Nursing Excellence Awards Inaugural Red Carpet Receptions3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/225685... · 2014. 8. 20. · Inaugural Red Carpet Reception honoring our

Inaugural Red Carpet Receptionhonoring our outstanding Cooper Nurses

for excellence in patient care

May 6, 2014 5 pm - 7 pm

Pavilion 1014

Nursing Excellence Awards

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P R O O FStephanie ConnersGina MaroneCathy Cristofalo Kathy Devine Robyn Harvey Lisa Laphan-Morad

Sandra Baldwin-Pitera Emma Asis Audrey BennettCynthia BennettDon EverlyValerie Gibson

NURSING PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION COUNCIL

NURSE EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Team

Joan MadaraDanielle MajuriJames Scharff April SocarrasGlory Lyn VeluzJean Zoll

Patricia ShucoskiMary Kay Silverman Linda ValentiChristine WinnKelly Young


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As we celebrate the 2014 Nursing Excellence Awards, I want to thank you for your commitment to our patients and their families.

Nurses are the heart of our care delivery system. Our success as an organization depends on the exceptional care you provide. The field of nursing continues to evolve, and now, more than ever before, nurses are stepping out of traditional roles and becoming creative innovators in the transformation of healthcare. This year’s award recipients have been recognized by their colleagues as individuals who promote and foster an optimal healing environment with pride and tireless dedication.

Our nurses are leaders, mentors, advocates, “doers,” organizers, role-models, advisors, care-takers, researchers and believers. They are proof that if you believe in your profession, yourself and our mission, you can achieve almost anything.

It is a privilege and honor to lead Cooper Nursing and the collaborative care teams. Together, we will uphold the Cooper mission to serve, to heal and to educate.

With Sincere Gratitude,

Stephanie D. Conners MBA, BSN, NEA-BCSenior Vice President of Operations & Chief Nursing OfficerCooper University Healthcare

To Our Exceptional Nurses,


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P R O O F

The 2014 Nursing Excellence Awards are made possible through the generosity of many Cooper supporters and friends to support

ongoing education and training.

Please join me in thanking our donors for recognizing the outstanding contributions of our nurses, whose extraordinary care

makes a difference each and every day.

The Cooper Nursing Alumni Association of the Cooper Medical School of Nursing. The Association was established in June 1901 and graduated its last class in May 1982. Its 101 members are “all proud to call Cooper the starting point to our wonderful careers.”

The Selma and Martin Hirsch Family Foundation. Martin Hirsch, and his sons, Michael and Alan, truly and deeply appreciate the Cooper nurses who cared for their beloved wife and mother Selma, of blessed memory. The nurses “always went above and beyond,” says Michael, a member of The Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees.

LeeAnne Horton DiMatteo and the Family and Friends of Shaina Horton. Shaina Horton, who loved the color purple, was an oncology patient at Cooper. Her mother, family and friends donated funds in her memory in appreciation for the compassionate care she received from the nurses at Cooper.

The Family of John Henry Kronenberger. John Henry was born on January 18, 1990 and died in the Cooper NICU on January 24, 1990. His family honors his memory in the hope that an award dedicated to furthering neonatal nursing education will one day help save a newborn’s life.

The Friends and Colleagues of Lynn Nelson. Lynn was a beloved unit secretary who kept the Emergency Department at Cooper organized for 17 years. She took great pride in her work and “represented the ED at its best,” says Michael Chansky, MD, Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine.

A Special Thank You to Our Supporters from The Cooper Foundation

President & CEO Susan Bass Levin


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Philip and Carole Norcross. The Norcrosses will always be grateful to the Cooper nurses who took extraordinary care of Phil’s father in the hospital. “Cooper nurses are the best,” says Phil, Chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees. Wayne Smith and Colleagues of Rose Smith, RN, BSN. Rose, a Cooper nurse for 18 years, was determined to acquire a BSN even after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rose’s husband, Wayne, and her colleagues donated funds to help another nurse continue her quest for education and carry on Rose’s pursuit of being “the best nurse she could be.”

