MVH nurse receives Cameo award
MONONGAHELA – Mary Youger, a registered nurse in the emergency department at Monongahela Valley Hospital, recently received the 2014 Cameos of Caring Award during a breakfast held in celebration of National Nurses Week.
The award is presented annually by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing to honor exceptional bedside nurses who work in acute-care hospitals. Nurses throughout Western Pennsylvania nominate their co-workers who demonstrate excellence in nursing care, serve as advocates for patients and families and embody the essence of the nursing profession.
“I am so proud to work here. I work with the finest group of people,” Youger said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
This past year, Youger was driving to an appointment when she recognized the distress of a young driver on what’s considered a dangerous stretch of Interstate 70. She pulled over and helped to save his life. She also treated his father at the scene when he became ill.
She said she became a nurse because she enjoys providing care to people and making a difference in their lives.
Physicians, staff and managers also thanked the family of the late Norman and Florence Golumb, who established an endowment for nursing education.
“My late father spent more than 50 years on staff, and he was so proud of the hospital and how the patients were treated,” said Lois Treloar. Her father, who was a family practitioner, passed away in 1993, and his daughter said he had always supported nursing and nursing education.
Fifteen other MVH nurses were nominated for the Cameos of Caring Award. The following registered nurses were nominated for the award:
Jill Barney, 6-East – Barney is involved in the education of MVH’s nursing staff as well as undergraduate nursing students. She is a mentor for students and a preceptor of new nurses.
Barbara Bargiband, behavioral health – A nurse for 50 years, Bargiband uses a holistic approach to assess her patients’ emotional and physical status and needs. She is a member of the Mon Valley Nurses Association.
Becky Caldwell, the Orthopedic Institute – Caldwell has been a mentor to nursing students and takes time to explain practices and help educate others.
Stephanie Clingenpeel, 7-West – Clingenpeel is frequently mentioned by patients who complete satisfaction surveys. She never hesitates to advocate for patients or families.
Tina Daerr, Coronary Care Unit – In her 12 years at MVH, Daerr has worked in the Progressive Care and Critical Care units. Her co-workers describe her as a very knowledgeable, caring and compassionate nurse who is dedicated to her work and a strong patient advocate.
Jessica Fitch, Mon-Vale Oncology – Fitch handles large work assignments with grace and has excellent, well-developed critical thinking skills.
Shannon Hampsay, Intensive Care Unit – Hampsay is a team player and is becoming known outside of the Intensive Care Unit because she helps patients on other units when needed.
Michele Haftman, radiation oncology – Working with cancer patients enables Haftman to become a part of families at the most critical times of their lives.
Shannon Hartman, 4-Progressive Care Unit – Hartman’s enthusiasm, motivation and self-direction show the level of commitment she takes in providing care to patients and their families.
Julie Henry, operating room – Henry is a patient advocate who speaks up for those who are unable to speak for themselves.
Amy Molish, same-day surgery – Molish is an advocate for her patients and says it is gratifying to know that she is touching someone’s life.
Amanda Overend, 5-West – Overend has a bright, contagious smile and always takes the extra time to do the little things for her patients.
Amy Perkins, 6-West – Perkins serves as the co-leader of the Patient Engagement Team, is active in the hospital’s orientation program and is her unit’s wound champion.
Wendy Rock, 3-Progressive Care Unit – Rock’s colleagues say she is a team player who is always willing to lend a hand to the nursing staff.
Kelley Ulery, 7-East -Ulery actively involves families in their loved ones’ care and provides encouragement when needed.