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• 3 MultiCare nurses honored with awards at NWONE spring banquet

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  MultiCare Health System’s nursing staff was well represented at the Northwest Organization of Nurse Executives (NWONE) Spring Medley banquet. Three MultiCare nurses received awards at the event.

  Marcia Johnson, RN, Vice President of Patient Care at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital, received the Authentic Leadership award.

  Jo Ellen Vanatta, RN, MSN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at MultiCare Health System, received the Recognition of a Distinguished Career award.

  Tracy Dunham, RN, from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital, received the Excellence in Health Care or Nursing Advocacy award.

  “The award recognition by NWONE of these three nursing leaders exemplifies the best of nursing leadership at every level of our organization,” said Kathy Smith, RN, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations.

  AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP: Marcia Johnson, RN
  

  The Authentic Leadership award, created in 2008, is awarded to a nurse leader of distinction who sets an inspiring example and who continually strives to improve quality patient care. Ms. Johnson was nominated for the award by John Long, who retired April 1 as President of MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital.

  “Marcia has a clear sense of her role in carrying out our mission of providing quality health care and is completely dedicated to assuring our mission is continuously lived out,” Mr. Long wrote in the nomination letter. “She is a servant leader, always putting the needs and desires of patients, families and staff ahead of her own.”

  DISTINGUISHED CAREER: Jo Ellen Vanatta, RN, MSN

  The Distinguished Career award honors a nurse leader who has given her time and talents to the profession through both her career choices and volunteer services while demonstrating a lifetime of professional excellence. Ms. Vanatta was nominated by Ms. Smith and Elise Fornadley, Vice President and Administrator at MultiCare Allenmore Hospital in Tacoma.

  “I nominated Jo Ellen because I could not think of anyone who deserved it more,” Ms. Fornadley said. “Jo Ellen is caring and compassionate to everyone she meets. She is an amazing team player, supporter and leader who is known to carry a purple and white pom-pom around and do rallying cheers at meetings to boost team spirit.”

  EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE OR NURSING ADVOCACY: Tracy Dunham, RN

  The Excellence in Health Care or Nursing Advocacy award was created this year to specifically recognize Ms. Dunham for her work in Olympia, testifying against the proposed rule governing nurses’ rest breaks and meals.

  “Her tremendous work is what inspired the NWONE board to create this award so she was the first recipient,” said Erika Wilczek, Manager of Development for NWONE.

  Chelene Whiteaker, Director of Advocacy and Policy for the Washington State Hospital Association, worked closely with Ms. Dunham during her work impacting nursing policies.

  “Tracy's energy, willingness to stand up for what is right, and commitment to making positive change is contagious,” Ms. Whiteaker said. “She is truly a great leader and very deserving of this Advocacy Award.”

  All three nurses received their award at the NWONE Spring Medley banquet on March 10.

  Posted on Apr 4, 2011 in