Annual Nursing Excellence Awards Recognize Moffitt’s Best and Brightest Nurses
Nurses stand as the backbone of health care institutions. Every day they bring hope to those who are hopeless and healing to those who are sick. Their dedication and compassionate care have touched the lives of so many. As National Nurses Week unfolds, institutions globally, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, honor these exceptional individuals for their invaluable contributions.
During the annual Nursing Excellence Awards ceremony, Moffitt nurses are recognized for their commitment and contribution to patient care. The award recipients are nominated by their peers and are a reflection of specific caring factors that represent mutual problem solving, human respect, encouraging manner, attentive reassurance, appreciation of unique meaning, healing environment, basic human needs and affiliation needs.
Meet the 2024 Nursing Excellence Award Recipients.
Excellence in Magnetism – Moffitt McKinley Hospital ICU/PCU
Collaboration and teamwork are the focus for Moffitt's McKinley Hospital ICU/PCU team.
Collaboration and teamwork lie at the heart of excellence in patient care in Moffitt McKinley Hospital's ICU/PCU units, where providing the best care and achieving high-quality outcomes are paramount goals. From ensuring multiple team members are present to settle patients arriving from the operating room to promptly administering disinfecting baths and conducting thorough skin assessments, the dedication to teamwork is evident at every turn. The unit's ethos of mutual support is palpable, with staff readily answering each other's call lights, assisting in patient transport and ensuring breaks for their colleagues. Notably, the retention and recruitment committee, aptly named the SPIRIT committee, underscores their emphasis on fostering a supportive and cohesive work environment. The nursing team's unwavering dedication to placing the patient at the forefront is evidenced by their thoughtful gestures, from organizing celebratory bell ringings to crafting homemade cards and engaging in activities to uplift patients' spirits. This commitment to collaboration, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence in quality outcomes, a focus on safety initiatives and patient-centered care, truly distinguishes Moffitt McKinley Hospital's ICU/PCU units as deserving recipients of the prestigious Excellence in Magnetism Award.
Excellence in Nursing Education - Clarissa Hoag, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC™
Clarissa Hoag's commitment extends beyond the classroom as she motivates nurses to explore new perspectives and continually strive for professional growth.
At Moffitt, the role of nursing education specialists is crucial in providing comprehensive education tailored to the diverse and intricate needs of the patient population. Nurse educator Clarissa Hoag exemplifies this dedication through innovative teaching methods designed to engage nurses effectively. Utilizing game theory and fostering a spirit of competitiveness, she challenges nurses to navigate complex case scenarios, encouraging critical thinking in high-pressure environments. Hoag's approach embodies emphasizes human respect in her interactions with all learners, irrespective of their background or experience level. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as she motivates nurses to explore new perspectives and continually strive for professional growth. With Moffitt's mission and values ingrained in her practice, Hoag illuminates the path forward, ensuring excellence in nursing education and patient care.
Excellence in Nursing Management - Chris Whittaker, BSN, RN, OCN
Chris Whittaker fosters a culture of work-life balance among her staff, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of job satisfaction and the importance of mental, physical and emotional well-being.
In Moffitt’s clinical research unit, Chris Whittaker stands out as a transformative figure, renowned for her ability to inspire and empower others toward positive change in health care delivery. She fosters a culture of work-life balance among her staff, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of job satisfaction and the importance of mental, physical and emotional well-being. With genuine humility, Whittaker recognizes and celebrates the unique contributions each employee brings to nursing's evolving landscape. Ever ready to support her team, she exemplifies dynamic leadership qualities essential for driving excellence in nursing management.
Outstanding Preceptor - Beth Nussell, BSN, RN
With 37 years of nursing experience, including 17 years in oncology, Beth Nussell brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role.
In her role as a nurse preceptor, Beth Nussell is revered for her composed and professional demeanor, which instantly puts everyone at ease. Guiding new nurses through their orientation process, she meticulously walks them through each step, fostering a supportive environment for learning and growth. Nussell's approach embodies several of Duffy's caring factors. She lends a compassionate ear, drawing from her wealth of experience to offer invaluable insights and guidance to navigate challenging situations. Demonstrating an encouraging demeanor, she uplifts her orientees, nurturing their self-esteem and fostering a spirit of optimism. Utilizing mutual problem-solving techniques, Nussell adeptly addresses any conflicts or issues new employees may encounter, providing attentive reassurance during times of uncertainty. With 37 years of nursing experience, including 17 years in oncology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her role, serving as a beacon of support and encouragement for new team members throughout their orientation journey.
Excellence in Patient-Centered Care - Emi Barcenas, BSN, RN
Emi Barcenas's attentive approach fosters an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable expressing their concerns openly.
Emi Barcenas epitomizes the essence of nursing, forging deep and meaningful connections with her patients that instill a sense of genuine care and compassion. Creating a nurturing and secure environment, she ensures her patients feel prioritized and valued as if they are the sole focus of her attention each day. Barcenas's attentive approach fosters an atmosphere where patients feel comfortable expressing their concerns openly, knowing they will be truly heard and understood. In times of struggle, her patients find solace in Barcenas's healing presence and reassuring demeanor, as she provides them with the support and empathy they need to navigate their challenges.
Excellence in Unique Nursing Role - Lori Fox, RN, OCN
Lori Fox's journey at Moffitt dates back to its inception in 1986, where she played a pivotal role in the treatment of one of its earliest patients.
Lori Fox's journey at Moffitt dates back to its inception in 1986, where she played a pivotal role in the treatment of one of its earliest patients. With a wealth of experience garnered over the years as a chemotherapy infusion nurse, Fox has seamlessly transitioned into her current role as a clinical leader. Under her guidance, Moffitt's clinical operations have flourished, evolving into a vital hub for patient care. Through effective leadership, Fox has cultivated strong interdisciplinary communication channels, enhancing patient safety protocols and advocating for streamlined care processes. As a seasoned registered nurse, she generously shares her expertise, nurturing the growth of her colleagues and setting a standard of excellence in clinical leadership. Known for her problem-solving prowess and unwavering support, Fox's door remains open for staff, fostering a culture of trust and open communication. Her attentive listening ear and genuine care, both personally and professionally, make her approachable and highly valued among her peers. Continuously keeping her team informed and engaged, Fox exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities, ensuring Moffitt remains at the forefront of patient-centered care.
Clinical Exemplar/Caring Story - Jennifer Moran, BSN, RN
Jennifer Moran went above and beyond to fulfill a patient's final wishes, ensuring his comfort and peace in his last moments.
The clinical exemplar is a caring story that shows how the interactions and care of a patient or their family exhibit patient- and family-centered care. Jennifer Moran went above and beyond to fulfill a patient's final wishes, ensuring his comfort and peace in his last moments. Responding to his simple request for a grilled cheese with extra cheese, tomato soup, coffee and a moment outdoors to feel the sun on his face, Moran coordinated with multiple departments to make it happen. With careful planning and teamwork, Moran and her colleagues wheeled the patient, still in his bed, outside where he basked in the warmth of the sun, his eyes closed in serene contentment. Reflecting on the experience, Moran expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of granting the patient's heartfelt desires, recognizing it as a poignant honor to bring him solace and joy in his final hours.
