Mary S. Fay Essence of Nursing Award
Mary S. Fay Enrichment Award
BWH Nurses gather together to celebrate
A Night of Awards and Applause
More than 500 of BWH’s nurses gathered to celebrate their successes over the past year at the fourth Annual Nursing Recognition Event, which was held on May 2 at the Westin Hotel in Waltham.
“On behalf of Hospital Administration, I want to thank you for your efforts over the course of the last year,” said Nancy Kruger, vice president, Patient Care Services, whose remarks kicked-off the celebratory program.
A cocktail reception gave way to a full program of remarks, a keynote presentation and video and award presentations.
“We’ve made a great deal of progress, worked through challenging financial times, and above all else, we never let our focus waver from the best interests of our patients,” added Kruger.
“Your work is the gift of compassion. Thank you tonight and thank you for every day you make this hospital stronger, and an exceptional place to receive care, said BWH President Jeff Otten before he turned the podium over to Chief Medical Officer Andy Whittemore, MD.
Said Whittemore, “Over the course of the last year, the demand for our services has grown significantly. People continue to flock to BWH from throughout the nation and the world. In large measure, they come because of the nurses. You provide the very essence of quality care. You are exceptional caregivers, researchers and mentors, and you continue to deserve our undying respect.”
After the guests of honor enjoyed their dinner, Chief Operating Officer Matt Van Vranken introduced the highly anticipated video presentation, which highlighted the talents of the nursing team at BWH.
“As a nurse, my mother taught me that health care is more than a professional, it is a calling. In pursuing that calling, we must also support an environment that provides all of our employees with a quality work life. Tonight’s video showcases those efforts and the people who make the Brigham a special place,” said Van Vranken.
Following the video, Mary Ferguson-Pare, vice president of Nursing Services at Baycrest Center, a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto, delivered the keynote address. Ferguson-Pare’s message paved the way for the evening’s award presentations.
The night’s events ended with the highly anticipated presentation of the Mary S. Fay Essence of Nursing Award. Peggy McCarthy-Mogan, RN, MSN, neuro intensive care unit (9D), was announced as this year’s deserving recipient. McCarthy-Mogan was chosen from five finalists. The other four finalists include Mary Allendorf-Burns, 14AB; Elaine Carlson, NICU; Alice O’Donnell, 8C; and Rita Patnode, NICU.
“I am humbled and honored by this award. I stand before you tonight, a product of wonderful mentors in my life. I have learned, and continue to learn from my peers, more than I ever learned in academia or textbooks. I am a composite of you,” said McCarthy-Mogan.
“To bear witness every day to life’s dramas, to be involved in those mystical moments in a person’s life, birth and death and to make a positive impact in times of suffering, pain and loss—I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she added.