
Nurses will be inducted at the DFW Great 100 Awards gala on April 18 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
Please enjoy getting to know a bit about each of this year’s UTSW Great 100 inductees, who share their motivation for becoming a nurse.
Patricia Branham, A.D.N., RN, OCN
Certified Oncology Infusion Nurse
Years as a nurse: 25
Specialty: Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? It is my belief that nursing is a calling to care for and nurture those in your community. It was when my dear father was diagnosed with prostate cancer that I answered my call. I feel that the decision was made for me before I even realized it.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I’m fairly new to the DFW area, and I didn’t quite understand the honor that is associated with being nominated and then selected as an honoree. Once I researched the DFW Great 100, the results I found caused me to feel even more gratitude. It is such an honor to be named with such an illustrious group of nurses.
M. Edie Brucker, M.S.N., M.P.H., APRN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP
Manager, Advanced Practice Providers
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Years as a nurse: 18
Specialty: Hematology/Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? Nursing is not my first career, but it is my last because it has been incredibly fulfilling. When I decided to become a nurse, I had taken some time off from work to raise my family and needed to go back to work. I decided that I was tired of watching my nursing friends have all the fun. Secondly, I felt that nursing would allow me the flexibility to raise my family. So, I went to nursing school as one of the oldest members of the class and started my adventure – one I have never regretted!! I truly love caregiving, whether it is to a patient or co-worker.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Early in my nursing career in a different state, I heard about the Great 100. The individuals who received it were some of the best nurses I had worked beside. So, when I was nominated, I was overwhelmed with the honor of just being nominated. When I found out I had been selected and then was able to see the list of others who were chosen, I was overwhelmed to be among so many awesome nurses. It is truly an honor to be selected and among some of the most amazing caregivers in the area!
Sherry Clark, M.S., B.S.N., RN
Director, Ambulatory Nursing
Occupational Health, Special Pathogens,
Student Health
Years as a nurse: 42
Specialty: Emergency Nursing/Flight Nursing
Why did you become a nurse? I knew early on in my life that I wanted to be in health care. My first exposure to nurses and nursing care was as a volunteer (candy striper) at a local community hospital when I was in junior high school. I rotated through different units and departments. I went on to my first “real” job at age 16 as a cashier in a hospital cafeteria. I was able to talk to visitors, patients, and hospital staff. I quickly transferred to a job in radiology, where I learned even more about health care. I watched how the doctors, nurses, and other roles cared for patients and their families with passion and skill, and it was then that I decided that nursing was where my heart and my future were.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? The Great 100 Nurses organization has awarded nurses for their nursing excellence in the DFW area for more than 30 years, and I feel very honored and humbled to be chosen this year for my own nursing contributions and accomplishments. I am especially honored to be joining the Great 100 with such an incredible group of UTSW nurses.
Elsa John, M.S.N., RN, CMSRN, NPD-BC
Patient Safety Coordinator,
Health System Chief Quality Office
Years as a nurse: 23
Specialty: Medical/Surgical
Why did you become a nurse? My mom sparked the interest in me to pursue a nursing career. I love interacting with people and problem-solving. I researched more about the profession during high school. It made me realize that there is nothing more rewarding than helping people. I was privileged and honored to complete my nursing in a school that upheld the value of “Not to be ministered unto but to minister.”
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I feel honored, humbled, and fortunate to work with people who inspire, support, and encourage my professional growth.
Reene John, M.S.N., RN, OCN
Certified Oncology RN
Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center
Years as a nurse: 30-plus
Specialties: Medical/Surgical and Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? When I began my career in the 1980s in India, the profession was not looked up to at all. I have always felt it is a calling. I was accidentally introduced to oncology a couple of decades ago. I fell in love with caring for these patients; it is my passion and I have stayed married to it.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I am honored and humbled. I am very grateful to my colleagues who nominated me.
Chelsea La Fond, B.S.N., RN, OCN
Assistant Nurse Manager
11 Orange, Oncology
Years as a nurse: 11
Specialty: Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? My mother likes to tell everyone that I wanted to be an actress when I was growing up because I loved to be dramatic and keep everyone laughing. As a child, I can always remember wanting to be a teacher because I loved helping others grow and learn. As I continued in school, I was drawn to science, specifically anatomy. As I neared my graduation from high school, I decided that becoming a nurse could combine my natural propensity to make people laugh, my fondness for teaching others, and my interest in the medical field. I fell in love with the profession when I started my clinical rotations and witnessed just how much of an impact nurses have on their patients. The connections you are blessed to form with your patients, their families, and your co-workers are unparalleled.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? To say that I am honored to be joining the Great 100 Nurses is a massive understatement. I look at the list of past recipients of this award and I recognize the names of many nurses that I look up to and have learned from their guidance or leadership. I am so thankful to be selected alongside so many amazing nurses this year.
