 |
|
Mary Hempen, receives CNCC’s
1st RN Ambassador Award. |
Professional Nurses were celebrated nationwide May 5 –
12th, National Nurse Week. Healthcare organizations across
the state organized events to recognize the value and contribution
professional nurses make to patients and the welfare of their
communities every day.
The Coalition for Nursing Careers in California took the
opportunity to present its 1st Annual RN Ambassador Award.
Linda D. Gregory, CNCC Program Director presented the award
to Mary Hempen, RN at NorthBay Medical Center’s, Nurse
Week celebration held at the Vacaville Opera House.
The RN Ambassador Award is presented to a California Registered
Nurse who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professionalism,
stewardship, and awareness of issues affecting the nursing
community and commitment to outreach.
Mary Hempen established the first Nurse Academy program at
Vacaville High School. Throughout the year, Mary regularly
met with 10-15 students, arranging for speakers, activities
and working with school personnel to conduct and sustain the
program. Mary’s response to the call for RN Ambassadors
has resulted in her influencing 24 nurses to become RN Ambassadors
who facilitate Nurse Academy programs and conduct community
presentations throughout Solano County. Marcia Barnum, RN,
Director of Health Education and Co-Chair of the Nurse Academy
Program nominated Mary because, she says, “Mary is extremely
professional, responsible and passionate about her role in
educating our future workforce about the nursing profession.”
She adds, “Mary is a major reason why the NorthBay Healthcare
Nurse Academy Program has been so successful in such a short
period of time. Staff, students and school administrators
tell me that they are very impressed with the program and
how Mary has made the experience meaningful for students.”
When presenting the award, CNCC Program Director, Linda D
Gregory added, “when we have professional nurses, such
as, Mary Hempen, creating programs within the community whose
goal is to educate young people about careers in nursing,
as well as, encourage her peers and colleagues to become RN
Ambassadors, I am confident that we can build a well-educated,
diverse nurse workforce to meet the future healthcare needs
of Californians.”
For information about the RN Ambassador Program, visit www.CNCC.org.
Release Date: May 28, 2004
Back to top |
