submitted by Jane Adams
Each year during National Nursing Week, the WDMH team pauses to celebrate the contributions of our fellow nurses – to their profession, their colleagues, and the patients we care for.
Nurses are nominated by their peers for exemplifying the qualities of Nursing Leadership and Lifelong Learning. A WDMH team is celebrated for its collaboration. And the Debbie Stoodley Commitment to Nursing Award goes to someone who emulates Debbie’s commitment to the nursing profession.
“These annual awards shine a light on WDMH’s amazing nursing team and the work they do every day,” noted Nathalie Boudreau, Vice President of Clinical Care. “Congratulations to all the winners and the nominees.”
The 2022 Nursing Leadership Award was presented to Kaitlyn Schwerdtfeger. “Kaitlyn has always been a team player, offering to help in any way she can. She is helpful and thoughtful toward new staff and is always open to learning,” her nominators said.
Alexandra Dunbar received the 2022 Lifelong Learner Award. She was recognized as an invaluable educational resource who is always available to support her fellow staff members. “We are so grateful to have Alexandra on our team,” her colleagues said. “Since starting with us, she has continued to seek out further education. She has also provided education to staff and orientees as a Wound Care champion.”
Teamwork is essential to the safe delivery of nursing services and the 2022 Team Collaboration Award was awarded to the Post-Partum Nursing Team who provide care for families after birth. This team is described as one that is always there to assist in anyway: “They help and teach other nurses and doctors who may not be familiar with the department. They also accommodate and help other units and staff when needed without question. And they are always positive.”
Debbie Stoodley’s commitment to the nursing profession and to WDMH was well-known by all who knew her. She will always be a cherished member of our team for more than 40 years. The 2022 Debbie Stoodley Commitment to Nursing Award was presented to Sandra Fawcett. Her nominators noted: “Sandra has worked at WDMH for over 30 years. She is one of a kind, compassionate, a mentor for new and experienced nurses. She goes above and beyond the call of duty. During the pandemic, Sandra has picked up multiple overtime shifts and has been a dedicated member of the Emergency Department team. She has assisted local doctors in running flu clinics to protect the community.”
If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 613-774-1049 or by email at cboland@wdmh.on.ca.
