Nicklaus Children's Hospital Pediatric Nursing Awards & Recognition

Driving Quality and Transformative Change in Pediatric Healthcare

April 29, 2025 – Shannon Odell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, was recently featured in Insights Care Magazine for her commitment and innovation in advancing pediatric nursing.

Nicklaus Children's Nurses Participate in Society of Pediatric Nurses’ Leadership Skills Development Program

April 18, 2025 – Five nurses from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital will be participating in the Society of Pediatric Nurses’ Leadership Skills Development Program. This 12-month initiative is designed to equip aspiring, emerging, and current pediatric nurse leaders with essential leadership skills.

Shannon Odell Named One of America's Top 10 Women of Distinction in 2025

April 18, 2025 – Congratulations to Shannon Odell, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, for being honored on the cover of The Chief Navigators Magazine as one of America's Top 10 Women of Distinction in 2025

Alexa Parra, BSN, BSPH, RN Inducted into the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society

March 03, 2025 – The University of Miami announced that Alexa Parra, BSN, BSPH, RN, has been selected for induction into the prestigious Bouchet Graduate Honor Society for 2025.

Shannon Odell, VP and CNO, Participates in the Florida Center for Nursing's Community Engagement Tour Panel

February 07, 2025 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital's vice president and CNO, Shannon Odell, participated in the Florida Center for Nursing’s Community Engagement Tour at the Barry University School of Nursing. The Community Engagement Tour is a series of regional workshops that allow the community to review and comment on data analysis prepared by the Florida Center for Nursing and recommend systemic changes, including strategies for the implementation of recommended changes.

Nurse Manager Joins Prestigious American Organization of Nurse Leaders Fellowship

January 13, 2025 – Nurse Manager, Yamile V. Reyes, MSN, RN, CNML has been selected for the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) Nurse Manager Fellowship. The AONL Nurse Manager Fellowship is a year-long professional development program designed to target the unique leadership development needs of nurse managers through an in-depth environment of learning.

Nicklaus Children’s Horizon Nurse Residency Program Achieves Prestigious Accreditation with Distinction by ANCC

January 10, 2025 – Nicklaus Children’s Horizon Nurse Residency Program is proud to announce that it has received Accreditation with Distinction through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP).

2024 Nursing DAISY Award Winners

December 28, 2024 – The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards excellence in nursing. It was created by The DAISY Foundation to recognize the clinical skills, extraordinary compassion and care exhibited by nurses everyday. The award is given monthly to an outstanding nurse in more than 237 hospitals across the United States. DAISY Award recipients personify Nicklaus Children's Hospital’s remarkable patient experience. These individuals consistently demonstrate excellence through clinical expertise, extraordinary service and compassionate care and are recognized as outstanding role models in the nursing community.

Shannon Odell, VP and CNO, Participates in the Florida Center for Nursing's Community Engagement Tour Panel

November 20, 2024 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital's vice president and CNO, Shannon Odell, participated in the Florida Center for Nursing’s Community Engagement Tour at the Barry University School of Nursing. The Community Engagement Tour offered an opportunity to provide feedback and input about the state of health care in our community.

West Coast Partnership Appreciation

November 08, 2024 – A proud moment for Nicklaus Children's Hospital as our Chief Nursing Officer, Shannon Odell, represented us at the West Coast University Partnership Appreciation Event! Shannon accepted an award recognizing the incredible collaboration between our organizations. This partnership empowers West Coast University nursing students to gain hands-on experience through their pediatric clinical rotations with us—preparing the next generation of nurses while advancing the high standard of care for our patients. Together, we're shaping the future of pediatric healthcare!

Congrats to Nicklaus Children's First Cohort of Nurse Manager Graduates from the Nursing Catalyst Program!

October 28, 2024 – The nine-month program unites top nurse managers from leading health systems to tackle common healthcare challenges. Each participant developed and implemented a rapid change project at Nicklaus Children’s, addressing key needs in their areas.

Shannon Odell of Nicklaus Children's Recognized by Women We Admire as Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers of 2024

October 02, 2024 – Professional women’s organization, Women We Admire recently recognized Shannon Odell, vice president and chief nursing officer of Nicklaus Children's Health System on the Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers of 2024.

Dr. Danielle Sarik Joins the American Academy of Nursing Fellowship

July 09, 2024 – Join us in congratulating Danielle Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC, for her acceptance into the American Academy of Nursing 2024 Class of Fellows!

2024 Nursing Awards

June 20, 2024 – Congratulations to all our outstanding departments and nurses!

