KCNA News Archives

2007 Nurse Awards: Congratulations to the "Shining Stars" of KCNA.

Gigi Gempesaw, Virginia Mason Medical Center
SHINING STAR-Clinical & Adminstrative

Gigi has worked as a registered nurse since 1986 and graduated last June with a BSN degree from UW-Bothell. She celebrates the joy of nursing in her daily work as the Assistant Nurse Manager on the Pulmonary Thoracic Surgery Unit at VM. In over 20 years of clinical practice, Gigi has tirelessly and positively promoted excellence in nursing care at the bedside. The day shift runs as an orchestrated event when Gigi is on duty. Colleagues had this to say about Gigi: "She cares for the patients and the nurses. She listens to concerns and contributes to change on our floor and in our facility which makes me proud to be a nurse. I cannot think of anyone more deserving for this reward" and, "Gigi represents the very best in relationship based nursing care and provides leadership to the unit in fostering continued competence, team work and support to give to patients and their families."
 
 Anna Liza DeVega, Northwest Hospital and Medical Center
SHINING STAR-Clinical

Anna Liza is a staff nurse in telemetry and has been her current position for three years. She graduated from the University of the East in the Philippines in 1995. Colleagues had this to say about Anna Liza:"Anna is a key team member in the Special Care Unit at Northwest. She is hard working, dependable, and well-liked by her co-workers. She has been a resource for new grads and employees, serving as a preceptor on an often very busy critical care unit. She is appreciated for her professional manner, the consistent care she gives to all of her patients, and the support and friendship she offers to her co-workers and other staff members."

Martha Worcester, Seattle Pacific University
SHINING STAR-Education

Dr. Martha Worcester, Associate Professor, Director Nurse Practitioner Pathway at Seattle Pacific University is being honored as an Educator. Martha is known for collaborative leadership and mentoring the SPU Graduate Program Nurses Pracitioner Pathway. She has a deep commitment to excellence and strong leadership skills. Her special area of interest is in gerontological advanced practice but she has guided all nurse practitioner students in their education. Besides her work at SPU, Martha also works as a Nurse Practitioner at Providence Elder Place in Seattle. She is involved in two current research awards: "The Spiritual Work of Older Parents of Adult Children with Mental Illness" and "Creating Careers in Geriatric Advanced Practice Nursing." She has served on the KCNA Board of Directors and is currently working on the Governmental Affairs Committee. Colleagues had this to say about Martha: "Martha Worcester has passion about everything she does...passion about working with the elderly, passion about the students she teaches, passion about her research on caregivers, passion about her work on diversity, passion about the nurse practitioner role, and passion about her familly. To top it off, Martha has the most infectious laugh in all of Seattle. When Martha retires, the halls of this university will be empty without her passion, dedication, and laugh."

Bette Perman, Shoreline Community College
SHINING STAR-Education

Bette Perman, Director of the Nursing Program at Shoreline Community College is being honored as an Educator. Bette has been at SCC since 1990 as a Nurse Educator and Professor and the Director for the last three years. Her nursing expertise in critical care, passion for teaching, and outstanding mentoring are respected by all who work with her. Bette began her nursing career in 1969 and earned her associate degree, BSN, and Master's in Nursing. Her critical care nursing career began in the 1970's and included positions at Northwest Hospital and Swedish Medical Center. Bette mentors new faculty members to enhance their professional development and supports faculty during times of personal crisis. She consistently provides thoughtful responses to student requests and situations. Colleagues had this to say about Bette: "She is an incredible leader and mentor and is dedicated to student success. Bette is passionate about nursing and has been an influential role model for many Shoreline Community College nursing graduates and for fellow nursing faculty members."

Joan Garner, Washington State Nurses Association
KCNA ALL STAR AWARD

The All Star Award honors a nurse who meets a community need with innovation and creativity. This year we honor Joan Garner, Director of Nursing Practice and Education at the Washington State Nurses Association. Joan brings more than 43 years of professional experience in clinical nursing, nursing management, and education to the position. She has been an articulate spokesperson for the nursing profession where it counts: protecting nursing practice from encroachment by other disciplines before the legislature and the Washington Nursing Care Quality Commission. She is frequently called upon when there are issues around the scope of nursing practice and has written many position papers on defining the issues. She is know an an expert in the area of nursing practice and has been a mentor to many nursing students, practicing nurses and colleagues. Here's what colleagues had to say about Joan: "Joan has been the strong voice of nursing practice at WSNA. Her advocacy on behalf of professional nursing in Washington State has been exemplary." "Words are simply inadequate to fully describe the many contributions of Joan Garner, she has served with great distinction for more than 14 years as the advocate for patients, nurses and the profession while attending nearly every meeting of the Washington State Nursing Quality Assurance Commission. Joan's career will leave a lasting legacy for those who come after her."

2006 SHINING STAR AWARDS

All Star Award: Dana Fisk, BSN, RN

The KCNA All Star Award recognizes a nurse who goes the "extra mile" in nursing. The nurse meets a community need with innovation and creativity. This year, we are proud to honor Dana Fisk, a pediatric and research nurse at Harborview Medical Center as an "All Star."

Dana has developed a child passenger safety program for pediatric patients that are seen at Harborview clinics, emergency department and inpatient settings. When a child is identified as needing a car seat, the parents are given an overview of the program available and informed about the safety importance of car seats. The family reviews a power point presentation and works with a health educator to answer any questions. In the first year of the program, over 165 seats have been distributed. The program is multi-lingual and available to serve a diverse cultural population. Dana sets an excellent example of what one nurse can do to make a difference by developing and implementing a prevention program that saves lives.

Shining Star: Joan Braun, RNC, CDE

Joan is a Diabetic Nurse Educator at Virginia Mason Medical Center and has been a medical/surgical nurse for over 37 years. She is certified as a diabetic educator. Her wealth of knowledge, expertise and high level of professionalism is respected by all who work with her. Her job includes enterstomal nursing and skin & wound care for patients. She is an expert in taking care of difficult draining wounds with ulcers and fistulas which need intense nursing care. She goes the extra mile to make sure every staff member knows how to care for the difficult tasks to benefit the patient. Joan co-authored the book "Care of the Difficult Patient: A Nurse's Guide." Her colleagues had this to say about Joan: "The world is a better place with this caring nurse who gives so much to patients and colleagues. I am honored to know her!"

Shining Star: Deborah Greenleaf, RN

Deborah has been employed by Public Health Seattle & King County as a Public Health Nurse for 18 years. Her work as a public health nurse has taken her to places and experiences where not many health care practitioners choose to go. She works with families who are in domestic violence situations. Deborah has developed and implemented domestic violence trainings for health professionals, law enforcement, judicial and social service agencies. She is a strong advocate for public awareness of domestic violence and participates in focus groups and research projects. Deborah's passion and professionalism have contributed to her ability to excel at her job.

2005 SHINING STAR AWARDS

SHINING STAR AWARDS were presented to:
*Educator: Carol Leppa, RN, PhD, UW-Bothell
*Nurses Organization: Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Association for
56 years of assisting African American Nurses and the community.
*Super Star: Christine Henshaw, EdD, RN, Outgoing KCNA President

GUIDING STAR AWARD was presented to:
*White Center Public Health Clinic. Accepting the award were
Jayne Kauzloric, Clinic Supervisor and Jill Mount, Public Health Nurse.

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