A total of 30 nurses from Philadelphia and around the Tri-State region were honored as finalists for Nursing Spectrum’s 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards.

From the group of finalists, winners in six categories were chosen May 6 at a gala event at the Sheraton Society Hill in Philadelphia.

Johnson & Johnson Supports Nursing
The Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future is the national sponsor of the 2009 Nursing Spectrum Nursing Excellence Awards.

Through its campaign, Johnson & Johnson brings attention to the severe shortage of faculty in our nation’s nursing schools. The company offers a faculty scholarship fund to help qualified RNs obtain the advanced education they need to transition into teaching.

Rebecca Schorn, RN

Nursing Spectrum supports Johnson & Johnson’s efforts by donating $5,000 to the campaign’s faculty scholarship fund, which is administered by the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association.

The donation is made in the name of the national winner in the Nursing Excellence Award’s teaching category.

The Philadelphia Tri-State region’s winners are as follows:

ADVANCING & LEADING THE PROFESSION

Elizabeth Sheridan, RN, BSN, MA, NEA-BC, FACHE
Chief Nurse Executive and Chief Operating Officer
South Jersey Healthcare

This category honors RNs who have made contributions that advanced and strengthened the nursing profession or the delivery of patient care. These nurses have made broad-reaching contributions that have an impact on the entire profession rather than a single organization.

CLINICAL CARE

Rebecca Schorn, RN, BSN
Nurse Clinician Level 4, PICU
Nemours/duPont Hospital for Children

Claire Alminde, RN

Schorn was honored in a category for RNs who demonstrate excellence in direct-care delivery in any clinical setting.

This category celebrates nurses who work directly with patients and families.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Claire Alminde, RN, BSN, CPN
Charge Nurse
St. Christophers Hospital for Children

Alminde was chosen in a group of RNs who have made significant professional or voluntary contributions that improved patient care.

These nurses have helped their community either as part of their jobs or as volunteers.

Elizabeth Mil, RN

MANAGEMENT

Elizabeth Mil, RN, MA
Director, Critical Care Services
Capital Health System

RNs who have demonstrated exceptional management of nursing or patient care services in any setting, such as Mil, are honored in this category, which recognizes managers who have a talent for developing successful employees and systems.

Roberta Waite, RN

MENTORING

Roberta Waite, RN, EdD, MSN, CS
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Drexel University

Waite was named the winner in the category for RNs who provide a positive professional influence, guidance, and support of other nurses in any setting.

These nurses have cultivated relationships that foster the development of their nurse colleagues.

Patricia Heslop, RN

TEACHING

Patricia Heslop, RN, MSN, APN-C, CCRN
Clinical Specialist and Outcomes Manager for Cardiac Care
South Jersey Healthcare

Heslop was honored among RNs who have made significant contributions in education, professional development, and/or long-term learning of nursing professionals.

Additional coverage and photos of the Philadelphia Tri-State’s Nursing Excellence gala will be included in the next edition of Nursing Spectrum.

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