Janice Yanez Receives Solution for Patient Safety Award

June 13, 2024 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital Patient Safety Director, Janice Yanez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, CPPS, received the "SPS Todd Conklin Award” from Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety. This award emphasizes my commitment to continuously learn and share knowledge, with the ultimate goal of improving safety for all.

Dr. Danielle Sarik joins Betty Irene Moore Fellowship Program at UC Davis Nursing School

May 29, 2024 – Dr. Danielle Sarik joins Betty Irene Moore fellowship program at UC Davis nursing school. The prestigious fellowship program recognizes innovative nurse scientists.

Baby Steps Program Honored at Health Care Heroes® Awards

May 24, 2024 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital was awarded the Organization/Program Award for Baby Steps through the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Health Care Heroes. This award honors individuals, institutions, professionals, students, volunteers, and programs that have made an extraordinary impact in the South Florida Health Care community.

Virtual reality headset helps calm young patients at Nicklaus Children's Hospital

September 08, 2023 – For kids, the stress and anxiety leading up to a medical procedure is often worse than the procedure itself, but new technology at one local hospital has patients smiling through it all. A virtual reality headset called a "Smileyscope" is helping young patients at Nicklaus Children's Hospital keep calm.

Nicklaus Children's presentation wins 1st place award at ILCA

August 18, 2023 – Grecia Ferreyra MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, IBCLC presented at this year's International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) Conference. Her poster on Improving Relactation Rates for Mothers with Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was awarded first place. Congratulations on this achievement, Grecia!

Nurse Scholars Program Supports Nicklaus Children's Pipeline Approach to Hiring

July 10, 2023 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital is collaborating with Miami-Dade College (MDC) to offer a nurse scholarship program that provides financial assistance, while also supporting student engagement through supervised patient care experiences that can highlight the appeal and value of the nursing profession.

Nicklaus Children's Staff Present at the Nursing Consortium

June 27, 2023 – Several Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses presented at the Nursing Consortium of Florida, an educational conference that convenes leading and emerging nurse leaders from academic and practice settings.

The Nursing Consortium of Florida Recognizes Nicklaus Children's Nurses

June 27, 2023 – The Nursing Consortium of Florida recognizes the Heart Institute's Melissa Olen, MSN, FNP-C, CCRN and Telehealth NICU Nurse Melody M. Hernandez, PhD, MS, BSN, RN for their exceptional contributions to the nursing profession.

Congratulations to Recent UM grads!

June 26, 2023 – Congratulations to recent University of Miami nursing grads: Khaila Prather, BSPH, MPH, Research Analyst and Mayra Arana, BSN, MSN, Pediatric Surgery Nurse Practitioner. We see you leading the way and representing nursing and public health excellence!
Khaila and Mayra are also featured in the UM 30 under 30 list.

Nicklaus Children's Staff Present at FHA Quality Conference

June 22, 2023 – The first Florida Hospital Association (FHA) Quality Conference brings together quality improvement professionals, clinical leaders and other staff working to improve care for our patients and our communities. The theme, Improving Care Through Collaboration and Commitment, captures the great work that is being done in the state by FHA member hospitals and partners. Several of Nicklaus Children's staff presented on various topics a the conference.

Podcast on Baby Steps (HealthCetera)

May 17, 2023 – Dr. Danielle Sarik gives an in-depth interview on Baby Steps, a nurse-led telehealth support model that supports equitable access to the transition of care services for NICU patients and caregivers. 

Shannon Odell, VP and Chief Nursing Officer, Appointed to The Nursing Consortium of Florida as a Board Member at Large

May 15, 2023 – Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Shannon Odell, MSN, RN, FACHE, NE-BC, RNC-OB, has been appointed to the Nursing Consortium of Florida as a Board Member at Large. Congratulations to Shannon on this extraordinary achievement!

Nicklaus Children's Baby Steps Program Wins Innovator Awards

March 17, 2023 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital leaders have been awarded fourth place at the Innovator Awards for the Baby Steps program, a program for infants cared for in the NICU to address gaps in care after discharge through a nurse-led telehealth program.

Linda Nylander-Housholder recognized by Greater Miami Chapter of AACN

February 15, 2023 – Linda has 40 years of nursing experience at Nicklaus Children's Hospital. She first started in 1980 as a pediatric ICU nurse and was one of the first ECMO and Apheresis specialists in Nicklaus. Linda currently works as an Advanced Care Educator. According to her, a great day at work is – “any day a kid gets to go home with their mom and dad.” Her advice to new nurses is to keep learning and not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible.

Nurse Scientists Help Hospital Nurses Learn How to do Research

February 07, 2023 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital Director of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Danielle Sarik, PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC is extensively quoted in this SmartBrief article which deep dives into the nurse scientist role. "It can be years between when research is conducted and published and when changes are implemented at the bedside, Sarik said. Having a nurse scientist as part of the hospital staff allows nurses to create studies, gather evidence and implement results quickly.  “We’re changing practice in real time,” she said.

