June 7, 2002

A most valuable asset to patient care

Nursing Spectrum honored one of the MGH's own last month when it named Maryfran Hughes, RN, MSN, nurse manager of the Emergency Department, as Nursing Spectrum's New England Nurse of the Year. Nursing Spectrum is a nurse-led communications company that publishes a biweekly magazine and website that celebrates the nursing profession.

Theresa Gallivan, RN, associate chief nurse, nominated Hughes, who has been a key contributor to the hospital's nursing leadership since 1977 and also chairs the disaster subcommittee of the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals. In her nomination letter, Gallivan wrote, "Maryfran is a thoughtful, dedicated and highly credible leader who views the nurse as the most valuable asset to patient care."

Along with fellow award finalist Virginia Capasso, RN, PhD, Hughes was honored May 13 at a gala event at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. She then had the chance to celebrate with colleagues at a luncheon May 29 in the Trustees Room.

Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse, said of Hughes, "During and after the events of September 11th, I drew comfort in knowing we had Maryfran's wisdom and expertise upon which to draw as we made decisions as an organization about our emergency preparedness program. It is an honor and a privilege to call Maryfran my colleague."