New York City's public hospital system, NYC Health + Hospitals, recently celebrated the exceptional contributions of its nursing staff at its annual Nursing Excellence Awards ceremony. Thirty-five nurses, representing six hospitals across the five boroughs, were recognized for their unwavering commitment to patient care, leadership, and innovation within the city's vital healthcare network.
The awards, held earlier this week, highlighted nurses who have gone above and beyond in their roles, demonstrating clinical expertise, compassion, and a dedication to improving the health and well-being of New Yorkers. The honorees were selected from a pool of nominations submitted by their peers, supervisors, and patients, reflecting the significant impact they have made on the lives of those they serve.
"Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and their dedication and skill are truly remarkable," said Dr. Mitchell Katz, President and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, during the award ceremony. "These awards are a testament to their hard work, commitment, and the extraordinary care they provide to our patients every day. We are incredibly proud to have them as part of the NYC Health + Hospitals family."
The award recipients represented a diverse range of nursing specialties, including critical care, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Many honorees were recognized for their leadership in implementing new initiatives to improve patient outcomes, enhance safety protocols, and foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration within their units. Several nurses were also lauded for their compassionate care and unwavering support of patients and their families during challenging times.
Among the hospitals with nurses receiving awards were Bellevue, Coney Island, Jacobi, Lincoln, Metropolitan, and Woodhull. These hospitals serve diverse communities across the city, providing essential medical services to vulnerable populations. The recognition of nurses from these institutions underscores the commitment of NYC Health + Hospitals to delivering high-quality care to all New Yorkers, regardless of their background or ability to pay.
The awards ceremony also served as an opportunity to highlight the critical role that nurses play in addressing the city's most pressing health challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses have been on the front lines of the pandemic since its onset, working tirelessly to care for patients, administer vaccines, and educate the public about preventative measures. Their dedication and resilience have been instrumental in helping the city navigate this unprecedented crisis.
"The past few years have been incredibly challenging for healthcare professionals, and our nurses have risen to the occasion with unwavering courage and compassion," said Nancy Hagans, RN, President of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), who attended the ceremony. "These awards are a well-deserved recognition of their sacrifices and their commitment to providing the best possible care to their patients."
The NYC Health + Hospitals system is the largest public healthcare system in the United States, serving over one million New Yorkers annually. It comprises eleven hospitals, numerous community health centers, and a network of post-acute care facilities. The system is committed to providing equitable, high-quality healthcare to all New Yorkers, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. The recognition of these 35 nurses reaffirms this commitment and celebrates the invaluable contributions of the nursing profession to the health and well-being of the city.
The honored nurses will continue their work at their respective hospitals, serving as role models for their colleagues and inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals. Their dedication and commitment to excellence exemplify the values of NYC Health + Hospitals and serve as a reminder of the critical role that nurses play in safeguarding the health of our communities.