Neurocritical Care APP Leads Multistate Survey of Pediatric-Focused Hospital-Based Nurse Practitioners

February 02, 2023 – Tammy Trabosh, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC led and co-authored a recent article published by the Journal of Pediatric Healthcare, Career Choices and Experiences in Role Transition: A Multi-state Survey of Pediatric-focused Hospital-based Nurse Practitioners. In collaboration with 4 other APPs, the publication examines the factors influencing pediatric hospital APPs' career decisions and their transition to practice experiences.

Organization Awards

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Shannon Odell of Nicklaus Children's Recognized by Women We Admire as Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers of 2025

August 08, 2025 – Women We Admire has recognized Shannon Odell, system vice president and chief nursing officer of Nicklaus Children's, for her second consecutive year on the Top 50 Women Chief Nursing Officers list, highlighting her significant role in patient care.

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Nicklaus Children's Hospital Achieves Fifth Consecutive Magnet® Recognition

March 29, 2024 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital this month attained Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for the fifth consecutive term.

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Nicklaus Children's Hospital Earns 2023 Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award

July 31, 2023 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) 2023 Lantern Award for demonstrating exceptional innovation in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.

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Nicklaus Children's Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Lactation Care

June 09, 2023 – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) awarded Nicklaus Children’s Hospital with the IBCLC Care Award for excellence in lactation care.

Nursing Awards Archive

Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

portrait.FIU 30th Anniversary Gala

Congratulations to Jo Ann Nieves, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC, CPN, for her recognition at the Florida International University (FIU) 30th Anniversary Gala. Jo Ann received the 2013 Outstanding Achievement Award, Honorable Mention Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences (Florida International University College of Nursing).

FNA Membership Assembly Great 100 Awards

Congratulations to Laura M. Hernandez , MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, CPN. She has been selected as a recipient of the Great 100 Awards by the FNA Membership Assembly.

Miami Children's Hospital, March Of Dimes 2011 Miami-Dade and Monroe nurse of the year Finalists and Winners.

  • Annalyn Velasquez, ARNP, MSN, CPNP, CCRN, won the Critical Care/Surgical Services category
  • Raquel Pasaron, ARNP, DNP, FNP-BC won in the category of advanced practice.

Miami Children's Hospital Finalists

Advance Practice
  • Cindy M.Ayala, RN, MSN, CPN
  • Patricia Dean, ARNP, MSN
  • Jo Ann Nieves, MSN, CPN, ARNP, PNP-BC, FAHA
  • Elena Ortega, ARNP, MSN, CCRN
  • Raquel Pasaron, ARNNP, DNP, FNNP-BC
Case Management/Care Coordination/Managed Care
  • Maytee Perdomo, RNN, AS
  • Clinical & Academic Education
  • Laura Hernandez, ARNP, MSN, CPN, FNP-C
  • Janice Serrano, RN, BSN
Critical Care/Surgical Services
  • Lorna Allen, RN, BSN
  • Holda Delavoe, RN
  • Melinda Duran, RN, BSN
  • Claudia Martin-Shimizu, RN, BSN ,CNOR
  • Miriam Prado, RN
  • Annalyn Velasquez, ARNP, MSN, CPNP, CCRN
Emergency/Trauma
  • Holly Olsen-Aloi, RN, BSN
Leadership-Executive
  • Jane Bragg, RN, MSN,MBA
  • Mirtha Gonzalez, ARNP,MSN
Leadership-Managers
  • Diana Garcia, RN, MSN
  • Flor Tena, RN, MSN
Pediatric/Adolescent Health
  • Erica Pardo, RN, MSN

Miami Children's Patricia Dean to Receive American Epilepsy Society’s 2011 J. Kiffin Penry Award

The American Epilepsy Society (AES) has announced that Patricia Dean, ARNP, MSN, a pediatric nurse practitioner and Clinical Coordinator of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, has been named recipient of this year’s J. Kiffin Penry Excellence in Epilepsy Care Award. Jackie Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer, Was inducted on November 4th as President -Elect 2012 of Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE).Congratulations!

