Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) recently announced that Ridgefield resident, 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.
Today, during my weekly visit to RVNA patient, 94 year old Evelyn Wisner, I heard first-hand how wonderful a person and nurse Erin O'Rourke is. Upon my arrival, Evelyn proudly held up the RVNA newsletter which featured a photo of Ms. O'Rourke. "She visits me," Evelyn proudly proclaimed. "She's excellent - a thorough, conscientious and caring nurse," she added.
Evelyn, who was a Navy Flight Nurse during WWII, knows what it means to go over and beyond the call of duty. Evelyn was on of 12 nurses who helped evacuate wounded U.S. soldiers from Iwo Jima (read her heroic story here). "I wasn't surprised she was top," she said.
About the award:
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.