Karen Gurney Named 2015 Clapsadl Award Recipient

Karen Gurney, RN in Carteret Health Care’s Surgical Services Department was awarded the 2015 Clapsadl Award. Named in honor of Mildred Clapsadl, RN,the award recognizes the impact and importance of nursing on patient care.

Ms. Gurney was one of many nominated from over 300 nurses, RNs and LPNs at Carteret Health Care.

Cindy Jones, VP of Patient Care Services presented the award to Ms. Gurney and shared, “Her inspirational spirit motivates and encourages everyone to achieve more. She always offers to help co-workers. Karen’s peers and surgeons see her as a patient advocate focused on comforting and calming patients and families.”

Ms. Jones continued “Co-workers shared that Karen always ensures her patient is the top priority in the OR. She does an exceptional job educating families and patients before, during and after a procedure. She always assists others with a positive, contagious attitude and work ethic.”

Additional co-workers noted that Ms. Gurney is dedicated to her teammates and the hospital. She makes sure new staff feel welcome and routinely helps others feel confident during procedures. She goes above and beyond and routinely steps up to help with staffing needs.

As a recipient of the Clapsadl Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. Gurney will receive an expense paid trip to a national nursing convention of her choice, her name will be submitted to the North Carolina Nursing 100, and $500 cash. She will also be challenged to continue to display excellence in nursing, act as a role model for nursing at Carteret Health Care, and serve on the Recognition Committee for one year.

Carteret Health Care recognizes nursing excellence twice per year in the fall/winter for the Clapsadl Award and in May for the Georgia Lewis Award. The Clapsadl & Lewis Nursing Excellence Awards are open to all clinical RNs and LPNs at Carteret Health Care who have a minimum of three consecutive years of employment and a minimum of 1000 hours worked each of these years.

Nominations for Excellence Awards may be submitted by letter to Hospital Administration describing how the individual demonstrates excellence in nursing or professionalism and are due 30 days prior to the announced presentation date.