Florida Nurses Association State Award
  • FNA, Nursing Administrator of the Year, Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP-Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer
  • FNA, Nurse Practitioner of the Year, Raquel Pasarón, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC
Florida Nurses Association South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony held on Saturday, April 16, 2011.
  • Laura Hernandez: Nurse Educator Award—Winner
  • Diana Garcia: Nursing Administration Award—Winner
  • Raquel Pasarón: Advanced Practice Nursing Award—Finalist
  • Nicklaus Children's Hospital Nursing Team (Jackie Gonzalez)--Community Action Award—Finalist
  • Nicklaus Children's Hospital NICU Nursing Team--Promotion of Excellence Award—Winner

Society for Pediatric Nursing 2011 National Conference in Las Vegas, NV -- Maria Soto, MSN, ARNP, Carmen Duque, MSN, ARNP, Dr. Simpser/2nd place (Clinical Practice Award) - “Caring for the Ventilator Dependent Pediatric Patient in a Medical Surgical Unit” (Poster).

JoAnn Nieves, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC-on April 30, 2011, was elected as a Fellow of the American Heart Association by the leadership committee of the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young.

2011 Nurse of the Year Winners

  • RN of the Year: LifeFlight: Kenneth Patino, BSN, RN, CPN
  • LPN of the year: Andres Valencia, LPN
  • Rookie of the year: Emergency Department: Lizette Rivera, BSN, RN, CPN
  • Leader of the year: IV team and Dialysis: Solfia Torre, BSN, RN, CDN
  • Nursing support staff of the year: 2 East- Evangeline Juggan, CA
  • Scholar of the year: CICU-Jacqueline Whyte, BSN, RN, CPN
  • Professional Services of the Year: 3 South-Patricia Dean, MSN, ARNP, PNP

Unit base winners:

  • 2E: Chau Nguyen, BSN, RN
  • 2NE: Andrea Downs, RN
  • 3N: Annette Caravia, MSN, RN, CPN
  • 3E: Inga Bolanos, BSN, RN, CPN
  • 3S: Karen Ricketts, RN, CPN
  • 2N: Cristina Meca, BSN, RN, CPN
  • Same Day Surgery: Jannette Martinez, BSN, RN, CPN
  • CICU: Shannon Hutcherson, BSN, RN
  • ED/Rapid Care: Carolyn Ramirez, BSN, RN, CPEN
  • NICU: Miriam Prado, RN
  • OR: Jessica Jameson, BSN, RN
  • PICU: Christina Forcine, MSN, RN, CCRN, CPN
  • Psychiatry: Shirley Kendzora, RN, MSN, APRN-BC
  • PACU: Bill Gehring, RN
  • MRI/Radiology: Amy Hollifield, BSN, RN
  • UCC: Verna Haik, BSN, RN, CPN
  • Minor Procedure Suites: Marlene Marquez, RN
  • Pediatric Care Center: Diane Litchman, RN, CPN
  • 3NE:Arnold Jumagbas, BSN, RN
  • IV Team: Alicia Lue, RN, VA-BC
  • Dialysis: Vanessa Polumbarit, BSN, RN

Individual Nurse Awards

  • RN of the year: 3 Northeast: Rosanne Wills, RN, BSN, CPN
  • LPN of the year: 3 South: Lizette Garcia, LPN
  • Rookie of the year: 2 North: Cristina Milian, RN, BSN
  • Leader of the year: Emergency: Susan Churchill, RN, CPN- Manager
  • Nursing support staff of the year: PCC- Judith Bello, CA
  • Scholar of the year: OR Support Staff- Raquel Pasaron, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC

Unit base winners:

  • 2E: Anja Thumm, RN
  • 2NE: Ann Lisa Marasigna, RN, BSN
  • 3N: Jacqueline Arocho, RN, BSN, CPN
  • 3E: Lizel Dagum, RN, BSN
  • 3S: Leidy Dominguez, RN
  • 2N: Michele Moreno, RN, BSN
  • Same Day Surgery: Giselle Menendez, RN, BSN
  • CICU: Melissa Vidaechea, RN, MSN, PNP-BC
  • ED/Rapid Care: Abel Guerrero, RN, CPEN
  • Float/Staff Relief: Mayi Ramirez, RN, BSN, CPN
  • NICU: Maryanne Pridgen, RN
  • OR: Rubin Reinis, RN, BSN
  • PICU: Sourrette Joseph, RN, CPN
  • Psychiatry: Shirley Kendroza, RN, MSN, APRN-BC
  • Quality Resources: Mary Blackburn, RN, CPUM
  • PACU: Saadia Cendeno, RN, BSN
  • MRI/Radiology: Lizette Gorelick, RN, BSN
  • UCC-Palmetto Bay- Kathleen Williams-Atkinson, RN
  • LifeFlight: Holly Olsen, RN, BSN, CCRN
  • Minor Procedure Suites: Lisa Moose, RN, BSN
  • Pediatric Care Center: Teresa Mackenzie, RN, BSN, CPN

American Pediatric Surgical Nurses' Association (APSNA) scholarship grant

Raquel Pasaron, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, was awarded the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses' Association (APSNA) scholarship grant at the 19th Annual APSNA Scientific Meeting (May 13-16, ).

