2005 AARN AWARDS

Alberta RN, Jul 2005

Recognizing Outstanding Registered Nursing Practice

More than 175 friends, family and colleagues celebrated the achievement of the 2002 AARN Award recipients during a Gala held on May 10, 2005 at the Crowne Plaza-Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton.

Thank you to the following members who volunteered to sit on the AARN Awards Selection Committee:

Irene Hanrahan-Chair, Calgary

Rosalind Brown, Calgary

Fern Christensen, Grande Prairie

Mabel Luscombe, Red Deer

Dr. Lynn Skillen, Edmonton

All members of the AARN Awards Selection Committee agreed that selecting the recipients from the excellent nominations in each of the award categories was challenging.

Update on Long Service Awards

This year, AARN distributed more than 780 Long Service Awards to recognize RNs who have been members of our profession for 30 years or more. If you are eligible for an AARN Long Service Award certificate and have not yet received one, please contact your AARN regional coordinator by phone or e-mail. Telephone numbers are listed on the inside cover of Alberta RN and e-mail addresses are listed under 'Contact Us' at www.nurses.ab.ca

NOMINEES

AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Sandy Alien

University of Alberta Hospital

Michelle Beishuizen

University of Alberta Hospital

Penny Gill

Edmonton Mental Health Clinic

Kara Hanzel

Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

Marie Mazure

East Central Health Region

Agnes Marie Mitchell

Capital Care Group, Dickensfield

Patricia E. Montgomery

Drumheller Hospital

Gillian Oelker

University of Alberta Hospital

Debra Paches

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

Kimberly Scherr

University of Alberta Hospital

Judy Winquist

Palliser Health Region Community Health Services

AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Kimberly Scherr, RN, MN

University of Alberta Hospital

"A vital aspect of Kirn's care is the inclusion of evidence-based practice to influence changes in health-care delivery. "

DONNA DANIEC, RN-NOMINATOR

Kimberly Scherr is currently employed as a nurse practitioner in the cardiac sciences program at the University of Alberta Hospital. She holds a masters of nursing with an advanced nursing practice diploma from the University of Alberta and a specialty certification in cardiovascular nursing.

Scherr has demonstrated leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practice in the cardiovascular intensive care unit. For example, she was co-investigator in a study on early extubation, which led to shorter stays for patients, reduced doses of sedatives to maintain general anaesthesia and the ability to provide care to more patients sooner. She has been published a number of times and has delivered presentations regionally as well as nationally.

One of Scherr's key strengths is her ability to involve front-line staff in her research and increase their understanding of what is involved in achieving best practice principles. She provides exceptional clinical leadership, is a resource to staff and continues to facilitate better patient care.

AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATION

Judith McLeay, RN, BN

Peter Lougheed Hospital

"Judy has brought us insightful leadership and-inspiees us to strive for our own nursing excellence."

DAYNA HENKELMAN, RN, EN-NOMINATOR

In April 2003, McLeay assumed her current position of patient care manager of outpatient clinics and services at Peter Lougheed Centre.

McLeay brought her progressive management style to the busy outpatient unit which includes 16 different specialties, provides service to 35 specialist physicians and serves a diverse patient population comprised of about 2,500 clients a month.

McLeay has helped create a tremendous team dynamic by actively involving her staff in assessing issues, identifying need and implementing new processes to improve performance and patient care. She is sensitive, honest and open with her staff. From organizing retreats to providing professional development and special educational opportunities she encourages her staff to continue lifelong learning.

McLea/s leadership skills have influenced change in service delivery and led to significant improvements in the quality of care. By applying process mapping and by collaborating with all involved on achievable goals and outcomes, she has re-engineered the treatment room medication delivery and respiratory service areas to the benefit of both staff and patients. Her positive outlook and selfless dedication inspires everyone she works with.

NOMINEES

AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATION

Joanne Angelstad

Red Deer Regional Hospital

Reta Berte

Chinook Health Region

Judy McLeay

Peter Lougheed Centre

Sonja Morrison

Calgary Health Region

Joy Myskiw

WestView Health Centre

Cathy Pryce

Calgary Health Region

Susan Rich

Calgary Health Region

Penny Richey

Red Deer Regional Health Centre

Carol Shemanchuk

Capital Health Link

Sandra Vanderzee

Capital Health

NOMINEES

AWARD FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Lois Andruski

Capital Health Home Care

Cindy Hoekstra

University of Alberta Hospital

Candace Kenyon

University of Alberta Hospital

Dr. Joanne K. Olson