Bronx nurses were honored and celebrated for their dedication and service during Nurses Week 2023.

 

At NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, nurses were showered with various honors to mark the occasion. Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr. (A.D. 80), a Democrat, visited Jacobi Medical Center, part of the City’s public hospital system, on Friday, May 15, and presented a proclamation to the nursing staff there in recognition of Nurses Week, which celebrates nurses across the country for all they do.

The proclamation was in honor of “the dedicated nursing staff at Jacobi,” according to NYC Health + Hospitals officials. Nurses Week, celebrated annually from May 6 to May 12, is a time to honor, recognize, and appreciate nurses for all they do, according to nursejournal.org.

 

The week garnered even more relevance in recent years amid the coronavirus pandemic, and in The Bronx, home to several large hospitals, the week is an important one.

Zaccaro Jr. broadly represents some or all of the neighborhoods of Norwood, Olinville, Williamsbridge, Allerton, Pelham Parkway, Pelham Gardens, Little Yemen, and Morris Park, as well as Bronx Park.

 

In addition, District 18 City Council Member Amanda Farías and  District 13 City Council Member Marjorie Velázquez had earlier paid a visit to the hospital, located at 1400 Pelham Pkwy South in Morris Park, on Tuesday, May 9, to also present nursing staff with proclamations on behalf of the New York City Council Bronx Delegation.

Again, according to Jacob representatives, the proclamations were in celebration of the nurses’ contributions to the wider community.

 

As reported, Farías recently allocated $25,000 to Jacobi Medical Center’s Stand Up to Violence program, which aims to curb the plague of gun violence in the borough. The hospital is one of The Bronx’s designated trauma hospitals, specializing in treating and caring for gunshot and other victims of trauma who require specialist care, as well as providing counseling and other support to families affected by gun violence.

 

Farías represents some or all of the neighborhoods of Soundview, Castle Hill, Parkchester, Clason Point, and Harding Park while Velázquez represents some or all of the neighborhoods of Allerton, City Island, Country Club, Edgewater Park, Ferry Point, Locust Point, Morris Park, Pelham Bay, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway, Schuylerville, Silver Beach, Spencer Estates, Throggs Neck, Van Nest, Waterbury LaSalle, Westchester Square, and Zerega.

The two were joined on the day by Dr. Nancy Kheck, director of health and human services for Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, who also presented an award to the nurses on behalf of the borough president.

 

Meanwhile, at Montefiore, spokesperson Alex Gomez, said, “Our celebration of Nurse’s Week 2023 reflects Montefiore’s deep appreciation for our colleagues and the vital role nurses play in positively impacting the lives of our patients and community delivering exceptional patient care.”

 

He said one of the highlights of this week was the Bilder Awards, named after Joan H. Bilder, the associate director of nursing at the hospital network’s Weiler division. “This annual award recognizes four nurses for their commitment to providing exceptional patient care,” he said.

Wendy Irizarry, BSN, RN, located at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore was one of the recipients of this award. “Wendy is a passionate teacher who takes pride in helping novice nurses develop a love for learning,” Montefiore officials said. “She can adapt to critical situations and confidently cares for newborns and adults. Wendy is a strong advocate of multi-disciplinary initiatives such as nurse-led rounds, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit transport team, and delirium reduction.”

 

Colleagues described Irizarry as compassionate and dedicated to providing family-centric care for patients and their families at CHAM, and someone who demonstrates respect and holistically cares for her patients. Irizarry is currently working towards obtaining her CCRN certification, Montefiore officials said.

Lisa Hoyte, BSN, RN, based at Jack D. Weiler Hospital at Montefiore was another award recipient. “Lisa embodies Montefiore’s principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Montefiore officials said. “She is a mentor and educator while working collaboratively with peers and the multidisciplinary care team.”

 

They said Hoyte demonstrates attentive management of medications for patients in hemodynamically unstable conditions, as well as fulfilling the basic human needs of incapacitated patients and providing comfort to those who are frightened. “Additionally, she is an active member of the New York Black Nurses Association and is pursuing certification in CC and wound care,’ they said.

Ryan Gil, BSN, Rn, CCRN, based at the hospital network’s Wakefield campus, also received the award. “Ryan uses his clinical judgment to prioritize the nursing care needs of his patients,” Montefiore officials said. “He is a strong advocate for the Magnet and serves as chair of shared governance, participating in multiple committees.”

 

Magnet refers to the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program. It designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes.

 

They said Gil incorporates Montefiore’s values in all aspects of his clinical practice, serving as a mentor and “exemplary role model” for novice nurses. “During the Magnet certification process, surveyors recognized Ryan for his passion, engagement, and dedication to his patients, their families, and peers,” Montefiore officials said.

Finally, Mary Alevis, BSN, RN, based at the hospital network’s Moses campus at E 210th Street in Norwood, was also honored with the award. “Mary is knowledgeable about the latest policies, procedures, and best practices,” Montefiore officials said. “She willingly shares her challenges and learning experiences with others to help them learn. Mary is always on time and sets an excellent example for her colleagues.”

 

They said Alevis communicates expectations clearly and works well with others. “When working with patients, she is compassionate and respectful of their vulnerability during hospitalization,” they said.

 

May 12 marks the birthdate of celebrated nurse, Florence Nightingale.