Cook Children's Celebrates Exceptional Nurses with Great 10 Ceremony
In honor of Nurses Week, Cook Children's nurses were recognized in the Great 10 Ceremony. More than 70 of our nurses were nominated for this award, with 10 earning top honors. Please read short excerpts from the nominations of the 10 winners.
Congratulations to the honorees:
Aly Anthony MSN, RN, CPN
“Our patients are so lucky to have her as their team nurse. She always goes above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. One of the small, but effective, ways she does this is by making sure she has sticker sheets that reflect something the child likes at each visit. I am so thankful she is a part of my team.”
Katie Carpenter MSN, RN
“This nominees leadership style is primarily one of leading by example. To that end, she serves as a role model to other nurses by having a positive outlook in even the most difficult circumstances and by treating all members of staff and patients/families with respect and kindness.”
Alyssa Dilbeck RN, BSN
“Anyone who follows behind her knows she does her work thoroughly and to the best of her ability, always putting the patient's safety at the top of her agenda. She is certainly an asset to her unit, adding knowledge and experience to her unit team. When you talk to this nurse, you can tell she loves her job and has followed her calling.”
Tara Drake, MSN, RN
“The strides that this nurse has made for her patients and their community is inspiring and has advanced access to life-saving treatments for medically complex conditions. She has rallied a team of passionate providers together and reduced barriers in their delivery of care, through her expert leadership skills. Most importantly, this nurse has shared hope, compassion, and love for her role all along the way and we are so grateful to work alongside her.”
Stacey Henley, MSN, RN, CP-SANE, SANE-P
“What I respect the most about this experienced nurse is her commitment to continuous learning and development of others. She stays current with technology, research, and treatments, and she shares this knowledge through mentorship of junior colleagues, including early career physicians like me. She takes time to support, challenge, and encourage the next generation of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of the care they provide.”
Natalie Palau, MSN, RN
“They prioritize creating tools and processes that ensure families feel respected, understood, and supported during their healthcare experiences. This nurse’s interdisciplinary approach to care reflects their commitment to delivering holistic, family-centered care for children with complex medical needs. By fostering a culture of compassion within the healthcare setting, they promote inclusivity, understanding, and trust, enhancing both patient and family satisfaction.”
Valerie Shorten, BSN, RN
“This nurse exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving pediatric care. Their journey is an inspiring testament to their perseverance and passion for nursing. As a bedside NICU nurse, this nurse delivers exceptional care while continually advancing their knowledge and practice.”
Kaitlin Smith, MSN, RN
“She goes to extreme lengths to find care and surveillance for parents who have no insurance but need cancer screenings. She is always eager to learn about the types of resources to benefit her families.”
Blair Sweeney, BSN, RN, CPN, CPHON
“When I think of a compassionate caregiver, this nurse is at the top of the list. She is someone that meets our patients and families right where they are, every single time. She has a way of facilitating conversations with our patients and families where they feel seen, heard, and cared for on some of the most challenging days of their lives.”
Christina Tan, BSN, RN
“This nurse exemplifies what it means to be a role model, blending advanced knowledge, boundless energy, and an unwavering commitment to improving pediatric nursing care. As a bedside nurse working with pediatric patients on an inpatient psychiatric health unit, they consistently demonstrate excellence in patient care and innovation in evidence-based practice.”
Daisy Nurse Leader Award: Seraphie Hammond – 4P/EMU
Happy Nurses Week! See our photos from the ceremony below.
We are proud of each and every one of our nurses for being a shining example of how we work to fulfill our Promise every day.