Nursing Awards & Recognition

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.

2022 Nursing DAISY Award Winners

December 28, 2022 – 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.

Jackie Gonzalez Legacy Award: Solfia Torre

December 02, 2022 – Solfia Torre, BSN, RN, of the Dialysis Unit has been honored with the 2022 Jackie Gonzalez Legacy Award. We congratulate Solfia on this exceptional achievement! Thank you for all that you do for our patients and families.

Dr. Sarik receives FONL's Excellence in Nursing Research Award

November 21, 2022 – Congratulations to IPN committee member Danielle Altares Sarik PhD, APRN, CPNP-PC for receiving the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership's award for Excellence in Nursing Research! The Institute of Pediatric Nursing and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board are grateful that Dr. Sarik shares her expertise to strengthen the pediatric specialty!

Ana Tyrkala recognized by PerfectServe’s Nurses of Note awards program

October 26, 2022 – PerfectServe’s Nurses of Note awards program honors nurses who deserve recognition for their remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication. In the second year of the Nurses of Note program, PerfectServe wants to shine a light on the integrity, perseverance, and compassion that nurses so regularly display in the course of caring for patients.

Nicklaus Children’s completes new study revising Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale Tool

August 24, 2022 – Developed by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the Humpty Dumpty Fall Scale tool is widely used to identify hospitalized children at risk of a fall. The tool, now updated, is anticipated to provide a safer pediatric environment for the hospitalized child.
Read full published article.

Pat Dean Helps with Passage of Seizures in Education Bill

March 22, 2022 – Patricia Dean, APRN, MSN, Epilepsy Program Specialist with the Epilepsy Center at Nicklaus Children’s and longtime collaborator with Epilepsy Florida, contributed to successful efforts to pass bills in both houses of the Florida legislature that will help keep children with epileptic seizures safer in the classroom. The bill is expected to become law effective July 2022.

Deborah Hill-Rodriguez accepted into AONL Fellowship

November 11, 2021 – Congratulations to Deborah Hill-Rodriguez, MSN, MBA-HMA, APRN, NE-BC, for being accepted into the AONL’s 2022 Fellowship class! Deborah, Director of Medical Surgical Services and the Humpty Dumpty Falls Prevention Program ™ was commended for possessing the experience, attributes, and skills that will make her a valuable member of the 2022 Fellowship class and an able successor to future nursing leadership positions.

$20,000 West Coast University Award Supports Nursing Research

October 14, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has received a $20,000 donation from West Coast University to support nursing research and scholarship activities.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Receives Grant to Fund Nursing-Led Provision of Advanced Care Services Via Telehealth 

October 13, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is the recipient of a grant awarded by the Rita & Alex Hillman Foundation that will support the hospital in providing nursing-led advanced pediatric care services via telehealth to families in need.

Dr. Sarik Selected to Join as a Member of the Institute of Pediatric Nursing

July 14, 2021 – Congratulations to Dr. Danielle Sarik on been selected to join the Institute of Pediatric Nursing  (IPN) as a Member. The IPN Committee selects nursing experts who have demonstrated success in the child health policy, advocacy, and community health arena. In her new role, Dr. Sarik will be supporting the IPN's mission and vision as well as advocating on behalf of our pediatric nurses and patients.

Dr. Sarik Selected as Fellow for the George Washington University Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement

June 17, 2021 – Congratulations to Dr. Danielle Sarik, Research Nurse Scientist at Nicklaus Children's Hospital for being selected as the 2021/2022 Fellow for the George Washington University Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement. Dr. Sarik's application stood out among a pool of applicants with a record of accomplishment in education, practice, leadership, or policy and a demonstrated interest in health policy.

Nurse inducted into the MDC Alumni Hall of Fame

June 08, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Nurse Manager Sheila Coakley who will be inducted into the Miami Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame. Sheila is an inspiring leader who has managed the Dialysis Unit at Nicklaus Children’s through the pandemic. Under her leadership, the team demonstrated an unwavering dedication to children while ensuring safety

Nurses Awarded at the 11th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony

June 07, 2021 – Congratulations to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses recognized for nursing excellence at the 11th Annual South Region Florida Nurses Association Award Ceremony and Symposium.

