Katherine Long, RN Recognized with Nursing Excellence Award

Katherine Long, RN in Carteret Health Care’s Critical Care Unit was awarded the 2016 Clapsadl Award during the October Patient Care Conference. Named in honor of Mildred Clapsadl, RN, the award recognizes the impact and importance of nursing on patient care.

Ms. Long 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. Long and shared, “Katherine is a compassionate soul who handles any situation thrown at her with great composure. Her composure and leadership provides a sense of security and inspiration for her co-workers and patients.”

Ms. Jones continued “Not only is she an excellent provider of patient care, she is also a master in the art of nursing, easing the stress and worry of family members. Beyond working full-time hours, Katherine frequently volunteers for community or educational events. On days off she can be found helping other nurses with competencies or at community health fair doing blood pressure checks and medical screenings.”

A co-worker shared that Katherine is the best master preceptor she has encountered in 15 years. Another peer stated that Katherine takes extra time outside of her normal work schedule to coordinate training for new staff and help with education for all staff. Another peer shared that Katherine is an extraordinary nurse who she has had the honor and privilege of working alongside.

Additional co-workers noted that Ms. Long is dedicated to her teammates and looks for the positive in all situations. She used her own experiences to help guide change and improvement in the orientation process for nurses and CNAs at Carteret Health Care.
She goes above and beyond and routinely steps up to help with staffing needs.

Tonya Fluellen Director of Patient Experience, Critical and Progressive Care and Katherine’s Clinical director stated “Katherine lives up to the CHC motto of compassion runs deep. “Katherine has great concern and compassion for her patients, colleagues and other members of the CHC team. CHC is blessed to have her!”

As a recipient of the Clapsadl Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. Long will receive an expense paid trip to a national nursing convention of her choice, and $200 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.