|
The good news about the image of nurses is that the
public trusts us; the bad news is that they aren't clear
about what we do. Part of that is our fault. Nurses
have a tendency to identify care that needs to be given,
find a way to give it and move on quickly to the next
patient or task. We are good at solving problems, especially
if they involve stretching scarce resources or finding
new ways to do things, but we spend little time recognizing
our own abilities and contributions and even less time
talking about them.
The annual NURSEWEEK Nursing Excellence Awards event
provides the opportunity for us to recognize nursing
achievements and, at the same time, tell others the
wonderful things done by nurses in Arkansas, Louisiana,
Oklahoma and Texas. These awards honor nurses in eight
categories:
Advancing the Profession: Contributions that
have advanced and strengthened nursing as a profession.
Clinical Care: Excellence in direct care delivery
in any clinical setting.
Community Service: Significant professional
or voluntary contributions that have improved patient
care.
Innovation/Creativity: Innovative and creative
contributions that have improved patient care.
Leadership: Exceptional leadership of nursing
or patient care services in any setting.
Mentoring: Providing a positive professional
influence, guidance and support of other nurses in any
setting.
Patient Advocacy: Going beyond the call of duty
to advocate for patients.
Teaching: Significant contributions in education,
professional development and/or long-term learning of
nursing professionals.
Anyone can nominate a nurse in any of the categories.
To nominate a nurse, fill in the form on Page 28, or
visit our Web site at www.nurseweek.com.
I am often asked, "What makes a winning nomination?"
The more you can tell our judges about the person you're
nominating, the better. Remember, the judges (all experienced
RNs) know nothing about your nominee other than what
you tell them, so use the nomination to paint a verbal
picture of why he or she deserves recognition. Give
examples of how the nominee has exhibited qualities
of the category for which you are nominating them. Most
of all, speak from your heart.
The deadline for nominations is Aug. 15, when we will
submit the nominations to our judges to review. Finalists
in each category will be named and invited-at NURSEWEEK's
expense-to attend the Nursing Excellence Awards gala
Nov. 15 in Dallas. At this wonderful evening dedicated
to celebrating nurses and nursing, the winners in each
category will be announced.
Before we can tell the public about the fantastic work
of nurses, we first must tell each other. Please take
a few minutes to nominate someone you know who exemplifies
the good in nursing for one of our Nursing Excellence
Awards. They will feel honored and you will contribute
to spreading the word about what nurses do.
Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues
at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage.
|
