March 19, 2004

Nursing award recognizes excellence in teaching

Thanks to the vision and generosity of a local businessman, community leader and philanthropist, the first annual Norman Knight Preceptor of Distinction Award was presented Feb.12 to Jennifer Albert, RN, who is a staff nurse in the Ellison 4 Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU).

The award is named for Norman Knight, who enjoyed a successful career in the broadcasting field before becoming a philanthropist. He approached the hospital with an interest in supporting MGH nurses, and the idea grew into the creation of an award that recognizes nursing preceptors — nurses who teach new nurses through practical experience. The Norman Knight Preceptor of Distinction Award was designed to recognize clinical staff nurses who consistently demonstrate excellence in educating, precepting, mentoring and coaching other nurses. The award will be granted annually.

Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vide president for Patient Care Services and Chief Nurse, left, presents the award to Albert.

The other nominees for the award included Lisa Bouvier, RN; Lynda Brandt, RN; Ann Eastman, RN; Marites Escano, RN; Kelley Grealish, RN; Gayle Peterson, RN; Christine Swanson, RN; Katherine Swigar, RN; and Lisa Townsend, RN.

In a letter of support, Albert's nurse manager, Susan Tully, RN, wrote, "Jenn brings to the bedside a wealth of knowledge, a tireless spirit of inquiry and an ability to ensure that the appropriate thing is done for patients and their families. She is able to contextualize her vast experience in a way that is meaningful to new nurses.