Nursing at CAMH: our focus, our voices, our successes

Fourth Annual Award ceremony rich with tributes

The past year at CAMH has seen the introduction of new technology, piloting tools and new approaches to care across the programs and in particular, in preparation for the Alternate Milieu units that recently opened in the new buildings of Phase 1A of the redevelopment. Rising to the occasion each time have been CAMH’s dedicated and skilled nurses.

Excellence in Nursing Practice award recipient Patricia Duntin often sings calypso songs to clients and staff. At the Nursing Recognition Awards, Patricia treated the audience to a stirring song simply called, ‘Thanks’.

At the May 14th Nursing Recognition Awards held during Nursing Week 2008, staff gathered to celebrate nurses who garnered nominations and awards from their colleagues in four excellence categories – Nursing Practice, Client and Staff Safety, Nursing Informatics, and Practice Leadership.

Judith Tompkins, Executive Vice President Clinical Programs and Chief of Nursing Practice and Professional Services, listed the participation of 18 nurses in the Late Career Initiatives as an example of the knowledge and commitment that exists within the nursing community and also applauded the renewed focus on metabolic monitoring and congratulated all nurses taking lead roles in developing the ‘infection control break out box’ and on readying CAMH for accreditation.

Members of the Schizophrenia Program (seen here with CAMH President and CEO Dr. Paul Garfinkel, second from left, and Judith Tompkins, far right) accept their Award for Excellence in Nursing Education for “Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest," one of the many tools in their anti-stigma toolbox. The educational workshop invites members of the community to rethink commonly held beliefs about mental illness.

“I want to thank you for your efforts each and everyday. Whether delivering direct client care, in management roles, teaching, partnering with the community, or participating in research, nursing brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to CAMH and those we serve,” Judith said.

Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and recipients!

Excellence in Nursing Practice

• Rosa Williams-Lee, RN

• Anne Marie Haynes, RN

• Yvonne Williams, RN

• Patricia Duntin, RN

Excellence in Client and Staff Safety

• Savitri Feldano, RN

• Pat Kern, RN

• Cesar Perez, RPN

• Filomena Benia, RPN

• Team: Acute Care Unit and General Psychiatry Unit (ACU/GPU)

Members of the ACU/GPU accepted the team award for Excellence in Client and Staff Safety for creating a healthy work environment in a very acute and rapidly changing setting for clients and staff.

Excellence in Clinical Informatics

• Patrick Ferrigan, RPN

• Nazrin Baksh, RPN

Excellence in Nursing Education

Staff and Community Education

• Sam Lau, RN

• Beyond the Cuckoo’s Nest Team

Student Education

• Dianne Semple-Patille, RN

• Larry Mosiondz, RN

Excellence in Practice Leadership (as chosen by Judith Tompkins, Chief of Nursing and Rani Srivistava, Deputy Chief of Nursing)

• Veronica Baker McLeod, RN

• Liz Budd, RN

Special recognition was also given to the nursing staff of the Medical Unit in Addictions and the Alternative Milieu Mood and Anxiety Unit.