Barbara and Jack Tarditi. Barbara and Jack Tarditi know that a nurse is a “patient’s key link to recovery, a second family member who humanizes the healthcare experience.” Jack chaired the Helene Fuld School of Nursing for many years and is a long-time member of The Cooper Foundation Board of Trustees.

The Friends and Colleagues of Carol G. Tracey. Carol worked at Cooper for 14 years, first as a unit secretary and then as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She courageously battled cancer the last two years of her life.

The Trauma Unit Nurses. The nurses on the Cooper Trauma Unit raise funds to support families of trauma patients and to honor a fellow nurse for excellence in trauma nursing.

The Cooper Women’s Board. The Women’s Board was established in November of 1919 and is committed to women’s and children’s services at Cooper University Health Care.

Robbert Zamitis, son of Sue Zamitis. Sue, an inspirational nursing instructor, first at Cooper Medical Center School of Nursing and later at Helene Fuld, nurtured and guided many Cooper nurses through their clinical rotations. Sue’s son, Robbert, lives in Washington State but donated funds for a nursing award at Cooper in memory of his mother, saying: “It is a pleasure to support the work of Cooper nurses and honor my mom. She would be very humbled and proud.”


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P R O O FDear Colleague,

Tonight we are gathered to recognize and honor all of the extraordinary nurses at Cooper University Health Care and the winners of the 2014 Nursing Excellence Awards. This annual event celebrates our nurses who go above and beyond and are examples to all of what it means to be a nursing professional. Leading by example, each of you embodies our mission to “To Serve, to Heal, to Educate.”

The work of a nurse is not easy, but you do so with the highest degree of professionalism. You show compassion when your patient is struggling with uncertainty. You demonstrate patience and courage on a daily basis. You are a teacher, companion and advocate to those you serve. And you do this with composure and the medical knowledge and technical skills needed to adapt to ever changing situations.

We are proud that you are a Cooper nurse and part of our “One Team. One Purpose.” We offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to each one of you.

Sincerely,

George E. Norcross, III Chairman Board of Trustees

John P. Sheridan, Jr. President and CEO The Cooper Health System

Adrienne Kirby, PhD President and CEO Cooper University Health Care


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2014 Nursing Excellence Award

Winners


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Leonora BallRN, MSN, APN Advanced Practice Nurse Cardiothoracic Surgery

Cooper Heart Institute and The Heart House Award for Excellence in Cardiovascular Nursing

Leonora Ball has an astute clinical acumen that saves patient lives.

Leonora brings a deep understanding of all the potential complications that can occur in heart patients and is able to identify and correct problems early before they become too serious.

Leonora does this every day with great skill and understanding.

A compassionate and empathetic caregiver and a strong patient advocate, Leonora is dedicated to ensuring patients receive the appropriate education to help them succeed in their recovery.

Leonora is an excellent mentor for her peers who often turn to her for clinical advice in managing critically ill patients.

Leonora joined Cooper in 2010. She is a role model for the staff nurses in the Progressive Care Unit and serves as clinical preceptor for nurse practitioner students.

“Leonora has basically defined the role of cardiothoracic surgery nurse practitioner at Cooper. She in every way embodies the leadership and

patient care goals that this award is meant to recognize.”

– Michael Rosenbloom, MD – Nominator


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P R O O F

Ruth CooperEMT-B

Emergency TechnicianEmergency Department

The Barbara and Jack Tarditi Award

for Excellence in Patient Care

“Ruth is able to calm and soothe the most nervous patients, from newborn to elderly. We are very proud to call her an

Emergency Department technician.”

– Lynne Duffy, RN, MA, CEN – Nominator

Going to the Emergency Department can be a stressful experience for anyone. Yet when patients and families meet Ruth Cooper, they begin to feel a little better.

Ruth is a calming influence – a consoler, a sympathizer and an advocate with a sense of humor that can put a smile on a patient’s face even during tough times.

