It is said there is no higher form of praise than that expressed by one’s peers.
Four nurses, two each at Franciscan St. Margaret Health – Hammond and its sister campus in Dyer, echoed that sentiment on May 13 when they received St. Margaret of Cortona Physicians Choice, and Nurses’ Choice, awards.
The annual awards are presented during the American Nursing Association’s National Nurses Week.
Juliet Howerton, who has spent the last eight of her 23 years at Franciscan St. Margaret Health – Hammond as an interventional radiology nurse, received the Physicians Choice Award there, while Joan O’Drobinak, an Emergency Department nurse who has spent the last nine of her 29 years at the hospital as a case manager, received the Nurses’ Choice Award.
Howerton received her honor from Jay Patel, MD, an interventional radiologist, who called her “an exceptional nurse who holds the department together and exhibits outstanding leadership skills in her relationship with the two Franciscan St. Margaret Health facilities and with Franciscan Physicians Hospital in Munster.”
Howerton said she was “surprised, somewhat embarrassed and honored by the recognition.”
Emergency Department nurse Connie Gula, who said she was speaking for her coworkers, said O’Drobinak “represents the very best in the nursing profession. She goes out of her way to not only help the physicians and staff, but also engages the team approach to patient care in which she is an invaluable advocate who goes above and beyond to help those we serve …”
O’Drobinak said she was shocked to hear she had won, adding, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
Susan Rae Parker, a 31-year nurse in the Franciscan St. Margaret – Dyer Intensive Medical Care Unit, was presented the Physicians’ Choice Award there from Ed Fara, MD, a pulmonary specialist, who said, “All of the physicians and staff appreciate her work. She is a great nurse and patient advocate.”
Parker said she was caught by surprise, adding, “I work with a great bunch of people – doctors and nurses alike.”
Arlene VanderZee, who has spent the last 17 of her 34 years at the Dyer campus as supervisor of recovery in the Same Day Surgery unit, was called an outstanding leader by Teresa Loden, director of surgery services.
“Her leadership has gotten us through many changes and expansions in the department, including the Epic (electronic medical records system) implementation. She has a calm demeanor and is empathetic with patients’ — an excellent nurse who lives our Franciscan values on a daily basis.”
VanderZee, who said she was “very shocked and surprised” by the honor, added, “It makes me feel good, but there are a lot of people who deserve this. I don’t feel that special."
About the award
St. Margaret of Cortona joined the Third Order of St. Francis in the 1200s and chose to live in poverty, following the saint’s example. She founded a hospital for the homeless and impoverished in the city of Cortona, Italy and pledged her life to serving God through the hospital. She was canonized on May 16, 1728.