Oncology Nurse Participates in Multisite Pediatric Cancer Study

April 19, 2021 – Discharge education practices vary among institutions and lack a standardized approach for newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients and their parents. Michelle Burke, MSN, APRN, CPON, BMTCN, represented Nicklaus Children's Hospital in this American Nurses Credentialing Center–supported pediatric multisite trial to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of 2 nurse-led Parent Education Discharge Support Strategies (PEDSS) for families with a child who is newly diagnosed with cancer.

Nicklaus Children's Cardiac Nurses Participate in Multicenter Study

April 08, 2021 – The Nicklaus Children's Hospital cardiac nursing team was honored to participate in this multicenter study with 26 other pediatric and cardiac intensive care units. The results of this study demonstrated that delirium is under-recognized in pediatric cardiac patients, and many Centers do not routinely screen for delirium. However, pediatric delirium has been associated with increased length of mechanical  ventilation, hospital costs, and even mortality, and it is therefore important to recognize delirium in order to improve patient outcomes.

Nicklaus Children's Nurses Attend FNA Advocacy Days Program

March 23, 2021 – Tania Martinez, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, CPN and Carolina de Almagro, RN and participated in a priceless opportunity to meet fellow nurses and nurse leaders to learn and discuss about legislative policies in the nursing profession. Their participation was made possible through the Nurse's Charitable Trust.

Nurses Awarded at the 8th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony

May 02, 2018 – Congratulations to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses recognized for nursing excellence at the 8th Annual South Region Florida Nurses Association Award Ceremony and Symposium on April 14, 2018.

Nicklaus Children's Hospital Nurses Receive WOCNCB Certifications

March 06, 2018 – Congratulations to Stephanie Whitley, MSN, RN, CPN, NE-BC, CWOCN and Xoana Zampieri, BSN, RN, WCC, CPN, CWON on becoming Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Contienence Nurse (CWOCN®).

Jane Bragg announced HPNA President of Southeastern Florida Chapter

March 06, 2018 – Congratulations to Jane Bragg, MSN, ARNP, MBA, PMHNP-BC, CPON, NEA-BC on becoming President of Southeastern Florida Chapter of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA).

Xoana Zampieri receives APSNA Foster Wound, Ostomy and Continence Grant

May 15, 2017 – Congratulations to Xoana Zampieri, BSN, RN, WCC, CPN for being the recipient for the Foster Grant. The purpose of the Foster Wound, Ostomy and Continence (WOCN) Grant is to assist members of the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA) to further their professional education and expertise in the area of wound and ostomy care.

Jackie Gonzalez, CNO, Honored as "Health Care Hero"

May 09, 2017 – Jackie Gonzalez, DN, MSN, ARNP, Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital was recognized by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce as a 2017 Health Care Hero in the nursing category. Dr. Gonzalez was honored for her leadership and commitment to patient safety, which gave rise to the hospital’s Humpty Dumpty Falls Prevention Program, now in use in more than 1,300 hospitals around the globe.

Nurse Administrator Award presented to Jill Tahmooressi

September 28, 2015 – Jill Tahmooressi, MBA, BSN,RN-BC,NCSN has been a beacon of professionalism for young leaders. In September of 2015 she was awarded the Nurse Administrator Award.

Barry University Distinguished Alumni Award 2015

August 10, 2015 – Congratulations to Elena Ortega MSN, ARNP, CCRN for receiving the Barry University Distinguished Alumni Award at the 2015 Nursing commencement pinning ceremony.

Nurses Awarded at the 5th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony

April 20, 2015 – Congratulations to Jill Tahmooressi MBA, BSN, RN-BC, NCSN, Nursing Director Ambulatory Services, for her recognition as the Florida Nurses Association 2015 Nurse Administrator. Jill has also been elected and sworn in as the 2015-2017 Florida Nurses Association Secretary.

