Nine UTSW nurses win D Magazine's 'Excellence in Nursing' award
Hats off to nine UT Southwestern nurses who were recognized by D Magazine’s 2018 Excellence in Nursing Awards.
Their nominations were among several hundred sent to the magazine from hospitals and clinics throughout North Texas. D Magazine editors selected the most compelling nominations and sent them to a panel of registered nurses in various fields. The judges’ scores then determined a total of 93 winners.
“At UT Southwestern, we know how special our nurses are,” said Dr. John Warner, UT Southwestern Executive Vice President for Health System Affairs. “They are not only caregivers, but leaders, educators, and indispensable partners. But we take pride in a recognition like this, because it shines a light on their talent, dedication, and compassion. Our nurses strive every day for excellence in patient-centered care, and I’m proud to celebrate this recognition.”
This year’s winners, who were honored at a Feb. 15 ceremony at D Magazine headquarters, appear in the March issue of the magazine.
Shannon Chalk, B.S.N., RN, CCRN-CMC
Assistant Nurse Manager
Surgical ICU
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Whether she is calming down an anxious patient, comforting a worried family member, or educating the SICU staff on [the] most up-to-date evidence-based practice, Shannon is always setting the bar so high, and leads as an exemplary role model.”
Liffy Cherian, M.S.N., RN, AGCNS-BC, OCN
Clinical Nurse Educator
Nursing Education
Category: Education/Research
From her nominator: “Liffy models high standards of professional nursing by coordinating and communicating on a variety of competing priorities with grace and encouragement, always questioning the impact on safety for patients and staff.”
Stefanie Crain, B.S.N., RN
Staff RN
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Stefanie is an excellent nurse, and in many ways, she sets the bar and the tone for the whole unit. She has long led the Unit Based Council and goes out of her way to gauge the morale of the staff and encourage people to be more involved in unit initiatives.”
Scarlett Harden, ACNP-BC
Acute Care Practitioner
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Scarlett Harden is an exceptional NP and a vital part of the pulmonary team. She believes in the professional practice model and puts the patients and their families at the center of patient care.”
Susan Hernandez, MBA, B.S.N., RN
Health System Chief Nurse Executive
Category: Leadership
From her nominator: “Under the clinical effectiveness and efficiency goals, Susan Hernandez assumed an organizationwide leadership role in the project of improving reducing readmission rates. She has used her advocacy and influence to demonstrate consistent improvement during the project development and implementation.”
Emily Holmes, B.S.N., RN, CNOR
Neurological Spine Coordinator
Zale Lipshy University Hospital
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Emily puts the patient first in every aspect of her job and in every patient encounter. In a very short time, she is able to place a patient she just met at complete ease, and they know they are going to get great care, and that the people taking care of them truly care about them.”
Jessica Low, B.S.N., RN
Staff RN
Surgical Specialty Unit
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Jessica’s wealth of knowledge about her patient population always makes her a great preceptor. She is an advocate for her patient and family and always ensures that each member of the family receives the information and education to be actively involved in their plan of care. Jessica always goes the extra mile in order to ensure her patients receive excellent care to work towards a positive outcome.”
Kelly Murphy, B.S.N., RN
Manager, Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Kelly treats all patients, families and employees with the utmost respect and makes sure those she is leading are aware that it is imperative to treat everyone with respect and dignity. To say she leads by example is an understatement. She is the marker of ‘nursing excellence.’ ”
Nadia Pratt, B.S.N., RN, CCRN
Surgical ICU Assistant Nurse Manager
Category: Direct Care
From her nominator: “Nadia’s service stretches beyond the walls of our unit. She has influenced and served the hospital and the broader community as well. She is always looking for ways to encourage, comfort, motivate, and collaborate with others.”