NEWPORT — To celebrate the nurses at North Country Hospital, during National Nurses Week, their VP of Patient Care Services, and Chief Nursing Officer, Avril Cochran, hosted a dinner at the Eastside Restaurant.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet, outdoor games in the beautiful sunshine, and the announcement of this year’s Nursing Excellence Awards recipients.
Cochran, as well as guest speakers, Dr. Maria Fatigati, and Dr. Chris Rickman, shared some brief words recognizing the nursing staff and the hard work and dedication they provide each and every day.
Below are this year’s winners of the four Nursing Excellence Awards and some remarks from their nominees:
Nursing Excellence for Commitment to Customer Service – Lyndsay Sykes
“Lyndsay exemplifies all areas of customer service, from the addicted mother in our community to the 90-year-old man facing decisions of nursing home care for the first time. Lyndsay is always professional, compassionate and extremely resourceful, often thinking critically outside of the box to find the best care and resources for her patients. Lyndsay accomplishes all of this with a great work ethic and skill. She easily identifies needs and is quick to find solutions for so many complex needs a patient or family can face. She is often staying late if a patient need is there. North Country Hospital is very lucky to have Lyndsay here. “
Nursing Excellence for Commitment to Professional Growth – Lindsey Gaboriault
“Lindsey has been in our department for only two short years. In this time, I have seen a nurse who is dedicated to her patients and the profession of nursing. She is like a sponge, taking in any opportunity to learn. She has become a preference card manager of the general and GYN services. She is now a laser officer for the department. She is a preceptor to many new hires in the unit. Along with the continued learning in a new specialty, she has continued to pursue higher education in nursing. She came with an Associate’s degree but has continued her education, completing her Bachelor’s degree, and is currently taking classes towards a Master’s degree. NCH is lucky to have found a nurse who is passionate about lifelong learning.”
Nursing Excellence for Commitment to Community – Charlie Schneider
“Not only is Charlie dedicated to the care of his patients, but he is also dedicated to his community. Charlie always knew the importance of giving back to the community in which he grew up and has demonstrated this by getting involved in local theater, coaching youth sports, and even visiting local schools to educate students on health careers. “Charlie always treats his patients like family and always comes to work with a great attitude.”
“Charlie’s role as an NCH employee as well as an outstanding member of the community encapsulates our mission, vision and values of caring for the community.”
Nursing Excellence for Commitment to Quality – Jessica Gaudreau
“Jessica is an excellent nurse. She always has the best interests of patients in her practice. Her willingness to stand up and be criticized for what she believes is right makes her a true patient advocate. As a coworker, I admire her willingness to follow her commitment to excellence.”
“Jessica exemplifies commitment and dedication to her work environment. I have found her to take numerous initiatives in the emergency room to review the clinical protocols, the supplies, and equipment, in order to make our department better at offering high-quality care. Our patients and our department are better off because of the leadership Jessica demonstrates every day.”