Angel Jyothi, M.S.N., RNC-NIC
House Staffing Supervisor
Patient Care Services
Years as a nurse: 21
Specialty: Neonatal and Patient Care Services
Why did you become a nurse? My mother, a health care professional, was my inspiration and hero. I grew up listening to stories about how she was able to serve people and found joy in it. Those stories guided me to choose nursing.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I feel blessed. It is an honor to be recognized as a Great 100 Nurse. During my nursing journey, I have encountered several compassionate, dedicated, and innovative nurses who have influenced me to excel. I am thankful to my family, mentors, and fellow nurses for guiding and inspiring me on this journey. I am humbled to be joining an amazing set of nurses.
Nancy Palacios, D.N.P., APRN, FNP-BC, NE-BC
Zale Lipshy Pavilion, Med/Surg Unit
Years as a nurse: 8
Specialty: Medical/Surgical
Why did you become a nurse? In high school, I volunteered at nursing homes and local hospitals, allowing me to see firsthand the positive impact nurses have on their patients. Being able to turn someone’s fear or pain into comfort and peace was so rewarding. I loved learning, being challenged, and giving back – I knew becoming a nurse would provide that and more. I went into that volunteer experience to “gift” my time to others, and I ended up being gifted with the best profession years later.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I have been blessed with many mentors in my life and here at UT Southwestern. To be named a Great 100 Nurse is a testament to all the love, guidance, and time my mentors have poured into me. I stand on the shoulders of giants! I am forever grateful for the continued support from my family, friends, and leaders, who make it possible to impact patients’ lives daily. I feel truly honored.
Anjali Perera, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Assistant Nurse Manager – Night Shift
3 Orange, Neurosurgery ICU
Years as a nurse: 3.5
Specialty: Critical Care
Why did you become a nurse? I don’t come from a family of health care professionals, so nursing was a bit of a switch from the norm of what I experienced growing up. I had always felt called to health care, but it didn’t click until a high school teacher suggested nursing as a profession. Getting to shadow a paramedic solidified my desire to pursue nursing. I was able to see the care that nurses provided in multiple settings, and I realized immediately that I found my calling.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? I am incredibly humbled and honored to be joining the Great 100. Being surrounded by such amazing nurses at UTSW and in the DFW area continues to inspire me every day. I’m incredibly fortunate to work with such a fantastic team in the Neuro ICU, and I am grateful for all the opportunities available at UT Southwestern.
Kathrina Siaron, B.S.N., CCRN, SCRN
Critical Care Rapid Response Team
Nursing Services
Years as a nurse: 11
Specialty: Neurocritical Care
Why did you become a nurse? My earliest memory of nursing was when my mom, who was a neonatal ICU nurse for more than 40 years, took me to visit her workplace. I was 5 or so at the time and I had no clue what nursing entailed, but when she showed me her little patient behind the neonatal isolette, I thought it was the most amazing thing ever that they could keep such tiny babies alive. “I’m responsible for the baby’s day-to-day care,” my mom told me. “We are the doctors’ allies. Our work is more than just a job you clock in for; the patient’s life is literally in our hands.” Since then, I knew I wanted to be in health care.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? It doesn’t feel real! Although I have nearly 11 years of experience, I still consider myself a junior nurse. Having recently transitioned into the Rapid Response role at Clements University Hospital, I’m the first to admit I still have a lot to learn. I’m humbled and grateful – the nomination alone is a huge compliment. I’ve decided to treat this award as the very high bar I should keep working to be worthy of.
Whitney Veazey-Bisco, M.S.N., RN
Ambulatory Nurse Manager
General Internal Medicine
Years as a nurse: 12
Specialty: Oncology
Why did you become a nurse? When choosing my major in undergrad, I knew the right career for me was one where I could help others while making a positive impact or difference in lives every day. Nursing has never been a career for me but a journey that I have always enjoyed. Nursing is smiling with a patient on one of their hardest days while they are battling cancer, helping with pain control so they can sleep for two hours uninterrupted, or most importantly, advocating for patients.
How does it feel to be joining the Great 100? Receiving this award means a lot to me! To know that people recognize my dedication, my compassion, and contributions as a nurse and a leader is indescribable. To be recognized among other great nurses leaves me speechless. This just continues to drive me to know that I am not yet done; there are many more lives for me to positively impact and many more differences for me to make in the world of nursing!