Capping off a week of nursing recognition during National Nurses Week, Bayhealth announced its Nurses of the Year last week.
Lauren Huff, RN, BSN, is Nurse of the Year for Bayhealth Kent General and Pamela James, BSN, is Nurse of the Year for Bayhealth Milford Memorial. Both nurses will become nominees for the Delaware Excellence in Nursing Practice Awards, given by the Delaware Nurses Association each year to the top nurse in Delaware. The Bayhealth Nurses of the Year will also attend the National Magnet Conference this October in Baltimore, Maryland.
Other Nurse of the Year nominees from Bayhealth Kent General include Melissa Chambers, RN, Laura Wedel, MSN, RN; Kathy Boyer, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNML; and Suellen Wilkins, MSN, RN, CPAN, CCRN.
Other Nurse of the Year nominees from MilfordMemorialHospitalinclude Al Vayada, BSN, RN, and Janelle Hobbs, RN.
The Bayhealth Nurse of the Year Award recognizes nurses who consistently promote, excel, and exemplify a positive approach to the nursing profession.
“We congratulate our winners, nominees and entire nursing team. Together, they epitomize the clinical excellence and compassion which are at the heart of nursing,” said Bayhealth Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive Bonnie Perratto, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE.
Bayhealth Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive Bonnie Perratto (third from left) takes a moment to congratulate Bayhealth Kent General Nurse of the Year Nominees (from left to right) Melissa Chambers, Laura Wedel, Kathy Boyer, Lauren Huff, and Suellen Wilkins.
Lauren Huff, RN, BSN
Staff Nurse
2B - Orthopaedics
Bayhealth Kent General
In a relatively short time, Lauren Huff has earned the admiration of peers and nurse leaders, while also earning the appreciation of her patients.
As a staff nurse in the busy 2B Orthopaedic-Neurosurgery-Spine Unit, Huff always has the time for each patient and always has a smile for all. Her caring, compassionate nature was evident during a recent Rapid Response incident, in which a patient in her unit began to lose consciousness and suffered severe chest pains. Huff responded quickly to stabilize the patient, then took time to sit and talk with him and calm his fears.
“Lauren’s warmth and compassion were so vital in helping the patient and his wife get through a difficult and scary episode. Lauren helped the patient understand what was happening, held his hand, and reassured him. She really made a difference for him,” said 2B / 3-West Nurse Manager Kathy Boyer, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CNML. “This was just one example of how Lauren always takes time to help patients when they need her the most.”
Huff has set an example in just a short time as a nurse. She joined Bayhealth in November of last year after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from DrexelUniversity. Earlier, Huff had earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed graduate coursework in counseling.
“Lauren’s communications skill and training have been so vital in her caring for patients. She is so good because she truly listens and truly cares,” said Boyer.
According to Boyer, Huff is also active in the community and volunteers for the Special Olympics. Huff recently joined the American Organization of Nursing Executives’ (AONE) “Care Innovation and Transformation” program, which promotes innovative change in nursing at a staff level. As part of this AONE initiative, Huff has spearheaded an effort to improve clinical communication and reduce the chance of missed orders.
For Huff, the greatest reward for her service is the knowledge that she is helping others.
"I try to view everyone as family and treat them the way I would expect a loved one of mine to be treated while under someone else's care,” said Huff.
Bayhealth Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive Bonnie Perratto (third from left) takes a moment to congratulate Bayhealth Kent General Nurse of the Year Nominees (from left to right) Melissa Chambers, Laura Wedel, Kathy Boyer, Lauren Huff, and Suellen Wilkins.
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Pamela James, BSN, RN, has earned Nurse of the Year for Bayhealth Milford Memorial. |
Pamela James, BSN, RN
Clinical Coordinator
3-East Medical-Surgical Unit
Bayhealth Milford Memorial
Under James’ leadership, the 3-East Medical Surgical Unit has achieved 100 percent compliance with “core measures” on clinical quality, and patient satisfaction scores have climbed steadily. Pamela James has been the driving force behind these achievements, with her emphasis on hourly rounding on patients, to ensure they receive the care they deserve.
“Pam deserves (Nurse of the Year) for many reasons, including her commitment to our patients and to their outcomes. As a certified Medical Surgical Nurse, Pam has been able to lead her unit in dealing with a medically complex patient population,” said Bayhealth Milford Memorial
3-East / 3-South Medical-Surgical Unit Nurse Manager Dianne Varanko, RN, MSN.
According to Varanko, Pamela James is a ‘true leader’ who inspires her entire unit to excel and to consider the Medical-Surgical Unit’s success as a personal challenge.
James has also led her unit through several changes including a new patient discharge process. With the new Patient Call Manager system which James helped to implement, all patients are contacted within 48 hours after their discharge to ensure they are receiving the follow up care they need and have their questions answered.
“Pam has been the anchor that keeps everyone on track with the new discharge process. Pam ensures follow-up appointments are made and patients understand their post-discharge treatment plan. Our patient satisfaction scores have improved and fewer patients need to be readmitted as a result of Pam’s leadership,” said Varanko.
Pamela James’ Nurse of the Year Award is another achievement in a distinguished career that began 24 years ago when she first joined Milford Memorial as a nurse in the 2-East Medical Surgical Unit. James earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from WilmingtonUniversity. She is also active in professional organizations such as the American Nursing Association.
“I want to thank all of my colleagues for all of their support each day. They have helped us make a difference for so many patients and for that, I’m truly grateful,” said James.
Pamela James, BSN, RN, has earned Nurse of the Year for Bayhealth Milford Memorial.