As a certified Spanish translator with deep ties to the community, Ruth helps Spanish-speaking patients and families feel more at ease in the Emergency Department.

Ruth is also a certified EMT and volunteers as a member of Cooper’s Emergency Disaster Response Team. Ruth has worked at Cooper since 2011.

Even though she already works the busiest shift in the Emergency Department, Ruth is quick to help her colleagues, assisting on other shifts. She actively searches out opportunities to learn new skills and takes pride in doing her job well.

Dependable, loyal, motivated and detail oriented, Ruth is an asset to the Emergency Department and a respected member of the Cooper team.


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Deborah CutronaRN, MSN, CCRNStaff Nurse Post Anesthesia Care Unit

The Barbara and Jack Tarditi Family Excellence Award for Nursing Research

“Once Deb had it in her mind to start this research project, it was like a train moving forward.

Deb is on fire and nothing will stop her.”

– Sandra Baldwin-Pitera – Nominator

Deborah Cutrona is a patient advocate through and through, constantly striving to improve patient satisfaction and enhance the standards of excellence in nursing.

Deb is the principal investigator on a research project measuring the effects of a Surgical Virtual Tour in reducing preoperative anxiety and increasing patients’ knowledge of the surgical process.

A key element of the research is to bring to the forefront the use of virtual technology to educate adult patients and families experiencing surgery.

The research could ultimately be used for the development and introduction of a Surgical Virtual Tour with the goal of increasing patient satisfaction in the surgical process at Cooper.

Deb joined Cooper in 1992 and brings a passion and energy to nursing that inspires everyone who works with her.


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As Clinical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Joanne Fox is leading her team to results.

Her can-do attitude and strong leadership helps foster an environment of trust and collaboration, in which everyone is working toward the same goal – providing the best care to our littlest, and most vulnerable patients.

For many families, having their newborn admitted to the NICU was never part of their birthing plan. Recognizing the toll this takes, Joanne led efforts to develop a family support program to help provide relief.

Setting high goals, Joanne has worked with her team to implement several changes that have enhanced patient safety and improved patient care. Through her skilled leadership, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Based Clinical Council has flourished and has empowered nurses to identify and solve problems from the bottom-up.

A member of the Cooper team since 1988, Joanne is a strong advocate for the babies under her care and is committed to ensuring the NICU continues to provide state-of-the-art care in a warm, family and patient-centered environment.

“Joanne sets her teams up for success and she does so not only with her knowledge and expertise, but also with her heart, her passion and her

compassion for the tiniest of lives.”

– Robyn Harvey, RN, BSN, MBA – Nominator

Joanne FoxRNC-NIC, BSN

Clinical DirectorNeonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Philip and Carole Norcross Award

for Excellence in Nursing Leadership


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Karen KimbroughRN, BSN, CCRNStaff Nurse Post Anesthesia Care Unit

The Philip and Carole Norcross Award for Excellence in Perioperative Nursing

“Karen’s quiet, competent and professional demeanor weaves a blanket of comfort, compassion, and caring into every aspect

of care for her patients and their families.”

– Linda Sullivan, RN, CCRN, CPAN & Deborah Cutrona MSN, CCRN – Nominators

Karen Kimbrough’s patients are wrapped in the warmth of her personal care.

She brings passion, creativity and empathy to her nursing practice and works diligently to ensure her patients come out on top.

Karen fosters a nurturing environment in which she and her patients can discuss the plan of care, jointly participate in decision making, review medication regimens and anticipate care and safety needs.

She is a tremendous listener and encourages families to become active participants in the care of their loved ones. She also recognizes patients’ spiritual needs and is a strong proponent of pastoral care services.

Karen serves on the Unit-based Professional Development Committee and is an active participant in the Quality and Safety Committee. As a Peer Champion for education, she has provided in-service training on a variety of topics.

With 30 years of experience at Cooper, Karen is a role model and mentor, exemplifying excellence in nursing and education.


