Regional awards honor nurses

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Click here to enlarge this photo Submitted photo Edith Bersonda, left, and Cely Relosa, both registered nurses, hold up their awards for winning the Jo Anne Zwick Direct Care Award at a regional awards ceremony in Waldorf. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

In addition to the individual nurses’ awards, Health Partners, Health Connections and FaithRN were recognized with the Human Needs Service Award, recognizing leadership in developing or implementing a healthcare related service or program based on human need, with respect for human dignity, unrestricted by consideration of nationality, race, creed, color or status.

‘‘Nearly every person's health care experience involves a registered nurse. We are the primary source of care and support for patients at very vulnerable points in their lives. We are on the front lines of health care delivery, and it’s important to recognize the many contributions nurses make in keeping our families and communities healthy,” said Elizabeth Benson, a registered nurse and District 9 president, according to a release. ‘‘Once again, an exceptional group of nurses and nursing students from across Southern Maryland were nominated for awards.”

The awards are open to RNs, who practice in all fields of nursing — patient care, education, community, legislative and executive leadership. Awardees were recognized for outstanding clinical competence, compassionate care, active membership in nursing organizations and continuing education. Representatives in attendance at the awards ceremony from healthcare organizations included acute care, hospice facilities, long-term care, rehabilitation, home health, colleges and insurance companies.