White Plains Hospital recognizes the “900 strong” staff of nurses who help to ease their patients’ pain, ensure their comfort, aid their recovery – and make them smile.
Anyone who’s been to the hospital knows that nurses are your go-to. They are often the first person you see when you arrive, and the last ones to wish you well when you leave. They do whatever they can to make you feel better, get your questions answered, and just plain take care of you. Nurses are the backbone of any healthcare organization, and every year from May 5 to 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday week), the nation makes this known by celebrating National Nurses Week.
“As we continue to expand our facilities, our programs, our partnerships and our clinical capabilities, one thing will remain the same,” said White Plains Hospital President and CEO Susan Fox at the Nurses Week Awards Ceremony on May 10. “And that is the outstanding caliber of nursing care that our patients rely on – as they have for 126 years.”
White Plains Hospital is a Magnet organization, having been distinguished for its excellence in nursing.
In addition to Hospital leadership, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach and special guest speaker Robyn Begley, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of the American Hospital Association, spoke about the importance of nurses and the need to continue to support them both professionally and personally.
Katie Dingersen, a Team Leader on Floor 5E, was given the Mary Ellen Healy Nurse of the Year Award for being a bedside nurse who mirrors a former White Plains Hospital nurse whose commitment to nursing excellence and professional advancement through education was second to none.
“She’s not afraid to speak up and advocate for her patients’ best care, and is extremely passionate about supporting her colleagues so that they can do the same,” said Larry Smith, Chairman of the White Plains Hospital Board of Directors, of Dingersen in presenting the award.
Corrine Petrillo was named Bendheim Emergency Department Nurse of the Year for going above and beyond to make a difference in the Hospital and the life of its patients.
“She is smart, quick, no-nonsense and highly skilled – everything you want an Emergency Department nurse to be,” said Director of Nursing Erica Dusseldorp. “And she is the type of person you want caring for you.”
Nursing techs Alannah T. Smith, Aimee Monaghan, Stephanie Fernandez and Shaina Hernandez were each given the Robert Feder Nurse Technician Award to support nursing techs as they continue their studies while demonstrating their commitment to the Hospital and its patient-centered care approach.
Several other members of our Nursing Division were also commended, including a group of “Nightingale Nurses,” who provide care on the night shift, as well as group of nurse leaders who make up the Professional Practice Council.
You don’t have to wait for a special week to thank a nurse in your life for their hard work, long hours away from their own families, and going above and beyond to put their patients first. Chances are you’ll make their day. #thankanurse
To make a gift to honor a nurse that has made a difference in your life or the life of a loved one, visit the Hospital’s Donation Page.