Join us in recognition of GPC Members

2011 Nurse of the Year - Cindy Perez 

On May 11, 2011, Cindy Perez was honored as the Greater Portland Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses “Nurse of the Year”.  Cindy exceeded the nomination criteria in all categories. She has provided leadership and guidance in achieving outstanding clinical outcomes related to the prevention of healthcare aquired infections, fall and pressure ulcer prevention.  Also won a hospital service excellance award. She mentors others in achieving excellence, demonstrates professional practice by clinical inquiry, conducting an IRB approved study to determine if mock codes improve team performance, and presenting posters at AACN's National Teaching Institute. Cindy supports AACNs key initiatives by leading her unit to achieving 2 Beacon awards, promoting Healthy Work Environment standards and being an active member of the GPC board for four years.

The GPC Nurse of the year is recognized for clinical excellence which results in exceptional patient outcomes, their ability to influences and mentoring others in achieving excellence, demonstration of professional practice by clinical inquiry or leadership and their efforts to further AACN’s mission and key initiatives.

Amy Deopken stands out as a staff nurse who uses her bold voice to make significant changes for their patients and in her work environment.  Amy has had the courage to take on two projects in our ICU which have resulted in increased nursing staff competency and confidence, alleviated moral distress and improved the care of the patients at end of life. 

 Amy recognized that despite a comprehensive internship and orientation program, our new graduate nurses needed continued support to develop.  Amy established and lead a unit Mentorship Program that supports the new critical care nurse to develop their critical thinking skills, learn skilled communication, true collaboration and grow professionally.  This program has been instrumental in supporting our new critical care nurses, as well as those more experienced nurses who are struggling, to develop in a safe and supported environment.

Amy’s other passion is to assure that our entire team has the skills and emotional support needed to provide outstanding care to our patients at end of life.  Amy worked with our Intensivist and Palliative Care Team to established an intradisciplinary debriefing seminar.  During the monthly Debriefing Seminar the intradisciplinary team discusses our experiences with the ICU patients that have died in the last month.  Amy, an ICU staff nurse, facilitates the discussion which focuses on identified challenges with communication, goal setting, team collaboration, ethical dilemmas or clinical care issues.  Amy is able to engage all group members in the discussion of their experiences, and feelings.  This reflection on our practice, assists nurses, physicians, and other team members to develop a supportive culture.  We have found that this discussion also serves to improve communication during difficult times and enhances the emotional health of our intradisciplinary team, resulting in better care for the patients at end of life. 

Consider nominating a collegue next year for the 2012 GPC Nurse of the Year