Columbia VA Health Care System

Registered Nurse Myra Duez, right, and Associate Director Patient Care/Nursing Services Ruth W. Mustard at the 2013 Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing award ceremony. VA/Photo: Ken Holt

William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center leadership recently honored employees by presenting the coveted Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing to this year’s recipients as part of the annual National Nurses Week celebration.

“The Secretary's Award for Excellence in Nursing,” said Associate Director Patient Care/Nursing Services Ruth W. Mustard, “annually honors registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nursing assistants or health care technicians, each of whom must be actively engaged in the care of patients at a VA facility.”

According to award criteria, registered nurse nominees must demonstrate excellence in several areas including demonstrating expert nursing practice, demonstrating integrity and adherence to the nursing profession's code of ethics, and developing and implementing strategies to improve organizational performance related to resource utilization.

Likewise, the licensed practical nurse, nursing assistant or health care technician categories are also highly selective. Here, nominees must demonstrate excellence in improving and delivering care to Veterans, work well with the registered nurse and health care team, and be recognized by their peers for excellence in provide care.

“All recipients of this prestigious award must promote the highest professional image of nursing and the nursing profession within the community,” said Mustard,” and I am proud to announce that this year’s awardees are Myra Duez, Melissa Webster, and David White.

Recipient of the Registered Nurse in Surgical Clinic Staff Nurse role category, Duez has provided more than 30 years of critical stellar nursing service and support. She is often sought out by providers from other teams for her expertise and is known for rising to meet any challenge such as when an incident occurred on the campus. After hearing the emergency call, she ran to the parking lot, remaining with the injured Veteran until help arrived and then provided support and guidance to the emergency responders arriving on scene.

“Truly, Myra Duez is a model for all nurses everywhere and we are fortunate she is part of the Dorn VA Medical Center team,” remarked Mustard.

Health Technician Melissa Webster is another exceptional employee who was recognized this year under the Nursing Assistant/Health Technician category.

Webster has worked for VA for nine years and is assigned to the dermatology clinic. In addition to skillfully demonstrating the ability to accomplish multiple tasks with a high level of confidence, she has voluntarily worked in various areas in the facility, including oncology, pulmonary, renal, rheumatology, neurology, infectious disease, and endocrine clinics.

“Melissa Webster is a valuable team player and the dedication she demonstrates for our Veterans is appreciated by everyone,” noted Mustard.
This year’s winner of the non-Staff Role was Registered Nurse David White. A master’s prepared nurse with significant experience as an oncology clinical nurse specialist, White served in the Army Nurse Corps for over 20 years before joining VA.

“As the nurse manager of the medical clinics, David White has exhibited significant leadership and mentorship in support of his team,” remarked Mustard. “Under his tenure, outpatient satisfaction scores have increased and we’ve seen significant improvements in other performance measures. It is great to have David as part of our team.”

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki recently remarked at National Nurses United Signing Ceremony in February that, “As VA's frontline caregivers, registered nurses are critical to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.”

“This is why we come together as a nursing profession and as a medical center to recognize the best of the best,” said Mustard. “
Approximately 450 nursing professional support the overall WJB Dorn VA Medical Center.

“Nursing staff stand the watch alongside doctors and other health care professionals day-in and day-out,” said Mustard. “These nurses and health technicians are a critical component in providing Veteran-centered health care and we are fortunate to have some of the best in their fields.”

To view more photos of staff recognized and more event photos visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/VAColumbiaSC.

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