This May, North Country Hospital (NCH) staff celebrated Nurses Week with great enthusiasm and dedication. The festivities culminated on May 12, honoring the birthdate of Florence Nightingale, the iconic nurse whose legacy continues to inspire healthcare professionals worldwide.
NCH proudly recognizes outstanding nursing achievements through its four areas of nursing excellence awards, aligning with the hospital’s mission and values. This year, the awardees who exemplified these qualities were Eilish Quirion, RN, for Commitment to Customer Service; Maddy Harris, RN, for Commitment to Quality; Kristelle Ajeno, RN, for Commitment to Professional Growth; and Tara Brown, RN, for Commitment to Community.
Eilish Quirion: Commitment to Customer Service
Eilish Quirion, a dedicated Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department for seven years, received the award for Commitment to Customer Service. Known for her exceptional preceptorship, Eilish consistently goes above and beyond as a team player. Her sensitivity to the needs of patients and coworkers alike is a testament to her compassionate nature, making her an invaluable member of the NCH team.
Maddy Harris: Commitment to Quality
Maddy Harris, RN, was honored for her unwavering commitment to quality care in the Emergency Department. Maddy’s initiatives, including the creation of a checklist to monitor falls in the ED, her involvement in the sepsis team, and her role as the SANE coordinator, highlight her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Her efforts in fostering best practices between NCH, Copley, and NVRH have set a new standard for quality care.
Kristelle Ajeno: Commitment to Professional Growth
Kristelle Ajeno, RN, recognized for her Commitment to Professional Growth, joined NCH through an international nursing program. Kristelle’s pursuit of excellence is evident through her numerous certifications, validating her skills and knowledge in her specialty. She is a trusted resource for her colleagues and always willing to teach and assist others, making her an exemplary figure of professional development.
Tara Brown: Commitment to Community
Tara Brown, RN, serving in the Surgical Services department, specifically the post-anesthesia unit, received the Commitment to Community award. Tara’s dedication extends beyond the hospital walls as she volunteers through her church and as a BLS instructor for various facilities. Her accommodating nature and follow-through make her a cherished member of both the NCH and local communities.
At the 2024 Nursing Excellence Awards dinner, North Country’s Chief Nursing Officer, Denise Carter, praised all nominees and awardees. “We had 16 nominations for our excellence awards this year! What an honor to be recognized by your peers. Congratulations to Eilish, Maddy, Kristelle, and Tara, and to all those nominated!”
The dedication and hard work of NCH’s nursing staff continue to embody the spirit of excellence, ensuring high-quality care and community service. Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees for their exceptional contributions!