2020 Excellence in Nursing Awards
In this, our sixth Excellence in Nursing Awards, we applaud thirteen incredible nursing professionals who stand on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Nurse Leader of the Year
Judith Lynch, CCRN, MS, BSN
Clinical Manager ICU at the Miriam Hospital
How did you get into nursing?
My mother was a nurse and she was my inspiration. She often shared how fulfilling a career it was for her, so I wanted to experience that as well. I started my professional career as a respiratory therapist and loved it. However, I wanted to do more — to take care of the entire patient and not just focus on the respiratory system. So, I decided to enroll in a nursing program. I knew it was right; I felt complete.
What’s your favorite part about being a nurse leader?
I love watching my team develop over time and seeing each individual contribute to the larger team. When building my team, it becomes stronger from the individual skills and personal attributes each member brings and that allows for continued growth. Also, as a leader, I can directly and indirectly affect patient outcomes.
Do you have any standout patient memories?
A few years back, we had patients return to the hospital to share stories about their hospital stay. A majority of the discussion focused on their medical care. However, my most important takeaway was the psychological piece. One patient shared his story of the number of squiggles he had counted on the ceiling tile above his bed. Despite knowing his medical history, I had no idea that was how he spent his days in the ICU. To say I was saddened is an understatement. I immediately sprang into action and had scenic ceiling tiles placed in the ICU patient rooms. I learned that we need to ensure we provide care to the whole patient.
Tell us about a career highlight.
I am really proud of our ICU achieving Beacon Gold. It was the first time at the Miriam Hospital, as well as in Rhode Island, that a hospital unit had achieved Beacon Gold status. The bigger accomplishment with this recognition was that the process and work was driven by clinical nurses. I facilitated the first several meetings to provide guidance and support and then the clinical nurses took off from there. They shared stories of the care they delivered and the outcomes they achieved. I am proud that they were able to share their story from their viewpoint. The chronicles of their daily work not only reflected the culture here at the Miriam Hospital, but also highlighted the high level of empowerment and autonomy nurses have in their practice.
One of the biggest challenges during the pandemic has been learning new information and sharing knowledge at the same time. As this is new for all of us, it has been imperative that we give clear messages to staff during the times of rapid change to ensure they are as informed as possible. In my forty years of practice, I have never seen the high acuity for the length of time that we did. The all-hands-on-deck approach was humbling. Seeing the nurses caring for patients of the highest acuity, not letting up despite physical and emotional fatigue and continuing to show up day after day, was inspirational.
Nominator buzz: “Judy’s expertise as a leader is felt in all spectrums of health care. Judy excels at listening, not only to the staff, but also to the patients and their families.” — Nancy Bushy, the Miriam Hospital
Nurse Practitioner of the Year
Jerilyn Devin, MSN, APRN-CNP
Nurse Practitioner in Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Coordinator of Ventilator Integration Program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital
How did you get into nursing?
My mother was a nurse and that led me to be a candy striper in high school. I enjoyed providing care to patients and I decided to attend college to pursue a degree in nursing.
What’s your favorite part about the job?
I appreciate the many opportunities that I have in my role. The most important is working with children and their families to assist them in managing their respiratory care so they can lead healthy, active lives. Another meaningful endeavor has been developing the ventilator integration program at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, which includes an interdisciplinary team that provides care to children who require some assistance with breathing. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to develop clinical guidelines and provide educational sessions for staff and families. I have also enjoyed being a preceptor for APRN students.
Has a patient ever changed the way you think about your job?
I learn something from each patient and family that I work with. I have the honor of working with many children with complex medical issues and work with a great team at Hasbro to teach and provide care so they can enjoy life at home and in the community. The children and their families are remarkable, and I am fortunate to be a small part of their lives. The children and their families inspire me each and every day.
