The WAMMC Scholarship Committee awarded eight Morristown Medical Center employees a total of $20,000 in scholarships in the calendar year 2013-2014. The Scholarship Committee was very impressed by this group of candidates. Each candidate received a high performance rating from their supervisor and outstanding recommendations from their colleagues. They continuously strove to enhance their skills and were dynamically engaged in both the workplace and the community.
Rebecca Barrett (not pictured), a 13 year employee of MMC has worked for 11.5 years as an RN on Gagnon 3 caring for pre- operative and post- operative open heart surgery patients. She holds a PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) credential and holds ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) and BLS (basic life support) certifications. She is pursuing a BSN degree at Drexel University. Her supervisor acknowledges Becky’s people skills are one of her strong points. The Press Ganey survey reflects her diligence in achieving patient and family satisfaction. Christina Barter (first on left in picture), a 9 year employee began her career at MMC in the ICU as a unit representative while attending nursing school. Her hard work and dedication resulted in her promotion to the position of Clinical Coordinator of the Surgical and Medical ICU. Christina chairs the ICU/MICU Shared Governance committee and has been an active member of the GRNC/Niche committee at MMC handling treatment of its geriatric community members. She was a 2013 scholar recipient and continues to pursue a RN-MSN degree in Nursing Management from Walden University. Her supervisor states “I believe Christina epitomizes the future of our profession.” Franklin Cresencia (second from right in picture) worked at MMC for 16 years and is currently a bedside nurse in a combined SICU dealing with neurological, medical, surgical and trauma patients. He is a Critically Care Registered Nurse and holds additional certifications in BLS (basic life support) and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support). His supervisor describes Franklin as a committed, emphatic and extremely skilled nurse. He serves as a mentor, leader and preceptor for newer staff members. He has received multiple PRIDE and ACE awards based on consistently high patient satisfaction survey results over the last 15 years. Franklin is enrolled at The College of St Elizabeth to finish his BSN degree. Danielle Grabinski (second from left in picutre) worked as a staff nurse for 7 years at the Goryeb Pediatric Inpatient Department and in 2012 accepted the position as Clinical Coordinator of the Valerie Center. She is a Pediatric Board Certified Nurse. Danielle has been a member of the Professional Development Council for Shared Governance for 3 years and served as chair of the committee. She recently started the BSN task force at MMC to address the Magnet standard which requires a BSN degree for at least 80% of the hospital’s bedside nurses. She was a 2013 scholar recipient and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. Danielle’s supervisor states “she is a dynamic, self-motivated young professional whose commitment to her patients and her staff is unparalleled." Simply put, she is the future of MMC. She plans to complete her degree, a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Management from Walden University. Wendy Jean (first from right in picture), a two-year employee is currently an Emergency Department Patient Care Technician (Amber Zone). She is EMT-B and CPR certified. She has received several PRIDE awards from her peers and supervisors. She is planning to complete her BSN degree at Seton Hall University. Her supervisor states “Wendy is one who strives for excellence and provides superior care in concert with her high ethical standards. She handles the difficulties of her surroundings with great strength and determination." Patricia Primmer (unpictured), a five-year employee of MMC is a Nurse Manager in Jefferson 3 MSDU and Jefferson 4. She has obtained certifications in Medical Surgical Nursing and Geriatric Nursing. She is obtaining a BSN degree at the College of St Elizabeth. Patricia states “I am a firm believer that I cannot ask the staff to do something I am not willing to do myself. MMC is a magnet designated facility and expects all nurses to hold BSN degrees”. Trish O’Keefe acknowledges Patty is pursuing this degree as a testament of her commitment to the Magnet journey and to show her ongoing commitment and support to her nursing department. Patty sits on numerous committees in the hospital. She is passionate about “The Patient Experience” and continually looks for ways to improve her patient outcomes. Rachel Salem Stark (unpictured), an MMC employee for 8 years has been a bedside nurse in the SICU for the past 7 years. She attained her certification as a Critical Care Nurse. She served as an ICU preceptor and on the ICU Quality Improvement Council. Rachel received the 2012 Passion In Action award and was a nominee for the 2013 ICU Nurse of the Year award. Her supervisor describes her as a “passionate nurse committed to her patients, her unit and to the organization." She is presently pursuing a Master’s degree in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner at Rutgers University. Kelly Wight (unpictured), has worked for 5 years as a Pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care nurse. During the last 4 years she has also served as a nurse educator for the Pediatric In-Patient unit, PICU, Arresty Day hospital and the Pediatric Infusion center. She received her board certification in Pediatrics in 2012 and her chemotherapy/biotherapy provider certification in 2013. She is a member of the Professional Development Council and the Pediatric Department Chair for her unit’s Shared Governance. Kelly was the recipient of multiple PRIDE awards for the year 2013 for being a team player and providing superior patient and family centered care. Her supervisor acknowledges Kelly’s work ethic is one that translates to a “person who can hit the ground running and bring others along with her, inspiring all who come into contact with her." She is enrolled at Walden University and is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner. The Committee thanks all candidates who submitted an application, and is very appreciative of the time and effort put in by the supervisors and colleagues on behalf of the candidates. The WAMMC Scholarship Program is funded entirely by donations. Contributions may be made online or by including a donation with your dues. If you have any questions please email wammcscholar@gmail.com.