Awards
The University of Chicago Medical Center acknowledges the excellence of its nursing staff by presenting seven awards during National Nurses Week. Read more about our most recent award winners.
Six nursing awards recognize staff nurses who:
- Exhibit excellence in nursing practice as evidenced by a comprehensive assessment of each patient's unique needs and the development and implementation of a personalized plan of care to meet those needs
- Excel at demonstrating family-centered care
- Serve as a role model of professional practice for peers, new employees and students
- Contribute positively to the professional practice environment
These awards include:
- Award for Nursing Excellence in an Adult Inpatient Area
- Award for Nursing Excellence in a Pediatric Inpatient Area
- Award for Nursing Excellence in an Outpatient Area
- Award for Nursing Excellence in a Specialty Role
Family members have established the James Queenan Award and the Patricia Morgan Award to honor and thank the nurses who cared for their loved ones at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
James Queenan Award for Excellence in Nursing
James Queenan was a young man diagnosed with Ewings's Sarcoma, a malignancy of the bone and soft tissue. He received his chemotherapy treatments and supportive care at the University of Chicago Children's Hospital. He unfortunately died of his disease in 1988 at the age of 22. In James's memory, his parents established an award in recognition of the wonderful care and support he and his family received from the nursing staff during his illness.
Patricia Morgan Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing
The Patricia Morgan Award, established in memory of Patricia Morgan, recognizes excellence in oncology nursing practice. Patricia Morgan was a nurse who eventually succumbed to her cancer. Patricia always felt strongly that nurses should be recognized for their excellence and hard work, and her family concurs with this. The recipient of this award is an oncology nurse who exemplifies excellence in patient/family care and who is a mentor to less experienced nurses. The Morgan family started this award in 1992 in Patricia's memory, and it is presented every year during nurses' week.
Award for Nursing Excellence in a Leadership Role
The seventh award, the Award for Nursing Excellence in a Leadership Role, recognizes a nursing leader at the University of Chicago Medical Center who:
- Exhibits excellence in nursing practice as evidenced by holding a certification in their specialty, and attending continuing education based on their specialty
- Has developed or implemented operational improvements (unit or hospital based) to meet the diverse needs of patients and their families
- Serves as a role model of professional practice for peers, new employees and students
- Contributes to the nursing profession at large by participation in specialty nursing organizations, publishing, and presenting QI/research activities
- Has improved retention rates, or increased recruitment of staff on their unit
