If you have been touched by the work and caring of an exceptional nurse submit a nomination and join us in recognizing these caregivers whose extraordinary efforts stand out. The March of Dimes Washington Chapter is celebrating its 10th year in honoring the best and brightest of our local nurses for the Western Washington Nurse of the Year Awards. The event, which will be held November 15 at the Meydenbauer Conference Center, is presented by Premera Blue Cross. Nominations are being accepted through September 28, 2012. Nomination forms can be found online at http://www.marchofdimes.com/washington, or obtained by calling 206-624-1373.
The 2012 Nurse of the Year Chair is Jennifer Graves, RN, MS, Chief Executive and Nurse Executive with Swedish Medical Center in Ballard. “I am a staunch advocate of the value nursing brings to patient care,” said Ms. Graves. “I consider it an honor to serve in this role, and I am thrilled that the March of Dimes will recognize many of the gifted nurses that contribute so much to our community.”
Jennifer Graves is actively engaged in leading all aspects of the Swedish Medical Center Ballard campus operations, and has spent more than three years successfully revitalizing the campus through deliberate program and space enhancements. She also serves as one of the system’s nurse executives, and by employing servant leadership principles she promotes a safe and healthy workplace, clinical and workforce autonomy for nurses, open communication and positive relationships among the healthcare team and exceptional patient care.
Proceeds from the event will benefit March of Dimes maternal and child health programs. Individual tickets, tables and sponsorships are available through the March of Dimes at (206) 624-1373, or online at http://www.marchofdimes/washington . Individual tickets for the event are $40. Table sponsorships are $1,000.
RNs working at all staff levels in western Washington who are in good standing with the Washington State Nursing Commission and have been a resident of western Washington for at least one year are eligible to be nominated. In addition, any student currently enrolled in a nursing program in western Washington is eligible for the New Generation category. Nominations for Nurse Case Managers are also encouraged.
Award categories for the 2012 Nurse of the Year program are:
• Patient/Clinical Care
• Leadership
• Innovation/Creativity
• Education
• Research/Advancing the Profession
• Advocacy for Patients
• Community Service
• Mentoring
• School Nurse
• Rising Star
• New Generation
• Perinatal/Pediatric
• Distinguished Nurse of the Year
• Legend of Nursing
KING5 News Anchor Mimi Jung will emcee the event.
