Please join us in applauding this distinguished group of award winners recognized by their nursing colleagues for their excellence and dedication to nursing at UConn Health.
Brian Bullard, RRT, RN, APRN, CRNA, Department of Anesthesiology, CRNA
From his nomination: “Brian led the committee for integration of the Pyxis pharmacy system in our department. He spent months and many hours helping to ensure this very new technology was integrated smoothly and effectively. He had to work with many departments, in order to make this a success. He had to develop, from scratch, new anesthesia cart configurations. This required taking into consideration the needs of every type of procedure performed at UCHC in all the various areas of the hospital and ambulatory surgery center. This was a huge undertaking! He did such a fantastic job and every anesthesia provider practicing at UCHC enjoys the ease, efficiency and increased safety that the Pyxis system provides. This system has improved the working environment for our staff, increased safety for the patients we serve and improved revenue capture for pharmacy. Brian continues to serve as the main resource person for the Pyxis system, working tirelessly with pharmacy and anesthesiology to keep the system running smoothly and effectively.”
Kara Dazkevich, BS, RN, Intensive Care Unit, CNII
From her nomination: “Kara is an outstanding nurse, passionate patient advocate, role model and leader for her colleagues. Her knowledge, inquisitiveness, excellence of care is consistent and unrelenting. Her insight into the clinical situation dovetails remarkably with the team and often predicts decisions by several steps. We have worked with many excellent nurses, we honestly suspect she is one of the best. She is the most desired preceptor for nursing students and for new nursing staff. She is kind, empathetic, very knowledgeable and always willing to share herself with others. She takes her time with explanations, patience and empathy to make sure all her students have the best experience in the ICU.”
Jennifer Kozikowski (Zelek), RN, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, CNII
From her nomination: “There was a complex patient seen in radiation oncology with multiple co-morbidities and a complicated psychosocial situation. The patient was becoming increasingly agitated as the provider discussed her current health situation and options for treatment. The patient was anxious and started to become verbally aggressive. Jen used therapeutic communication to de-escalate the patient and provided a calming presence. Jen contacted members of the patient’s care team to keep all parties informed about the potential for a patient behavioral disturbance incident. She mediated the situation and was able reach a positive outcome for the patient. She collaborated with social work, the office of patient experience, her management team and the provider. Jen allow the patient to voice her frustrations in an acceptable manner and worked with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate a plan of care going forward. Jen always has a calming presence in any high stress situation. Jen’s ability to connect with patients to help them through any challenging situation is what makes her stand out. The patient left radiation oncology with a smile on her face and hug Jen prior to leaving, thanking her for all her aid and advocacy during the stressful visit.”
Genice Nelson, APRN, DNP, New England Sickle Cell Institute, Program Director
From her nomination: “Genice is a total star and we at UConn Health are undeniably so fortunate to have her as part of our nursing leadership. In her short tenure as nursing director, she has single-handedly improved the quality of care delivered to our highly vulnerable patient population—one that is fraught not only with significant morbidity and mortality, but also substantial psychosocial stressors that adversely impact their ability to self-manage. Genice uniquely understands all these critical aspects of our patients’ lives and develops and implements nursing- and provider-driven approaches that are consistent with a focus on the whole patient and not just the particular clinical picture at hand. She deeply understands that a multi-disciplinary approach that involves nursing, providers, social workers and community support systems are instrumental in providing optimal care. To that end, she has also developed and nurtured critical relationships with key stakeholders necessary to manage all of the patients’ concerns with a goal toward improving both patient and provider/nursing satisfaction.”
Nanette Pink, BSN, Orthopedics/Surgery Unit, Assistant Nurse Manager, CNIII
From her nomination: “Nanette has made a significant impact on the patients and staff on UT5 as well as the Nursing profession. She comes to work with a smile and great attitude every day. I am personally happier when I see Nannette is on shift. Her energy, professionalism and positive outlook are contagious She is the exemplar of modern nursing in action. The application of the “art of Nursing” is evident in her interactions with staff, patients and families and faculty. She quickly and accurately and efficiently assesses her patients while utilizing her fund of knowledge as a surgical nurse and formulates a plan of care with her patients. She is able to navigate and finesse the healthcare system and patients to complete plans while delivering excellent consistent care to her patients during her shift. She is able to be genuinely present and engages her patients in being partners for the day. She educates, manages and sets expectations with her patients utilizing her expertise all the while making it appear easy to an observer. When there is a new initiative or new technologies available to improve patient care, she wholeheartedly embraces each change/ challenge and is a cheerleader for such initiative. When she accepts and works through challenges and change, she is an excellent role model for staff and patients. Nanette frequently receives positive comments from both physicians and patients.”
Annette Wright, BSN RN, Cardiology Unit, CNIII
From her nomination: “Annette is one of the most intelligent, skilled nurses I have had the privilege worked with. She strives on a daily basis to provide excellent care and service to all patients. Annette is hardworking and enthusiastic. She comes to work every day with a positive “can do” attitude. Working in two departments, she has demonstrated versatility. Annette is extremely motivated, energetic, always eager to take on additional and new responsibilities, and does so graciously. Her data is concise, detailed and thorough. Many days Annette works in both Pulmonary and Cardiology departments giving 100% to each department. Frequently during the day when Annette is working in Cardiology, she calls or sends a quick email to offer assistance to the Pulmonary Office, going above and beyond of what is required. Being a team player, always the first to offer assistance to patients, participates in procedures and help during emergencies. “No” is not in Annette’s vocabulary!”
Honorable Mentions: The true meaning of lifetime learning and continuous improvement encouraged by working with professionals within an Academic medical facility.
11+ Nurses have Published articles for publications or Presentations for national conferences
15+ Nurses have graduated with an advanced degree ranging from BSN-DNP
8+ Nurses have earned Professional Certifications
13 Nurses achieved clinical advancement of CNIII
