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Press Releases
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL HOSPITAL NURSE WINS COVETED AWARD
Winner of the 2010 Novice Nurse Award
for Downstate NY,
Joseph Lopez, RN,
with the trophy given to him by
1199 SEIU and the League of
Voluntary Hospitals and Homes.
Natalie Brown, RN, winner of the
Nurse Preceptor Award
for St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
Jeanne Gutierrez, RN, winner of the
Nurse Leader Award
for St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
Claudette Allen, RN,
winner of the Nurse
of Distinction Award
for St. John's Episcopal Hospital.
(MAY 25, 2010) Far Rockaway, NY - - - St. John’s Episcopal Hospital nurse, Joseph Lopez, RN, was named the Novice Nurse of 2010 for the New York Downstate region. The award was presented by 1199 SEIU and the League of Voluntary Hospitals and Homes at a gala dinner dance held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. Mr. Lopez was one of 33 nominees put forward by hospitals and nursing homes from the downstate region vying for the coveted award, which has sometimes been called “the Oscars” of nursing.
“We are extremely proud of Mr. Lopez at St. John’s” said Lynore Dupiton, Vice President of Patient Care Services at St. John’s. “He is an excellent example of a new nurse and of the nursing care provided at our Hospital,” she added.
St. John’s nominated three nurses in addition to Mr. Lopez for the other regional nursing awards given by 1199 SEIU. The nominees were:
Claudette Allen, RN, Nurse of Distinction; Jeanne Gutierrez, RN, Nurse Leader Award; and Natalie Brown, RN, Nurse Preceptor Award.
Novice Nurse Award Recipient, Downstate New York: Joseph Lopez, RN
Mr. Lopez has been a “shining star” and proven to be an independent and knowledgeable nurse who takes the initiative. St. John’s is his very first job as a registered nurse since graduating from Pace University in Westchester, NY. He is a member of staff of the Pulmonary Care Unit on Tower 8.
St. John’s Vice President of Patient Care, Lynore Dupiton, wrote in her nominating letter that his colleagues and supervisor have “nothing but praise for his consistent and successful pursuit of knowledge and skills. He has frequently been com¬mended for his ability to work collaboratively and pro-vide excellent and appropriate care for patients. He has also received commendations from patients and families in appreciation of his ability to skillfully manage care while remaining aware that families need information, help and support.”
In one instance, when many of the more experienced nurses could not report to work, Mr. Lopez took charge, directing care on the unit and encouraging teamwork. Many, including physicians, have been impressed by his abilities, critical thinking and clear and concise understanding of his patients.
Mr. Lopez follows in the footsteps of his mother who is also a registered nurse at St. John’s. He is already eyeing a possible master’s degree in anesthesia nursing. He has many interests including tennis, cooking, playing the guitar and singing and entertaining.
Mr. Lopez represents all of St. John’s core values of Responsibility, Professionalism, Team¬work, Compassion and Respect.
Claudette Allen, RN, St. John’s Nurse of Distinction
Ms. Allen is an experienced nurse with many years in the field of behavioral health and at the geriatric psychiatry unit at St. John’s.
She is St. John’s Nurse of Distinction because she is the “go to”
nurse that patients, families, physicians, administrators, and others ask for when coming to the unit.
Ms. Allen performs a thorough assess¬ment of her patients and maintains a working knowledge of each patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan, individual characteristics and mannerisms. She shares this information with other staff members to improve the quality of care for each patient.
Ms. Allen is a native of Guyana who first attended nursing school in London, England. She wanted to experience life in another country, so she came to the United States and earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Pace University. Changing countries and learning the profession of nursing in two different places gave her a broader perspective and a respect for the cultures of others.
Perhaps that is why many families ask for Ms. Allen, even when she is not their family member’s nurse. They know they will receive her time and attention. To her coworkers, she is a mentor and mediator, filling in as an official and unofficial preceptor. She orients newly arrived staff to the unit, including nursing staff, social workers, interns, fellows and others.
Ms. Allen says, “It’s not a bed of roses being a psychiatric patient but in most cases, they just need someone to listen. I have a relationship with patients and I remember them if they return as a patient.”
She also has earned additional special certification that can expedite the return of patients to nursing homes.
As Ms. Dupiton wrote about Ms. Allen in her nominating letter: “Ms.
Allen has a wealth of clinical knowledge and is skillful in managing the needs of her patients. She con¬stantly seeks to upgrade her knowledge through educa¬tional conferences and readily shares what she learns with others. She is a role model for our core values.”
St. John’s Nurse Leader Honoree: Jeanne Gutierrez, RN
Jeanne Gutierrez, RN, serves as a clinical supervisor on St. John’s evening shift. She inspires the newer generations of nurses with her loyalty and 47 years of service at St. John’s, her nurturing approach, and dedication to her profession. How does Ms. Gutierrez characterize her many years at St. John’s? “I never had to compromise on patient care,” she said.
She is a self-described “clam digger,” born and bred in Belle Harbor. Following a desire to become a nurse, she came to St. John’s as a licensed practical nurse and worked her way through nursing school, earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing at Molloy College and then a master’s in public administration at Marist College.
Ms. Gutierrez worked as nurse manager of the medical-surgical unit on Tower 10 before becoming the evening shift nursing supervisor, a job she has held for 13 years. She said, “As a hands-on nurse my focus was patient-centered and helping their families and support systems. As a manager, I act as a point person, a resource for the staff and a nurturer of new nurses. I’m there for everyone.”
Ms. Gutierrez handles any and every emergency, is available to help, mentor and assist staff, as well as to speak with any patient or family member who needs her. She is well-respected by the medical staff, according to Ms. Dupiton, who said, “Jeannie clearly demonstrates all of our core values of Responsibility, Professionalism, Teamwork, Compassion and Respect.”
St. John’s Nurse Preceptor Honoree: Natalie Brown, RN
Natalie Brown, RN, is a staff nurse on the Hospital’s Pulmonary Care Unit on Tower 8. She is St. John’s Nurse Preceptor Honoree because of her excellent teaching skills and ability to introduce new staff nurses easily and quickly. If she has a question, she encourages her novice nurses to learn with her, teaching them that while one may not know everything, everyone has the capacity to find the answers. Her relationships with new staff members don’t stop at the end of the shift but continue throughout their probations, making her a dedicated and committed preceptor. Novice nurses and new staff all comment on how much easier Ms. Brown helps their transition to the Hospital and the unit.
“Ms. Brown started her career at St. John’s as a nursing assistant.
It is perhaps this experience that has prompted her to willingly precept not only new nurses, but to also educate and support the role of all clinical staff on her unit,” says Ms. Dupiton. She continues: “Ms.
Brown is a true professional in every sense, exemplifying our core values. Ms. Brown has quickly become a favorite choice to precept new staff.”
Other staff members look up to Ms. Brown as someone who worked her way to up the nursing ladder. Because of her example, the numbers of service assistants who have returned to school have increased.
Many patients and their family members have spoken of their confidence in her nursing care. In one case, Ms. Brown persuaded a patient with uncontrolled diabetes to regularly take his medications thereby expediting his discharge home.
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