DAISY Award Winners

2009 Nursing Awards

  • Susan Churchill, RN, BSN, CPN- Nominee 2009 South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (SFONE) Leadership Award.
  • Candace Pineda, RN, BSN, CPN- Nominee 2009 South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (SFONE) Leadership Award.
  • Nikole Sanchez- Rubiera, RN, MSN, MBA- Nominee 2009 South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (SFONE) Leadership Award.
  • Elizabeth Padilla, RN, BSN, CPN- Finalist 2009 Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards, Customer Service
  • Sarah Taylor, RN, BSN, CPON- Finalist 2009 Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards, Management
  • Alison Scheflow, RN, MA, BSN, CCRN- Finalist 2009 Nursing Spectrum Excellence Awards, Clinical Care
  • PICU Staff - 2009 Best in Collaboration, Advance for Nurses

2009 Nurse of the Year Winners

  • RN of the year: 3 South: Carolina Ferraz, RN
  • LPN of the year: ER: Michelle Perez, LPN
  • Rookie of the year: 3NE: Cristina Suarez, RN
  • Leader of the year: LifeFlight: Juliette Edwards, RN
  • Nursing support staff of the year: 3 East: Dalva Ferraz, CA
  • Scholar of the year: Director of Hematology/Oncology: Debbie Del- Favero MSN/ED, CPN, NE-BC

Unit base winners

  • LifeFlight: Joann Dennis, RN
  • NICU: Gayle O’Donnell RN
  • CV: Diana Arias, RN
  • Same Day Surgery: Jennifer Stringer, RN
  • PACU: Susan Goldstein, RN
  • OR: Danny Monroe, RN
  • ER: Donald Torres, RN
  • PICU: Melinda Duran, RN
  • Radiology: Raquel Morales, RN
  • 3S: Carolina Ferraz, RN
  • 3E: Nancy Breen, RN
  • 3NE: Jocelyn Reyes, RN
  • 3N: Michelle Bursztein, RN
  • Psych: Yoely Hernandez, RN
  • 2E: Stephanie Whitley, RN
  • Patient access: Grisel Cepeda, RN
  • 2NE: Stefania Sarno, RN
  • 2N: Ana Perez, RN
  • Ancillary: Meiling Marenco
DAISY Award Winners

2009 Nursing Awards

2009 Nursing Awards

  • Patricia Dean, MSN, ARNP, PNP-BC- 2008 Hospital Hero of the Year from the Florida Hospital Association (FHA).
  • Deborah Del-Favero, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPN- Nominee 2008 South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (SFONE) Leadership Award.
  • Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP, NEA-BC, FAAN- 2008 Alumni of Distinction Award, University of Miami
  • Evelyn Gonzalez-Morlate, RN-BC, MSN- 2008 Professional Advocate, Advance for Nurses

2008 Nurse of the Year Winners

  • RN of the year: CICU: Emily Zubira, RN, BSN
  • LPN of the year: MRI: Teresa Sanchez, LPN, (now RN)
  • Rookie of the year: PICU: Janice Serrano, RN, BSN
  • Leader of the year: PICU: Pat Thorpe, RN, BSN
  • Nursing support staff of the year: 3 Northeast: Reyna Amador, CA
  • Research Award Winner: Joanne Nieves, MSN, ARNP, PNP, CPN
  • Evidence Based Practice Award: Alison Scheflow, RN, BSN, CCRN

Unit Winners

  • 2E: Rochelle Gabas, RN, BSN
  • 2NE: Monica Brown, RN, MSN, CPN
  • 3N: Tracee Smith, RN, BSN
  • 3NE: Adam Fader, RN, BSN
  • 3S: Claudia Alfonso, RN
  • Same Day Surgery: Irene Bowers, RN
  • 3E: Vivian Gimon, RN, CPN
  • ED/Rapid Care: David Pastor, RN, BSN, CPN
  • Float/Staff Relief: Lisa Morgan, RN, MSN
  • NICU: Viviana Gonzalez, RN, BSN
  • OR: Enio Ortega, RN, BSN
  • PICU: Sandra Wiley, RN, BSN
  • Psychiatry: Nova Franklin-Bremmer, RN
  • Quality Resources: Charity Zayas, RN
  • PACU: Maria Morales-Ojeda, RN
  • MRI/Radiology: Margot Sarratea, RN, CPN
  • South Dade Center: Carmen Rodriguez, RN, BSN, CPN
  • Support Department: Jane Salvaggio, ARNP, MSN
  • IV Team: Alicia Lue, RN
  • Pediatric Care Center: DeDe Lichtman, RN, BSN
  • Afterhours: Monica Hawkins, RN, BSN