March of Dimes 2014 Nurse of the Year Award

November 11, 2014 – Congratulations to Lazara Briones, BSN, RN, CCRN for receiving the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Award. March of Dimes salutes and recognizes nurses for their leadership and service to the health and well-being of our community.

Nurses Awarded at the 4th Annual FNA South Region Symposium and Awards Ceremony

April 30, 2014 – Congratulations to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital nurses recognized for nursing excellence at the 4th Annual Florida Nurses Association South Region Symposium & Awards Ceremony on April 26, 2014

March of Dimes 2011 Nurse of the Year Awards

November 03, 2011 – Jackie Lytle Gonzalez and Nancy Humbert of Nicklaus Children's Hospital, will present awards in these categories at the 2011 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year awards.


Organization Awards

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.

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.

Nicklaus Children's Health System Offers Scholarships for Students in Miami-Dade College's Associate of Science in Nursing Program

October 11, 2022 – Nicklaus Children’s is collaborating with Miami-Dade College (MDC) to implement a scholarship program for students accepted to MDC’s Associate of Science in Nursing Program. The Nurse Scholars Program, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is administered by Edcor, a third-party service, and features tuition scholarship awards of up to $10,000.

National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program Recognizes Nicklaus Children's Hospital

July 23, 2019 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital has been recognized as a Certified Safe Sleep Hospital by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. The hospital is one of the first to receive this designation in Florida.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Achieves Fourth Consecutive Magnet® Recognition for Excellence in Nursing

January 10, 2019 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has attained Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program® for the fourth consecutive term. As of January 2019, Nicklaus Children’s is one of only six children’s hospitals in the nation that have received a fourth Magnet designation.

NCHS Participates in the Day in the Life of a Nurse Program

October 22, 2018 – This annual event provides high school students with an introduction to the world of nursing. Students and teachers learn about the many career opportunities available within the nursing profession.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Nursing with Nine Beacon Awards

June 15, 2018 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has received three new Beacon Awards for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), bringing to nine the total number of hospital units that have garnered Beacon Award status. Nicklaus Children’s is the only children’s hospital in the nation to be recognized with nine Beacon Awards, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to excellence in inpatient care through use of evidence-based data to enhance outcomes and satisfaction.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Horizon Nurse Residency Program Earns Accreditation with Distinction from American Nurses Credentialing Center

February 07, 2018 – Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Horizon Nurse Residency Program has achieved accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Accreditation with Distinction is the highest recognition bestowed by the ANCC’s Commission on Accreditation. Nicklaus Children’s is the second children’s hospital in the nation to achieve this recognition.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Recognized for Excellence in Patient Care

December 28, 2017 – Nicklaus Children’s has more inpatient units recognized with Beacon Awards than any other children’s hospital in the nation.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Recognizes Nicklaus Children's Hospital's 3 East Unit with a Gold Beacon Award for Excellence

March 10, 2017 – The gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies excellent and sustained unit performance and patient outcomes. 3 East earned a gold award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence criteria

All Three Nicklaus Children's Intensive Care Units Recognized with Gold Beacon Awards

May 10, 2016 – National three-year awards recognize exceptional patient care and a healthy work environment.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Receives 2015 Press Ganey NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality

January 20, 2016 – The award recognizes the top-performing pediatric hospital that has achieved excellence in overall performance in nursing quality indicators.

Humpty Dumpty Falls Prevention Receives Top Magnet Prize®

October 08, 2015 – Nicklaus Children's Hospital is recognized for the Humpty Dumpty Falls Prevention Program. The American Nurses Credentialing Center announces Nicklaus Children's Hospital as the winner of the ANCC 2015 Magnet Prize® sponsored by Cerner.

Miami Children's Recognized for Nursing Training

August 28, 2014 – Miami Children's Horizons Internship Program for Nurses has been recognized as a best practice program for nursing education by the Nursing Executive Center of The Advisory Board Company.

