10 DKH Nurses Honored with 2015 Nightingale Award

Congratulations to Our 2015 Nightingale Honorees

Every patient we care for deserves the very best we have to give - every day. The nurses featured here are selected as Nightingale Honorees because they are recognized by their colleagues as nurses who exemplify the qualities we strive for in our organization. On behalf of the patients they care for, and the healthcare professionals they work with, we congratulate and thank these ten nurses for the outstanding care and compassion they provide to our patients and the communities we serve.

 

Michelle Blanchette, RN, BSN
Clinical Supervisor, Day Kimball HomeCare

Michelle is extremely patient-focused and strives to achieve the best outcomes for her patients. She has an open and non-judgmental manner and she is always there to assist her staff. As a leader, Michelle is highly sensitive to the needs of her staff and will go above and beyond to insure their needs are met. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm demonstrate her ability to motivate staff in a positive way. Michelle works well with other departments and is a member of the Stroke Committee and offers yoga services free of charge for her colleagues.

 

 

 

Jane Burlingame, RN, AD, OCN
Nurse, Hematology/Oncology Unit, Day Kimball Hospital

Her colleagues say, “Jane is one of the most kind and patient people I know.” She has been known to stop everything to assist and support a frazzled patient or embrace a patient who needs a hug. She will send cards to patients and creates a special bond as only Jane can do. Jane is a huge advocate for her patients and will overcome any challenge to get what the patient needs. Her colleagues say that she is the ‘ultimate nurse’. Jane has contributed many of her own dollars and time to assist patients and colleagues. When Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see,” this is Jane. Jane volunteers for many events in her community. Jane will be retiring this year, and she will be greatly missed, both personally and professionally.

 

 

 

Kathy Demers, MS, APRN
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse,
Day Kimball Medical Group, Geriatrics

Kathy is a true advocate for her patients and their caregivers. She is able to develop trust very quickly, therefore assisting reluctant patients to receive services that they may have otherwise turned down. Kathy has gone above and beyond to orchestrate care to insure that basic needs are met and those patients are not compromised. She has incredible skills in documentation and her quality is unsurpassed. Kathy is always looking for additional services that could help her patients and meet the needs of community members. Kathy helped to establish the HomeMakers Memory Care Activity Program to assist caregivers who need more respite opportunities.

 

 

 

Terri Ducharme, RN
Nurse, Day Kimball HomeCare

Terri truly excels with her work with the pediatric population. She provides education and support to these vulnerable families and patients. She collaborates and advocates with physicians, care teams, and state agencies to ensure the safety and wellness of her patients. Terri’s strength is juggling her diverse and challenging caseload. She acts as a preceptor and mentor for new staff. Her colleagues say that ‘she exhibits genuine concern and practices clinical excellence that others strive to emulate.’ Terri consistently finds the right things to say in the most awkward of situations. Terri works diligently with the community striving to improve resources and recognize areas of strength and growth opportunities that would benefit the patients and families that she cares for.

 

 

 

Jolyne Giles, RN, WCC, OMS
Nurse, Wound Care Clinic, Day Kimball Hospital

Jolyne takes the lead in the wound care department and is certified in both wound care and ostomy care. She is dedicated to the care of her patients and will go above and beyond to get what they need. She assists colleagues in learning about wound care and is a strong mentor for HomeCare and new nurses learning about wound care and management. She is collaborative with other departments in developing new programs and working to maintain a consistent plan of care for her patients.

 

 

 

Beth Hartin, RN, MSN
Nurse, Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Day Kimball Hospital

Beth has been in behavioral health for 19 years and currently functions in the charge nurse role. Her experience in behavioral health is what assists new team members in feeling confident in the care they provide. She provides a calming presence for her co-workers and her patients. She has a terrific ability to de-escalate patients when no one else can. Her colleagues share that ‘our patients feel safe with her.’ Beth is a leader in the community in demonstrating the importance of community collaboration and advocating for her patients so their community needs are met.

 

 

 

Kathleen (Kate) MacKenzie, RN, MS
Clinical Nurse Manager, Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit, Day Kimball Hospital

Kate provides excellent administrative and clinical support to patients, physicians and staff. Kate consistently has increased patient satisfaction on the unit, and is always striving to improve patient care outcomes at the individual and systems level. She is consistently available after hours to advocate for patients and staff. No task is too large or too small for Kate. She welcomes a challenge and always succeeds in the best interest of her patients. Her colleagues say that she is ‘selfless’ in her desire to help patients and support the clinical staff on a daily basis. Kate has actively sought out ways to work within the community for the benefit of the populations in which she cares for.

 

 

Ginger McGrath, RN, BS
Nurse, Ambulatory Care Unit/Diagnostic Imaging, Day Kimball Hospital

Ginger’s colleagues state that she is the best nurse that a patient could ask for when they have a procedure. Ginger is a true patient supporter. She is at the bedside and focused on her patient’s needs above all else. Her calm and professional demeanor naturally calms the patient when situations may not be the best. Ginger helps other patients and families understand the procedures, and supports them at every phase. Her nomination states, “Ginger is the PERFECT image of the Nightingale.”

 

 

 

Jamie Scandalito, RN, BSN
Nurse, Intensive Care Unit, Day Kimball Hospital

Jamie is a true patient advocate, and such a pleasure to work with. Her colleagues always say, “She really knows her stuff.” Her gracious ways and professionalism are truly respected on her unit and within the organization. Jamie recognizes her co-workers and is a big part of helping make the ICU such a cohesive team. Jamie cares for her patients with the highest quality, and she cares for co-workers with the same enthusiasm and passion. Jamie is actively involved in sporting events and volunteering in activities with her children. Her colleagues say, “Jamie would make Florence proud!”

 

 

Eric Thibodeau, RN, BSN
Nurse, Emergency Department, Day Kimball Hospital

Eric is a true patient advocate. He is always working diligently to learn new areas and apply his knowledge to patient care. His assessment skills are stellar and he has worked in many other critical areas such as the ICU and PACU. His ability to interact with patients and their families portrays a sense of professionalism and support. He is supportive of his colleagues and looks for ways to assist others and help in any way he can.