2007 Nursing Awards

2007 Nursing Awards

  • Dottie Thomas, RN, BSN, CIC - Miami Dade Health Care Hero Award Recipient
  • Jeanette Diana, MSN, ARNP - Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Tau Chapter- Leadership Award
  • Deborah Hill-Rodriguez, MSN, ARNP, CS-BC - Florida Nurses Association District V- Promoting an Environment for Excellence of Nursing Practice
  • Michelle Burke, MSN, ARNP, CPN, CPON - 2007 Jean Fergusson Excellence in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing Education Award, American Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Association
  • Maria Fernandez, MSN, ARNP, MBA, CFRN – 2007 Florida Flight Nurses Association Transport Nurse of the Year
  • Jill Tahmooressi, RN-BC, MBA - 2007 Nursing Spectrum Nursing Excellence Awards for the Florida region, finalist in the category of Advancing and Leading the Profession
  • Jean Buckley, RN - 2007 Nursing Spectrum Nursing Excellence Awards for the Florida region, finalist in the category of Community Participation

2007 Nurse of the Year Winners

  • RN of the year: 3East: Johnny Mok, RN
  • LPN of the year: 3South: Lizette Garcia, LPN
  • Rookie of the year: 3Northeast: Liane Franquiz, RN
  • Leader of the year: CICU: Ingrid Gonzalez, MSN, RN, CPN
  • Nursing support staff of the year: Psychiatry:  Saskia Izaquirre, BHT
  • Research Award Winner: Carolyn Domina, ARNP, MSN, NE-BC, CORN & Carol Roach, RN, MSN, CPN

Unit Winners

  • 2E: Ana Arrubla, RN, BSN
  • 2NE: Marocon Villnueava, RN, BSN
  • 3N: Sylvia Perez, RN, BSN
  • 3NE: Jean Buckley, RN
  • 3S: Beatriz Milian, RN, BSN
  • Same Day Surgery: Ana Ruiz, RN, BSN
  • CICU: Susan Flores, RN, BSN, CPN
  • ED/Rapid Care: Susana Sanchez, RN
  • Float/Staff Relief: Elizabeth Padilla, RN, BSN, CPN
  • NICU: Janet Madill, RN
  • OR: Karen Witsken, RN
  • PICU: Vivian Lacandalo, RN, BSN
  • Psychiatry: Shirley Kendroza, RN, MSN, APRN-BC
  • Quality Resources: Grisel Cepeda, RN
  • PACU: William Gehring, RN
  • MRI/Radiology: Veronica Rivera, RN, CPN
  • South Dade Center: Verna Haik, RN, CPN
  • Support Department: Cindy Garlesky, ARNP, MSN, CEN, RN-BC

2006 Nursing Awards

2006 Nursing Awards

The Wonder of a Nurse - 2006 Miami Children's Hospital, Nursing Essay
Winner: Sara Turpel, RN, MSN, CCRN

Cheryl Minnick, BSN, RN, Bing Wood, ARNP, MSN, Deborah Hill-Rodriguez, MSN, ARNP, CS,BC, Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN, Maryann Henry, RN, Dania Vasquez, ARNP, MSN, and Deborah Salani, MSN, ARNP,BC, CPON - Won the 1st place for the poster "Implementing the Humpty Dumpty Falls Assessment Program" at Fifth Annual 2006 Summer Institute on Evidence-Based Practice Quality Improvement, Quality Indicators in San Antonio, Texas.

Deborah Hill-Rodriguez, MSN, ARNP, CS,BC, Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN, Jill Tahmooressi, RN,C, MBA - Research Poster Award for “Pediatric Nurses’ Perception of National Certification”. Society of Pediatric Nursing 16th Annual Convention, Orlando, Florida.

Sofia Morales, MSN, ARNP, CPN- Poster titled "Italian Connection: Nursing Care Across Cultures" won best poster at the 22nd Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference in Dallas, Texas.

Julissa, Jimenez, ARNP, MSN a nurse on the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit was selected to present her exemplar, "A Transcultural Experience with Kosovo Mothers and their Children Diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease" at the 2006 Florida Nurses Association 19th Annual Ingeborg Mauksch Clinical Excellence Conference February 17, 2006 in Fort Myers, Florida.

Department Awards

The Emergency Department was named one of four "Best Teams" by Advance for Nurses for Achievement in Emergency/Trauma Care.

