Excellence in Nursing Awards 2021
After the last year and a half, these dedicated caretakers earn their place in the spotlight.
Nurse of the Year in an Academic Setting
Sandra Megerdichian, MSN, RN. Photography by Alex Gagne.
Sandra Megerdichian, MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing at the Community College of Rhode Island; served as semester two lead teacher from spring 2011 to spring 2021
How did you get into nursing?
Growing up, I was touched by how caring the nurses were when providing care to my grandparents. I had originally planned to become a teacher, but I felt a stronger calling to provide care and compassion to those in need. I enrolled in Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing as I wanted to learn in a place where professionals from around the world came together to improve health care. After completing my degrees and working for twenty years as a critical care nurse, it was time to pursue a career in nursing education to help others enter the world of compassionate patient care that I have loved. When I accepted a teaching position in the nursing program at the Community College of Rhode Island, it fulfilled both my teaching and nursing passions, which I am very grateful for.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Providing support to my students and mentoring them to “grow, understand and embrace patient care.” At the start of the semester, some students are initially hesitant to enter the patient’s room. As the semester continues, they develop new skills, more confidence and excitement at the learning opportunities they have with each client experience. By the end, they can work together using critical thinking strategies and provide more comprehensive patient care. You develop a bond with the students as they become proud and empowered to successfully move on to the next semester.
Tell us about a favorite memory from your career.
Rhode Island is a small state, so it is not uncommon to run into a former student who is now working as a registered nurse. One of the most touching moments was when my mother was a patient in the Intensive Care Unit. Her condition was unstable, so I stayed with her until the night shift arrived. As I prepared to leave, one of my former students entered the room to let me know he would be caring for my mother overnight. Seeing the concern on my face, he assured me he would keep a special eye on her. The next morning, my mother told me that whenever she opened her eyes that night, he was seated next to her bed. He even left a personal note for me detailing my mother’s progress throughout the night.
Clinical Practice Nurse of the Year
Ashley Raucci, BSN, RNC-OB. Photography by Alex Gagne.
Ashley Raucci, BSN, RNC-OB,
Maternity Registered Nurse at Landmark Medical Center
How did you get into nursing?
I always had a strong interest in math and science growing up. I was able to develop a passion through reading stories with underlying medical themes and watching medical dramas on television. In high school, I took elective science classes and attended a high school intro to medical careers workshop, which further piqued my interest in nursing. I attended Boston College School of Nursing with a desire to become either a pediatric or maternity nurse. It was during my clinical experiences and senior year synthesis project on a labor and delivery unit when I was able to truly experience and appreciate the impact a nurse can have on the birth experience of both the patient and their support systems. After graduation, I started at Memorial Hospital on their maternity unit. I immediately loved the atmosphere of a community hospital and the continuity of care that I was able to provide. I now work at Landmark Medical Center, which also provides maternity care on one unit, including triage, antepartum, labor and delivery, recovery, postpartum, and well and sick newborn care. Birth is a life-changing experience for patients and families, one that they will remember for a lifetime, and being able to be a part of and supporting that experience on a daily basis is truly an honor.
What’s your favorite part of your role?
I love that nursing gives you so many opportunities within your career. I have oriented many nurses and worked with family medicine residents and fellows training to further develop their maternity care skills. I created and teach a didactic learning experience for new-to-obstetrics nurses that is now part of the orientation process. This process not only addresses the medical needs and interventions for patients, but also labor support techniques influencing the entire experience. I am very passionate about being able to influence new nurses and help shape a culture of care. I love being able to see those that I have trained over the years continue to grow, flourish and improve maternity care in Rhode Island and beyond.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your nursing career.
Before I worked at Memorial Hospital, Shirley Picard, RNC-OB, was the nurse manager. She created a culture of maternity care that encompassed not only a high degree of knowledge and high-quality care, but also included care of the entire person. This culture remained even after she moved on to another hospital and it had a huge impact on how I saw maternity care practiced. When Shirley returned to Memorial Hospital as the nurse manager, we worked very closely. During this time, I started to create the didactic training experience under her guidance and encouragement. She taught me how to be a strong leader, to advocate for patients and their families, and to think outside the box to find creative solutions. When Memorial Hospital closed, we both moved on to Landmark Medical Center. Soon, the center’s maternity culture of care shifted to encourage more encompassing maternity care. I have so much respect for Shirley and her work advocating for birth.
