Members of the Delta Alpha Chapter at Large of Sigma Theta Tau International, nursing honor society, held the annual Nurse Imagemakers ceremony May 16 in the School of Nursing Auditorium. The ceremony recognized 15 nursing leaders from Bexar and surrounding counties.
These exceptional individuals were recognized for their outstanding leadership and contributions to improving patient care in many health care agencies. For more than 20 years, the Health Science Center's chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Delta Alpha, has honored local nurses who epitomize the image of the professional nurse.
“These professional nurses make an impact in the care they deliver to their special populations and deserve to be recognized,” said Darlene Gilcreast, Ph.D., assistant professor in the chronic nursing care department in the School of Nursing.
Health Science Center nurses that were recognized were:
• Mark Soucy, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in family medicine. He was recognized for his work with children experiencing psychiatric problems.
• Barbara Owens, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in acute nursing. She was honored for her work at the Cancer Therapy & Research Center.
The Ruth F. Steward Award for Excellence in Nurse Imagemaking was presented to Diane Bullard, R.N., Barbara Bush Middle School nurse, Northeast Independent School District.
Other nurse leaders that were included in this elite group were:
• Laura Alexander, director of clinical services, Concord Home Care; Carla Batres, clinical director in the emergency department, Northeast Methodist Hospital; Kim Blast, clinical director of behavioral health, Nix Health Care System; Susan Carlson, palliative care coordinator, Methodist Hospital; Sally Cuda, staff development specialist in the pediatric intensive care unit, Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital; Armandina Delgado, community-based alternatives, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of South Texas; Michele Durbon, health services coordinator, South San Antonio Independent School District; Brian Kelley, nursing educator and infection control practitioner, Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital; Judy Krupala, director of nursing, Cuero Hospital, Cuero, TX; Mark Lopez, charge nurse/preceptor in the surgical intensive care unit, Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital; and Mary Stotts, family medical services, Brooke Army Medical Center.
Honorees were nominated by colleagues because of their positive and professional image, caring attitude, and commitment to continuing education exemplified by a Nurse Imagemaker.
