BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Health Care's (SVHC) nursing leaders have chosen four nurses whose work represents each of the four qualities of a Magnet Center for Nursing Excellence, including transformational leadership, innovation, structural empowerment, and exemplary professional practice.

 

"The nurses we are honoring are noted standard bearers within the organization,” said Pamela Duchene, APRN, PhD. "We are grateful for their extraordinary work, which together in cooperation with nurse and physician colleagues, makes SVHC the health system it is."

 

Laurie Darby, RN, BSN, SANE, CEN, was honored for her commitment to transformational leadership. Darby is the assistant nursing director for the Emergency Department (ED) and ExpressCare. She holds an associate's degree in nursing from Southern Vermont College and a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University. Darby was nominated for her ability to serve as a trusted leader while also working to grow the capacities of those working around her.

 

Adrienne Gigliotti, BSN, RN, CCRN, who works in the Intensive Care Unit, was given the award for innovation and new knowledge. Gigliotti has been a nurse for 18 years, the last 10 at SVMC. She received her associate's degree from Vermont Tech and her bachelor's from the State University of New York, Delhi. In addition, she works as a clinical instructor for VTC. Gigliotti was nominated for her constant drive to improve care through evidence-based methods. In addition, she exemplifies her commitments to collaboration, outcomes, the community, and work-life balance throughout each of her interactions.

 

Jennifer Harrington, BSN, RN, of Transitional Care, was honored for structural empowerment. Harrington received her LPN at Putnam Memorial School of Nursing in Bennington, VT, and her RN and bachelor's in nursing degrees from Southern Vermont College. She has been a nurse for more than 30 years. Harrington works with patients, families, physicians, case managers, and community agencies to strengthen the relationships her patients need to succeed. She is known for engaging others in ways that result in the creation of collaborative and high-performing teams.

 

Harrington was shocked to have been chosen for the honor. 

 

She noted, "I am humbled. I work with other nurses who are as deserving as I am." She continued, "I feel really lucky to work for a hospital that has such a unique and progressive program like Transitional Care. For a small hospital like ours, it is quite remarkable."

 

The work of Jaime Wiley, BSN, RN, CMSRN, in Telemetry/Medical-Surgical Nursing, was noted for exemplary professional practice. She received both her associate's and her bachelor's in nursing from Southern Vermont College. She is noted for her ability to translate clinical information into clear language for patients and families while also working to educate visiting students and colleagues. She is known for developing systems that yield the highest quality outcomes for patients.

 

"It's such an honor to receive this Magnet award, especially at this hospital," Wiley said. "This hospital has served my family, from the death of my beloved grandpa to the birth of my children. It is humbling and rewarding that I can be involved in the lives of my community members and to care for their families with the same love and attention that my family has received."