Thirty-eight Jackson Health System nurses were honored with Nurse of the Year awards in ceremonies at Jackson Memorial Hospital recently as part of National Nurse Week activities.
A licensed practical nurse, an advanced practice nurse, a registered nurse and a rookie nurse from each of Jackson Health System’s patient care centers, specialty areas, satellite centers and hospitals were selected by their colleagues as the nurses who have contributed the most to quality care throughout the system.
Six nurses were recipients of the Clinical Excellence Award presented annually to the nurse who best exemplifies selfless dedication, compassion and nursing pride system-wide. They are Guillermo Barquero, Dawn Allen, Rocio Mariel Simunovic, Marie Jean Louis, Dolce Ortaliz and Marie Joseph. Barquero was recognized for being a team player who is courteous and professional. Allen was honored for being an expert clinical nurse in neonatal care and a true team player. Simunovic was recognized for being a hands-on leader with a strong sense of advocacy and support of staff, patients and management practices. Ortaliz was recognized for going above and beyond for her patients, their families, peers and staff.
Joseph was honored for demonstrating expertise when caring for patients and using sound negotiating skills when interacting with patients and co-workers.
To qualify for the Nurse of the Year awards, nurses must be employed for at least three years of continual service; for the “rookie” category, it can be one year or less. The nurses must demonstrate excellence in their job performance, proven by a consistent, above-average evaluation.
There can be no record of counseling or disciplinary action in their personnel files within the last three years and they have to demonstrate fulfillment of Jackson Health System standards of excellence. There must also be evidence of well-rounded professional activities that consolidate the nurses as role models.