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Matthew LightcapRN, BSNStaff NursePavilion 7

Orthopaedics/Neurology

The Carol G. Tracey Compassion Award

Matthew Lightcap often receives notes and cards from patients thanking him for the care he provided during their stay at Cooper.

Some patients even come back to visit him to update him on their progress after joint surgery or a stroke – testament to his clinical skill as well as his ability to make patients feel more at ease while in the hospital.

Matt treats every patient as if he or she were his only patient, regularly going out of his way to meet the patient’s needs. No request is too big or too small.

Matt has worked at Cooper for 17 years and is a trusted role model and teacher, serving as a preceptor for new nurses and sharing his expertise with the rest of the team.

Matt says it best - “I like what I do. It’s not a job.”

“When you are the patient that Matt is caring for, all of your needs are met. He is not only there for you physically, but emotionally

and mentally as well.”

– Lois Scipione, RN, MSN, PCCN – Nominator


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Melissa MacDonaldRN, BSNStaff Nurse Pavilion 6 Surgical

Cooper Nursing Alumni Clinical Nurse Excellence Award

“Melissa exemplifies nursing at its best. She is energetic, enthusiastic, a sound critical thinker, a tireless patient

advocate, and a team player.”

– Jennifer Bonafiglia, RN-BC, BSN, OCN – Nominator

Melissa McDonald is a Pavilion 6 star.

She can be counted on by both her patients and her colleagues and is constantly striving to deliver quality patient care with a commitment to patient safety.

Since joining Cooper three years ago, Melissa has been frequently mentioned favorably in patient satisfaction surveys and has been recognized by her peers as Pavilion 6’s Star of the Month.

She was the driving force behind “quiet time” on the unit, which provides patients a period of uninterrupted rest and allows nurses time to regroup. Building on the success of this effort, Melissa brought the idea to the Research Committee to further study the influence it has on nursing satisfaction.

Melissa makes a difference in the lives of her patients and others in need. She is a regular participant in the Cooper/Norcross Bridge Run and coordinated her unit’s Adopt-A-Family effort during the holidays. She also served as the unit leader for the Annual Employee Appeal.


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Lois MeyerRNC, BSN

Staff NurseNeonatal Intensive Care

John Henry Kronenberger Memorial Award for

Excellence in Neonatal Nursing Practice

During her 27 years at Cooper, Lois Meyer has touched the lives of countless families with her compassionate care and clinical expertise.

Lois’ bedside skill reassures families – who are often scared and overwhelmed – that their babies are being taken care of by the best of the best. Her years of experience and attention to detail enable her to pick up on the non-verbal cues her fragile newborns demonstrate and to adjust the care accordingly.

Lois is committed to teaching families about their newborns during all stages of their recovery and empowers families to advocate for their infants. Every new parent benefits from Lois’ work in developing a drug information sheet kept at every newborn’s bedside, helping to educate parents and keeping them involved in their baby’s care.

It is especially appropriate that Lois receive this award in John Henry’s memory, as she was his primary nurse during his time at Cooper, providing comfort and care throughout his too-short life.

“No matter the obstacle, Lois faces each baby, family, and situation with skill, empathy, understanding and a presence of comfort.”

– Heather Comparri, RNC * Nominated by Dale A. Beloff, RNC


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Helen NichterRN, MSN, APN-CAdvanced Practice NurseBreast Surgery Program

Advanced Practice Nurse Excellence Award

“Helen’s interaction with patients is compassionate from the start. I’ve seen her come in early and change into scrubs just to hold

someone’s hand as she is taken down to the OR.”

– Susan Lori Hunter, APN – Nominator

Helen Nichter knows the fear and uncertainty her patients feel when faced with their diagnosis – she too is a breast cancer survivor.

Her compassion helps make a difficult time a little easier.

Helen joined Cooper in 2000 and is a fierce patient advocate, who works collaboratively with her peers and physician colleagues. She is always willing to lend a hand and is a role model and mentor for new nurses.

Helen has worked tirelessly on projects for the breast program – establishing a buddy system for newly diagnosed patients and developing a book for patients to jot down all new information and appointments. These initiatives help women feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to conquer cancer.