Recipients of the Health Care Heroes® Award 2014

July 30, 2014 – Congratulations to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, Intensive Care Teams that received the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Health Care Heroes® Award.

Nicklaus Children's Urgent Care Center Team places 3rd in Poster Award: Evidence Based Best Practice

April 30, 2014 – Congratulations to Nicklaus Children's Urgent Care Center Team!

Miami Children's Hospital Receives Highest Nursing Credential with Prestigious Magnet Recognition...Again

December 20, 2013 – This is the third time MCH is recognized for excellence in nursing and it is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice.

2013 Nursing Awards

November 28, 2013 – FIU 30th Anniversary Gala Awards & FNA Membership Assembly Great 100 Awards

Intensive Care Units at Miami Children’s Hospital Receive Three Beacon Awards for Excellence

September 28, 2012 – MCH is one of only three children’s hospital in the nation to be awarded Gold and Silver Level Beacon Awards for all of their ICU’s and the only children’s hospital in Florida to receive this distinction.

Miami Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Recipient of Gold Beacon Award for Excellence

June 13, 2012 – The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit has received a gold Beacon award for excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The Beacon award signifies exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall satisfaction.

Pediatric Nursing Certification Board 2012 Certification Advocate Recipients

May 16, 2012 – Congratulations to Jean Buckley, RN, CPN of Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly Miami Children's Hospital, for going above and beyond to encourage RNs to seek certification. 

Poster Design Winner at the 2011 NACHRI Annual Leadership Conference and Meeting

March 29, 2012 – Congratulations to the Miami Children's Hospital team who was the overall poster winner at the 2011 NACHRI Annual Leadership Conference and Meeting

Miami Children's Hospital’s ‘Bing’ Wood Receives Regional Nursing Leadership Award

September 15, 2011 – Maria Lina "Bing" Wood, MSN, ARNP, Administrative Director of Critical Care at Miami Children's Hospital, is the recipient of the 2011 Leadership Award presented by the South Florida Organization of Nurse Executives.

2010 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2010 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

Miami Children's Hospital Awarded Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence

May 18, 2010 – Beacon Award units realize many benefits of having met rigid criteria for excellence, high-quality standards and exceptional care of patients and patients’ families.

2009 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2009 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

2008 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2008 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

Miami Children's Hospital Earns National Recognition for Nursing Excellence

May 14, 2008 – The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. Only 3 percent of hospitals nationwide have achieved Magnet designation.

2007 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2007 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

2006 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2006 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

Miami Children's Hospital Nursing Posters Place in National Conference

October 13, 2006 – In the 22nd Annual Pediatric Nursing Conference in Dallas, Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) was selected to participate in the clinical innovations poster competition. 

2005 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2005 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

2004 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2004 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

Miami Children's Hospital Nurse Honored by National Nursing Organization

June 08, 2004 – Jeanette Diana, ARNP, pediatric surgery nurse practitioner at Miami Children's Hospital, received the “Founder’s Award” from the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses’ Association (APSNA) for her significant contribution to the care of pediatric surgical patients and her visionary leadership within the hospital and the community at large.

Three Miami Children's Hospital Nurses Honored by Regional Nursing Organization

May 26, 2004 – Miami Children’s Hospital’s Jackie Gonzalez, ARNP, MSN, CNAA, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Maria Fernandez, MSN, ARNP, LifeFlight® Program Director, and Natasha H. Melbourne, ARNP, MSN, Clinical Educator, received awards from the Florida Nursing Association District V.

2003 Nursing Awards and Recognitions

December 29, 2003 – Awards received by Miami Children's Hospital Nursing department and outstanding nurses.

Miami Children’s Hospital Awarded Nursing ‘Magnet’ Site Honors

July 24, 2003 – Magnet designation recognizes the MCH nursing staff for meeting the rigorous quality indicators and standards of nursing practice as defined by the American Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators.