UTICA, N.Y. – On Thursday, May 9, a lunch was held in the auditorium of the Wynn Hospital to celebrate a select few extraordinary nurses and caregivers employed by Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS). Each recipient was selected from a pool of nominations submitted by their peers.

Sebina Miskic, RN, Nursing Supervisor, was awarded Nurse Leader of Distinction. Sebina is a nursing supervisor at the Wynn Hospital who is known for consistently going above and beyond her job duties and for being a reliable support to her staff.

Jerry Tambiling, LPN, Immune Health; Fikreta Andelija, RN, North Utica Medical Office; Jillian Smith, St. Elizabeth College of Nursing Instructor; Elizabeth Kennedy, RN, Quality Improvement Professional; and Malissa Rafferty, RN, Maternal Child Services, were awarded Nurse of Distinction. These recipients displayed excellence in positivity, professionalism, empathy and knowledge.

Clive Young, PCT, Wynn Hospital Seventh Floor and Rachel McMahon, PCT, Surgical Home, were awarded Caregiver of Distinction. Both Clive and Rachel have proved to be exemplary in aspects such as work ethic, reliability, kindness and compassion.

Scholarships were also awarded to a select few nurses so that they may continue their education, and continue providing premier healthcare to our region. The scholarships and their recipients are as follows:

M.A. Guiney Scholarship Fund (Two Scholarships Awarded – $500 each)

Marianne Guiney passed away in 1995, less than seven years after contracting the HIV virus through a patient encounter. She will always be seen as a hero to those who knew her and will be remembered for her unconditional response to anyone who needed her nursing care. In memory of M.A. Guiney, the MVHS Nursing Services Office, in collaboration with the medical staff, established this scholarship fund to be used for the education of individuals working toward basic RN preparation.

Awarded to:

  • Delainey Brown, PCT, IMCU
  • Kourtney Bullis, Patient Allocation Coordinator, Transfer Center

The Paxton School of Nursing Alumni Award (Four Scholarships Awarded – $500 each)

The Faxton Hospital Alumni Association, organized in 1902, is an active, vital organization, supporting nursing practice at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare (FSLH), now MVHS, and nursing education for alumni members and their families. This scholarship award, established from the contributions and generosity of alumni, will continue to support the education of women and men in the profession of nursing.

Awarded to:

  • Abigail Magruder, PCT, Surgical Home
  • Brenna Kenyon, Nurse Extern, Float
  • Dino Andelija, Monitor Tech, Command Center
  • Chelsea Osborn, PCT, Eight East

Bice Nursing Scholarship (One Scholarship Awarded – $1,000)

Jean E. Bice, a Utica resident and longtime supporter of FSLH and now MVHS, established this scholarship in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon R. Bice. This scholarship provides support for employees seeking to advance their nursing careers.

Awarded to:

  • Monica Jackson, PCT, Seventh Floor

MVHS would like to sincerely congratulate all of our award and scholarship recipients. We appreciate all you do for the organization and our community.

###