Helen is a consummate professional and is admired by her peers for her expert clinical ability and the kindness and care she shows for her patients and colleagues.

Breast surgery can be frightening for women, but patients find comfort when Helen is by their side.


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Rosetta OliverRN-BC, BSN

Associate Clinical DirectorPavilion 7

Orthopaedics/Neurology

The Selma and Martin Hirsch Family

Foundation Clinical Excellence Staff Award

Rosetta Oliver is rarely in her own office.

Depending on the day, she might be found pushing beds down the hall to make room for a new patient or placing a new IV or answering questions from a patient’s family.

It’s all in a day’s work for “Mrs. Rosie,” as she is affectionately known at Cooper.

As assistant clinical director, Rosetta demonstrates extraordinary skill in handling a range of clinical situations. She is patient and approachable, and everyone knows they can ask Rosetta questions and seek her guidance.

Rosetta is a wealth of knowledge, always willing to share her clinical expertise with others. She never stops learning, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree, all the while encouraging staff nurses to continue their education.

A member of the Cooper team since 1987, Rosetta is a role model for the staff and engages both patients and nurses in fostering a positive spirit on the orthopaedic floor.

“Rosetta is committed and dedicated to the nursing profession as a whole as demonstrated by her compassionate and caring spirit.”

– Chaudron Carter, Ed.D, RN * Nominated by Jamie Sabetta, RN, BSN


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P R O O F

Erika OrfeRN, BSNStaff Nurse Trauma/Surgical Intensive Care

Excellence in Trauma Nursing Award

“Erika has exceeded expectations in promoting excellence in nursing practice for the critically ill within the unit. Her care and compassion goes beyond her individual patients’ needs to

include families, co-workers and the community.”

– David Donaghy, RN – Nominator

Erika Orfe is constantly working to improve patient care and patient outcomes.

She was the driving force behind the development of a safety checklist for patients undergoing bedside tracheostomies, spending countless hours volunteering and working alongside physicians, respiratory therapists, trauma technicians and nurses to make these procedures safer.

Since Erika joined Cooper eight years ago, her hard work has revolutionized the way the Trauma Team performs tracheostomies and was recently recognized by the Society of Trauma Nursing. Her work will soon be published in a national journal.

Erika’s colleagues often rely upon her for advice and assistance with patient care, and families count on her for her advocacy, compassion and clinical skill.

Erika leads by example, working hard each day, and encouraging everyone to deliver the best nursing care to every patient and their families.


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Donna ReamerRN

Case ManagerCare Coordination Department

Shaina Horton Memorial Award for

Patient-Centered Care

Donna Reamear is 110 percent dedicated to her patients.

No matter what challenges arise, Donna remains focused on what matters – the patient’s best interest.

She is a tireless advocate for those in her care and is committed to treating the “whole” patient.

Donna serves patients suffering from chronic cardiac disease who can fall into cycles of frequent readmission to the hospital.

She has a knack for getting to the “true” story of the obstacles that contribute to a patient’s illness and is proactive in helping her patients pursue insurance coverage, prescription assistance, and other community resources that will set the patient up for success.

Donna goes about her work quietly and with humility, never advertising her accomplishments or seeking recognition. She is all about the patient.

Donna is a strong, talented nurse who is keenly aware that patient-centered care yields results. Donna has worked at Cooper since 2005.

“Donna is one of the quiet heroes of the Care Coordination Department, consistently advocating for her patients and thinking outside the box to address her patients’ needs.”

– Kimberly Browne – Nominator


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Jamie SabettaRN, BSNStaff NursePavilion 7Orthopaedics/Neurology

The Barbara and Jack Tarditi Family Excellence in Nursing Mentorship Award

“I feel good knowing that my future co-workers once off orientation were precepted by Jamie because I know the patients will be taken

care of physically, emotionally and mentally.”