Individual Nurse Awards:

  • 2E – Lilly Alexander
  • 2NE – April Anderson
  • 3E – Nubia Albites
  • 3NE – Karen Murray
  • 3N – Sarah Taylor
  • 3S – MaJomela Nagal 
  • After Hours – Teresita Febre
  • Ambulatory – Jennifer Gamad
  • CICU – Thomas Flock
  • ER/OP/Rapid Care – Lisette Gorelick
  • Float/SR – Bonnie Flagley
  • IV Team – Irma Vergara
  • NICU – Heather Leidich
  • OR – Christopher Wolary
  • PICU – Isoldy Augusten
  • Psych – Shirley Kendzora
  • Quality/UR – Griselle Angulo
  • Recovery Room – Lilia Alonso
  • South Dade – Kathleen Atkinson
  • Support Staff – Lourdes Lam
  • Rookie of the Year – Geeta Singh
  • LPN of the Year – Lissette Morales
  • Mentor of the Year – Joann Wiacek-Krupin
  • Nursing Support Staff of the Year – Ainsley Bryan, Behavioral Health Tech – Psychiatry

2005 Nursing Awards

2005 Nurse Awards

Jackie Gonzalez Selected as Fellow of American Academy of Nursing

Jackie Gonzalez receives award from Barry University School of Nursing Jackie Gonzalez received recognition from Barry University School of Nursing (pictured with Dean Pegge Bell & Thomas Rozek) for Community Leader Tribute on February 19th, 2005 at the Conrad Hotel, Miami.

July 11, 2005 - Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP, Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer has been named as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Fellows are selected by their peers for outstanding contributions to the Nursing profession and healthcare.

The criteria for selection of Fellows requires evidence of outstanding and broad contributions to Nursing and healthcare as well as evidence of strong potential for continuing influence in practice and health policy aimed at improving the health of the American people.

Jackie is a devoted and inspiring leader who has instilled a passion for excellence and innovation within the nursing team at Nicklaus Children's. Her selection as a Fellow of AAN is a tribute to her leadership here at the hospital as well as her commitment to the profession of Nursing on a regional and national level. All of us at Nicklaus Children's are enormously proud of her many achievements.

Seven FNA District V awards were awarded to Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses at the FNA District V luncheon on Saturday, April 30, 2005:

  • Jane Bragg, RN, MSN, MBA,CPON, CNAA,BC Director of Psychiatry and Hematology-Oncology received the FNA District V Nurse Administrator Award
  • Lisa Burton, ARNP-BC, MSN, ARNP for Psychiatry received the FNA District V Advanced Practice
  • Carolyn Domina, ARNP, MSN, CNA, BC, Director of Operating Room received the FNA District V Community Award
  • Patricia R. Messmer, PhD, RN,BC, FAAN Nurse Researcher and Chair of the Nurses Charitable Trust, District V, FNA on behalf of the trust received the FNA District V Special Recognition Award
  • Kris Roberts, MSN, RN,CPN, Nurse Manager 2E, received the FNA District V Nursing Student Liaison Award
  • Dottie Thomas, RN, BSN, CIC Infection Control Nurse was one of the 6 national finalists for the Sharps Injury Prevention Award.
  • Dania Vasquez, ARNP, MSN, CNS 3 East/3South received the FNA District V Nursing Student Liaison Award

Individual Nurses Awards

  • Nursing Profession: One Profession, Many Roles
  • 2005 Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Nursing Essay Winner: Lisa Capezzuto, RN, 3 South
  • Jane Bragg, RN, MSN, MBA,CPON, CNAA,BC Director of Psychiatry and Hematology-Oncology received the FNA Nurse Administrator Award in Bonita Springs, FL September, 16, 2005
  • Connie Fishman, BSN, RN was a finalist for Nursing Spectrum of the Year award (one of 5 selected from 48 nurses statewide)
  • Miami Children's Hospital, Nurses received Certificates of Recognition from PNCB for the Pursuit of Excellence by their Certified Pediatric Nurses.
  • Patricia Messmer, PhD, RN, CBC, FAAN, was recently honored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing for being a 2005 Distinguished Alumni Awardee. She was recognized at a ceremony along with 2 of her peers. For more information, please visit the University of Pittsburgh website.
  • 2005 Nicklaus Children's Hospital Nurse Excellence of the Year Award: Carol Cupido-Hylton, RN - NICU
  • 2005 Nursing Leadership Award Winner: Connie Fischman, RN

