Nurse of the Year Award
 The 1st Annual New Island "Nurse of the Year" Award ceremony took place on Wednesday, January 17, 2008. It was with great pleasure to recognize a very special New Island nurse indeed, Ms. Eileen Peterson, RN, Assistant Head Nurse of the PACU, as the recipient of this award. Eileen is compassionate and caring, always helpful, and when difficult emergencies arise, an invaluable asset. What distinguishes Eileen is her many years of dedication to nursing, New Island Hospital, and her sensitivity toward her patients. She is an outstanding nurse leader.
My sincerest congratulations to our most deserving four "runners-up". It is truly an honor to have been selected as a finalist in this inaugural contest; the ultimate decision was so close. Our appreciation and thanks goes to Nurse of the Year finalists Eileen Ahrens, Gladys Herrera, Jagdev Kaur, and Linda Wells. Well done! - and our special thanks and congratulations to all the other deserving candidates who were nominated.
The "Nurse of the Year" award is dedicated to my aunt, Berta Glatt, RN, of blessed memory, who passed away a year ago. She was the most dedicated nurse I ever had the pleasure of knowing, and she was proud of the nursing care she received while a patient at New Island.
Nurse of the Year Finalists:
Eileen Peterson: Eileen Peterson began her education at Mary Immaculate Hospital where she graduated in 1964. From there she moved on to continue her education at Fairleigh Dickinson University and Adelphi University. For 31 years of her 44-year career, Eileen has worked at New Island Hospital. Being a nurse requires the ability to act in a time of crisis, and Eileen demonstrated this ability in 1984 when she had to save her husband. For her heroism she received the CPR Rescuer of the Year. In 1993 Eileen became a certified Post-Anesthesia nurse and in the same year was promoted to AHN. The medical profession is always going through changes, and in 2005 Eileen helped pilot a study on the use of Tylenol in pediatric patients intraoperatively, which changed current practices.
Jagdev Kaur: In July, Jagdev will be an employee of New Island Hospital for 5 years as an RN on the Surgical Unit. She obtained her Associates degree in India and worked as a nurse there for 2 years. Currently she is working towards obtaining her BSN. Those who work with Jagdev are very aware of her willingness to put patients' needs first. She takes pride in her career and wants to make patients feel comfortable and ease their concerns whenever possible. She understands that being a patient in a hospital is very difficult for patients and their families and she tries her best to help them through this difficult time.
Linda Wells: When working as a nurse, flexibility is a big part of the job. A nurse that displays this flexibility with great ease is Linda Wells who, as a per diem, comes in to help out on off shifts and works in most areas of the hospitals. After graduating from Adelphi in 1984, Linda began working at NIH. Linda's long-term love for the hospital shows when she describes the highlight of her career being making so many long term friends. Linda's hard work and dedication continues long after she clocks out. Once while at a family function Linda had to think quickly when one of her family members needed help. Her quick thinking helped save that family member's life.
Eileen Aherns: Eileen became a RN in 1994 after receiving her Associates of Science degree at SUNY Farmingdale and in 2001 she obtained her CNOR certification. Her first job was in a specialty center where she had many diverse responsibilities. After 4 1/2 years she obtained a job in the OR and knew that she had found her home. Eileen considers herself lucky to work with such a great team of people. A trip to the OR is a very scary time for anyone and Eileen feels fortunate that she can assist the patients to feel less anxious. She finds that connecting with the patient and their family to be one of the most important aspects of her job. She is known for her positive outlook and great attitude and hopes that her attitude will inspire others. Being nominated for this award is Eileen's proudest achievement as an RN.
Gladys Herrera: Gladys Herrera has a Masters Degree from Hunter College, but her education level is not what makes her a great nurse. Gladys truly loves being a nurse. She is the most proud of her job when she makes a difference in someone's life. Whether she does it by relieving someone's pain, comforting a family member or just being there to listen. She has worked hard to excel at her job and held positions as an AHN nurse on the Surgery Unit and in SDU and found both positions to be challenging and rewarding.
Aaron E. Glatt, M.D.
President & CEO
Photo: Joan Ferrera RN, Nursing Director O.R., Rita Burgess, RN, AVP Nursing
Eileen Peterson, RN & Aaron E. Glatt, MD
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