February 25, 2016

Awards honor employees’ compassion, commitment

The most recent Credo Award and Five Pillar Leader Award winners were announced at last week’s Clinical Enterprise Leadership Assembly at Langford Auditorium. The awards are conferred on a quarterly basis.

The most recent Credo Award and Five Pillar Leader Award winners were announced at last week’s Clinical Enterprise Leadership Assembly at Langford Auditorium. The awards are conferred on a quarterly basis.

Terrell Smith, MSN, R.N., received the Five Pillar Leader Award. (photo by John Russell)

Terrell Smith, MSN, R.N., director of Patient and Family Engagement, received the Five Pillar Leader Award, given for leadership in service, quality, employee engagement, growth and finance, and innovation.

Smith’s nominating letter read, “Terrell has taught the Vanderbilt community the power of listening to those we serve with an open mind and an open heart. She is a friend and advocate for all of us, whether we are a patient, a family member or a colleague. Everyone she touches knows that they can count on her to always be there for support and encouragement. … Terrell supported patient-centered care long before it became a central aim for the nation’s health systems, and has been a tireless advocate for including patients and their families as part of the health care team.”

Kathleen Burns, R.N., MNEd, received a Credo Award. (photo by Susan Urmy)

The Credo Award honors staff and faculty who exemplify the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Credo. The latest Credo Award winners are Kathleen Burns, R.N., MNEd, clinical nurse specialist, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit; Mary Ann Meredith, R.N., patient care services manager, cardiac surgery, Operating Room; and Adelaide Vienneau, director, Family Resource Center.

Burns’ nomination read, “Kathy is recognized throughout the institution for her expertise and thoughtful, methodical approach to problem solving. She is a champion for quality metrics for her unit and conducts/promotes data drill-down to understand and correct problems. … Many staff nurses and faculty alike have Kathy’s cell number and call or text her at all hours knowing she will respond enthusiastically (and will know the answer to their question).”

Mary Ann Meredith, R.N., received a Credo Award. (photo by John Russell)

Meredith’s nomination read, “I feel she has been a major factor in the growth and success of our division. … Perhaps her most visible attribute is her commitment to her colleagues. She is not only an exceptional manager but an exceptional person who cares deeply for her staff, our patients and Vanderbilt.”

Vienneau’s nomination read, “She is one of the most compassionate and sincere persons I know. Not only has Addie helped me be able to better help the patients and families that I serve, but she pointed me in the right direction so that I could better meet the needs of my own child.”
To nominate someone for either of these awards, visit the Elevate website.

Adelaide Vienneau received a Credo Award. (photo by Susan Urmy)