Nurses recognized for Excellence in Practice

Farrell and Greenville, PA — Fourteen UPMC Horizon nurses were recognized May 9 at the ninth annual Excellence in Practice Awards Ceremony as part of the hospital’s observance of National Nurses Week. The formal recognition of excellence in clinical practice took place at Tara, A Country Inn, Clark.

This year’s awardees, nominated by UPMC Horizon employees and/or physicians, included:

• Jo Adams, RN
• Pam Baumbach, RN
• Shannon Brancato, RN
• Diane Burns, RN
• Lisa Crawford, RN
• Jeanette DiMuccio, RN
• Kim Fitzgerald, RN
• Linda Hasenplug, LPN
• Tami Hedglin, RN
• Jeanne Kennedy, RN
• Amy Linn, RN
• Stephanie McCloskey, RN
• Denise Miller, RN
• Jaynee Reese, RN

In addition, Tracy Wiley, RN, received the 2007 “Rookie of the Year” award, a new addition to the Excellence in Practice Awards.

A panel of UPMC Horizon nursing staff and managers selected the recipients based on such traits as care delivery, quality of care and quality improvement, quality of nursing leadership / interdisciplinary relationships, teaching ability, and professional development.

Nurses who receive Excellence in Practice Awards are eligible to compete for the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Cameos of Caring award. The Cameos of Caring award recipient will be chosen to represent UPMC Horizon nurses at the Cameos of Caring awards gala in October. Applicants from many hospitals throughout western Pennsylvania participate in Cameos of Caring each year.

Contact: Erin Palko, public relations manager, 724-589-8107