VCU news

By Brian McNeill

Six nurses with Virginia Commonwealth University Health were named a Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes at the organization’s annual awards gala at the Omni Richmond Hotel, for which VCU Health was the signature sponsor.

The award winners included Tess Searls for Advanced Practice; Patricia O’Berry for Licensed Practical Nurse; Sue Creehan for Nurse Clinical Leadership/Wound Care; Valerie Coleman for Women’s Health; Morgan Tapscott-Buckovich for Geriatrics/Rehabilitation; and Joel Tobin Gill for Rising Star.

In all, 25 nurses with VCU Health were named finalists for the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards, which honor the men and women who have been nominated as leaders in the field of nursing and have provided leadership and outstanding care for Virginia families.

They work tirelessly to enhance care, comfort and the well-being of those they serve. 

Deborah Zimmermann, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at VCU Health, praised the honorees for their tireless work and commitment to providing care, comfort and support to their patients.

“We are delighted that six nurses from VCU Medical Center, with expertise across the entire continuum of care, were recognized as Nurse of the Year by the March of Dimes,” she said. “Each of these nurses are experts in their specialty and are committed to the health and wellness of the Commonwealth of Virginia. They work tirelessly to enhance care, comfort and the well-being of those they serve. They exemplify what we as nurses aspire to become.”

Another special recognition Saturday night was for the VCU Health Forensics Nursing Team, which received the 2015 Beacon of Hope Award from Safe Harbor, an award shared with the Forensic Nursing Team from Bon Secours. The VCU Health team comprises nine professionals specially trained in evidence collection for any victim of violence. They were recognized for their work on the front lines in the care of victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

“This team is on call 24/7 to provide care for victims of sexual assault,” said Christi Adams, nurse manager for the Emergency Department at VCU Medical Center. “Their passion and dedication to improving the care for this vulnerable population through protocol development, research, grant procurement and education of staff and the community is unmatched.”

 

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