– Jennifer Nazarethian, RN – Nominator

Whenever a beginning nurse needs to learn about a new task, protocol or piece of equipment, the first person to turn to is Jamie Sabetta.

Jamie is a coach and a mentor, helping new nurses learn how to deliver high quality medical care with compassion. Jamie can be firm and tough, challenging her trainees to think critically, to go above and beyond, and offering constructive criticism along the way.

Jamie has a sensitive and caring bedside manner and is the number one advocate for her patients. She makes her patients’ days brighter.

Jamie always keeps her cool even in stressful situations. She is proactive in identifying patient issues and taking action to resolve patient concerns.

Since joining Cooper in 2010, Jamie has has been a leader in teaching innovative care for hip and knee replacement patients. Never too busy to discuss patient care, Jamie is an integral part of the Cooper team.


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Mary StaussRN, MSN, APN, CEN

Clinical Educator Emergency Department

and Clinical Decision Unit

The Lynn Nelson Memorial Award

of Excellence

As the clinical nurse educator for the Emergency Department, Mary Stauss serves as a teacher and mentor, training new and seasoned nurses on the “Cooper way” and guiding research to advance emergency medicine.

Her orientees and preceptors benefit from her years of nursing experience, training, education, patience and kindness.

Since joining Cooper in 2002, Mary developed a patient-focused orientation program for Emergency Department nurses that instills a strong sense of confidence and the ability to succeed in an intense environment.

Mary leads the collaborative nursing and physician research efforts. In the past two years, her work has been published twice in The Journal of Emergency Nursing.

No matter how busy she is, Mary is always available to the staff. Have a ques-tion about a new piece of equipment? Ask Mary. Need help with a new or rarely performed procedure? Ask Mary.

Mary’s expertise, professionalism and pride in providing the best patient care benefit the Emergency Department and all of Cooper.

“Mary is truly everything Lynn Nelson would want out of a nurse and educator – kind, caring, stern as needed, with great bedside

manner and clinical common sense.”

– Michael Chansky, MD, FACEP, FAAEM * Nominated by Lynne Duffy, RN, MA,CEN


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Mary ThomasRN-BCStaff Nurse Medical/Surgical/Oncology Unit

the Sue Zamitis and Rose Smith Memorial Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing

“Mary delivers holistic nursing care with the utmost levels of skill, professionalism and compassion.”

– Barbara J. Sproge, MSN RN OCN CHPN* Nominated by Virginia Girard, MSN, RN, CMSRN

Mary Thomas is a leader who always goes the extra mile.

Mary brings a compassionate approach to oncology care rooted in evidence-based practices. Patients and families know and trust that she will provide outstanding care with respect, kindness and empathy.

As a mentor and role model, Mary sets a high bar for new nurses and students. Her peers view her as a special nurse, one who provides kind touches for patients and families, and who willingly shares her expertise with her colleagues.

Mary has worked at Cooper since 2005 and is currently enrolled in the RN to BSN program at Rowan University, demonstrating her commitment to advancing her knowledge of nursing and healthcare issues.


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Jamie Sabetta comes from a family of nurses. Her mother is a nurse and her grandmother was a nurse, graduating from Cooper Nursing School many years ago. The care and compassion they provided to their patients inspired Jamie to follow in their footsteps.

Like her mother and grandmother were to her, Jamie is a role model and inspiration to new nurses, who look up to her for her clinical skill and her compassion.

Nurse of the Year

Jamie Sabetta RN, BSN


P R O O F

George E. Norcross, IIIChairmanBoard of Trustees

John P. Sheridan, Jr.President and CEOThe Cooper HealthSystem

Adrienne Kirby, PhDPresident and CEOCooper UniversityHealth Care

Philip A. Norcross, Esq.ChairmanBoard of TrusteesThe Cooper Foundation

Susan Bass LevinPresident and CEOThe Cooper Foundation


Documents

Nursing Excellence Awards Inaugural Red Carpet Receptions3images.coroflot.com/user_files/individual_files/225685... · 2014. 8. 20. · Inaugural Red Carpet Reception honoring our