RVNA Nurse Is National "Outstanding Clinician of Year"

RVNA Nurse Receives Top National Award for Excellence

O’Rourke named national “Outstanding Clinician of the Year” by Visiting Nurse Association of America

Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) is pleased to announce that Erin O’Rourke, BSN, RN, has been chosen as “Outstanding Clinician of the Year” by the Visiting Nurse Association of America (VNAA).  O’Rourke has been a home care nurse with RVNA for six years.  She is a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and she cares for patients in Ridgefield, Wilton and surrounding towns.

The Outstanding Clinician of the Year Award honors a non-profit home healthcare or hospice clinician working in a non-supervisory position (e.g. nurse, therapist, home health aide, social worker, complimentary therapist, pastoral care) whose achievements and contributions have enriched the individual’s agency, the lives of his/her patients, and the image of the profession.  The winner must demonstrate an awareness of the total person in clinical interventions – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and make significant improvements in patients’ clinical outcomes, among other attributes.                 According to Eileen Grande, Director of External Affairs-VNAA, “This year’s nominees were outstanding and the (selection) committee faced a difficult challenge of selecting one individual from a pool of such highly deserving nominees.  After much consideration, the committee was pleased to select Erin, as she exemplifies all the qualities this award honors.  Erin’s selection is recognition of the valuable service she provides Ridgefield VNA and the community.”

Theresa Santoro, RVNA President and CEO said, “It was a pleasure to nominate Erin for this award.  She is a great clinician, a person who will take on challenges, further her nursing education and attend to the total person to improve the outcome. She embodies all the best characteristics of a visiting nurse and is a true asset to RVNA and the entire community.”

 “I am delighted that Erin is receiving this national recognition.  Her work here at RVNA is just exceptional.  She is also in the process of becoming certified in diabetes care to be able to offer more advanced nursing services to patients with this chronic disease,” said Natalie Farrar, RVNA Vice President of Clinical Operations.

“Erin’s care for her patients is exceptional, and they sing her praises in return,” said Amy Tagg, RVNA Clinical Manager and O’Rourke’s supervisor.  “We had one patient who refused to be discharged from the hospital until he knew Erin was going to be his visiting nurse when he returned home.  And on a day when RVNA had to close due to a blizzard, Erin visited her patients.  From the way she volunteers annually at the RVNA Health & Wellness Fair to the day she stopped a senior citizen from being scammed, she gives back to the community.”

O’Rourke will receive The Outstanding Clinician of the Year Award at the Visiting Nurse Association of America’s annual meeting on April 22, 2015 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

To Contact RVNA

Call RVNA at 203-438-5555. Visit RVNA at www.ridgefieldvna.org.

About RVNA

Founded in 1914, RVNA provides home health care services, supports public health and safety, and promotes the highest quality of life in Western Connecticut 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services include home health care, senior care solutions, disease management, an “aging-in-place” program, a travel health specialist, immunization and vaccination clinics, as well as educational and wellness programs.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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