Carol Bryant, RN, FIN, Intermediate Nursery
Nominated by Stefanie Giddens, FIN, Intermediate Nursery
Carol is an excellent mentor. Under her careful guidance, nursing students have positive learning experiences. She is also an inspiration to young mothers and first-time moms, putting them at ease with her warm smile and easy-going disposition. Carol is responsible for contributing to the high morale in the unit and readily volunteers to help her colleagues in any way she can. She is a dedicated and respected employee who always displays professionalism and a positive outlook on life.

George Daniel, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by a patient’s family member
George was a long-time EMS worker who advanced his career by attending nursing school. Upon graduation, he chose to work the night shift in our hospital’s Emergency Department. Co-workers, supervisors and patients agree he is a diligent and dedicated worker with a very pleasant and helpful disposition. Recently, a patient praised George for his great compassion and care to patients, even those that were not assigned to him. George possesses a quiet dignity and his gentle spirit has been known to calm those in his presence

Gemma Dario, RN, H-Blue
Nominated by an employee who was also a patient on H-Blue
Gemma, a night nurse on H-Blue, was recently acknowledged by a patient for providing superlative customer service. The patient reported that “there was nothing that I needed that Gemma didn’t quickly get for me, including ice water. It may sound like a small request, but at the time, it meant a lot to me. She even answered the call bell every time I rang it and she did so quickly. I felt like she was my private nurse.” It seems that whatever the request was, big or small, Gemma responded immediately. As a result, the patient felt “blessed” to have Gemma as her nurse.

Carrol Elscoe, RN, Evelyn Inocencio, RN, Jean Manning, RN, and
Isabel Regala, RN,Clara Memba, RN, FIN, Intermediate Nursery
Nominated by Stefanie Giddens, FIN, Intermediate Nursery
These special ladies have demonstrated outstanding teamwork under extremely stressful circumstances. When challenging situations arise in the unit, they consistently remain clam, pleasant, professional and uncomplaining. These characteristics are vital in the nursing profession, especially when caring for mild to moderately sick infants. Even parents are relieved and calmer when these nurses are on duty. Our most sincere appreciation is extended to this very special group!

Gwendolyn McKnight, RN, Urology Clinic
Nominated by Carolyn Thomas, Ambulatory Services
Gwendolyn is a highly committed professional who consistently provides quality patient care. A nurse in the Urology Clinic, she recently hosted the SAVE cancer prostate screening, a program which offers free cancer screenings to New Jersey residents who lack medical insurance. Thanks to Gwen’s ability to educate the public and her warm, welcoming manner, a record high number of patients were drawn to the event and received screenings. She is an integral part of a very important team!

Peter Ndumele, PCC, Department of Nursing
Nominated by a patient’s family member
Peter is a highly professional and conscientious person. Recently, he received high praise for the extraordinary care he provided to a patient in the Emergency Department. The patient’s aunt said that Peter was very caring and willing to give endless time and attention to her loved one. He even arranged to have oxygen delivered to the patient’s home. Thank you Peter, for your kindness and meticulous attention to patient care!

Dennis O’Keefe Emergency Medical Services
Nominated by Rich DelDonna, Emergency Medical Services
Last August, when an Orange police detective was shot, Dennis responded to the ED Trauma area to help in whatever way he could. Since he knew that very soon a large number of fellow Orange Police Officers would be gathering in the ED, he asked the UMDNJ Police to assist and help take control of the situation, reminding them to do so with the utmost of respect and sensitivity. The officers responded accordingly. In addition to helping calm and organize the confusion in the ED, Dennis was instrumental in creating a “cop to cop” counseling program to help police officers and family members deal with the tragic loss of the slain officer.

Teresa Sanders, RN, Occupational Medicine
Nominated by Barbara Ann Whitmore, former employee, Occupational Medicine
For over 30 years, Teresa has been committed to providing top-notch patient care. Working in various areas throughout The University Hospital and the New Jersey Medical School, she is someone who regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty. Most recently, stationed in Occupational Health, Teresa provides an abundance of tender loving care to her patients and is affectionately know as the real “Florence Nightingale”.

Brenda Turner, Emergency Medical Services
Nominated by Anthony Tremarco, Emergency Medical Services
When Brenda and her partner responded to a call, they realized they were on the verge of handling a very delicate and sensitive situation. The call involved a young girl who suddenly, could not respond to verbal communication. It turned out that she was in this state because she and her three siblings just learned that their mother had died. Brenda immediately jumped in and provided bereavement counseling to the young girl. She was able to personally relate to her pain due to the recent loss of her own mother. The patient and family immediately connected with Brenda and through talking, was successful in helping the girl to speak again. The family was extremely comforted by Brenda and was profusely thankful for her help and compassion.
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