Department & Unit Awards

  • Laura Chechila, RN - 2 East
  • Holda Delavoe, RN - PICU
  • Anna Diaz, RN - 3 North
  • Cathy Donellan, RN - Utilization Quality Management
  • Karin Espinosa, RN - PACU
  • Cynthia Etter, RN - IV Team
  • Roxanna Gomez, RN - After Hours
  • Denise Jorge, RN - CV
  • Helene Liwanag, RN - Radiology
  • Marcina Maraj, RN - 3 South
  • Kelli Ann L. McIntosh - 3 NorthEast
  • Flor Olivera, RN - Psych.
  • Elizabeth Padilla, RN - Float/Staff Relief
  • Larry Regalado, RN - Emergency Room
  • Kim Ronselli, RN - Operating Room
  • Heidi Story, RN - Ambulatory Surgery
  • Vanessa Tamariz, RN - 3 East
  • Carla Trueba, RN - CVICU

2004 Nursing Awards

2004 Nursing Awards

Nicklaus Children's Nursing Department was featured in an article, "The Magnet Pull", in the April, 2004 issue of Nursing Management. p. 63-66.

Three FNA District V awards were awarded to Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses at the Florida League for Nursing & FNA District V luncheon on April 17, 2004:

  • Jacqueline Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, CNAA, BC - Nurse Administrator
  • Maria Fernandez, ARNP, MSN, CMTE - Advanced Practice
  • Natasha Melbourne, ARNP, MSN - Student Liaison

Individual Nurse Awards

  • Patricia R. Messmer, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN, nurse researcher, received the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certified Nurse Award at the American Nurses Association (ANA) Convention in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, June 26, 2004.
  • Lisa Juskowitz, RN, CPN, Ambulatory Surgery received "Honorable Mention" Nursing Spectrum of the Year award (one of 5 selected from 48 nurses throughout state of Florida).
  • Jeannette Diana, ARNP, MSN, pediatric surgery nurse practitioner, received the "Founder's Award" from the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses' Association (APSNA) 13th Annual Scientific Conference Presentation May 25, 2004, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The award is presented to a nurse who has made a significant contribution to the care of pediatric surgical patients and provided leadership within the hospital and the community at large.
  • 2004 Nicklaus Children's Hospital Nurse Excellence of the Year Award: Blanca Callejas - 3 East
  • 2004 Nursing Leadership Award Winner: Suzy Prieto - 3 East
  • 2004 Licensed Support Services Award Winner: Karen Niblack, LPN - Emergency Department

Unit Nurse Excellence Award Winners

  • Kelly Bronkan - Ambulatory Surgery
  • Grisel Cepeda - Utilization Quality Management
  • Frances Crawford - 3NE
  • Nicole Dixon - 2 East
  • Raiza Figueredo - 3 South
  • Geraldine Florian - 3 North
  • Yulie Giralt - Operating Room
  • Susan Golzbein - PACU
  • Maytee Gonzalez - 2NE
  • Julissa Jimenez - Cardiac Care Unit
  • Jennifer McCartney - PICU
  • Beverly Newlin - Psychiatry
  • Barbie Rivera - Emergency Department
  • Nikole Sanchez - Float Pool
  • Margot Sarratea - GI Lab
  • Sonia Tezini - After Hours
  • Sarah Tyner - NICU

2003 Nursing Awards

2003 Nursing Awards

Department Awards

  • Communication Media, Florida Nurses Association Award, 2003.
  • Promoting Environment for Excellence in Nursing Practice, Florida Nurses Association Award, 2003.
  • Promoting Environment for Excellence in Nursing Practice, Florida Nurses Association Award, (Dade County, District V), 2003.
  • Caritas Award for Outstanding Contributions to the School of Nursing, Barry University, 2003.

Individual Nurse Awards

  • Lisa Juskowitz, RN, Staff Nurse, PACU, Nurse of the Year, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, 2003.
  • Jackie L. Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, CNAA received Florida International University (FIU) Pediatric Nursing Initiative Award, March 11, 2003.
  • JoAnn Nieves, MSN, ARNP, CPN, APRN-BC was appointed as an item writer to the Certified Pediatric Nurses (NCBNPN) exam.
  • Maria Lina (Bing) Wood, Director of PICU, Staffing & ECLS, Cheryl Topps, ARNP, MSN, Nursing Information Specialist, and Jackie L. Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, CNAA, VP & Chief Nursing Officer, received first place for a poster presentation entitled: Implementation of Scan for Safety Bar-coding Technology, NACHRI (National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions) Annual Meeting, 2003.
  • Jackie L. Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, CNAA, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Inducted into the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Hall of Excellence, 2003.
  • Pat Dean, MSN, ARNP, honored by The Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida as an outstanding volunteer, 2003.
  • Dottie Thomas, RN, Community Action Award, Florida Nursing Association, 2003.
  • Jill Tahmooressi, RN, Nursing Student Liaison Award, Florida Nursing Association, 2003.