National Nursing Week of Excellence Award Ceremony honors McKinney’s staff

Plaques and Citations from the office of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, and Council Woman Mercedes Narcisse, were presented to the nursing staff of NYC Health +Hospitals/McKinney Nursing Home during a heartfelt National Nursing Week of Excellence Award Ceremony on the grounds of the Albany Avenue, Brooklyn facility.

Hosted by Ann Whyte Akinyooye, chief nursing officer, the recipients are, Nightingale of the Year, Kenneth Cox — assistant director, Nursing; RN of the Year, Shyron Brue, RN; LPN of the Year Ndeye Seydi; PCA of the Year, Marie Denord; PCT of the year, Dahlia Blackwood-Shirley; Head Nurse of the Year, Micaelle Reserve, RN; and Nursing Lifetime of Excellence, Simone Ross, RN.

Yolanda Lezama-Clark, MSN, BSN, RN, nursing instructor at CUNY, addresses nurses and guests. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Yolanda Lezama-Clark, nursing instructor at CUNY, MSN, BSN, RN, in her keynote address, reminded nurses that service is more than the use of a simple word, ‘it is a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping others to a better life.”

Founder/resident of the 10-year old Carlos Lezama Archives & Caribbean Cultural Center, and past President of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, Lezama-Clark, noted that giving the elderly a listening ear to communicate with them, is important.

“When we embark on this service of health, we make an unconditional commitment and devotion to others as we make a different in their lives.”

“Let us continue to maintain high standards in treating our residents as we would want to be treated or better yet, as we would want our dear loved ones to be treated.”
“Let us retain that smile in our voice, and our daily interactions with residents, to help them feel that keen sense of comfort and caring.”

“Be the living expression of God’s kindness. Happy Nurses Week,” she expressed.

David Weinstein, chief executive officer, Nursing Excellence of the Year recipient, Sharon Bruce, RN,
and Ann Whyte Akinyooye, chief nursing officer, during the National Nursing Award Ceremony. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

“We celebrate all our nurses because today all of you deserve to receive the highest recognition, we can give you. Our heartfelt thanks, said David Weinstein, chief executive officer.

“We’ve been building a work environment that values competence, initiative, critical thinking, leadership, the desire to learn and grow in a space whereby problems and errors are brought forward in a just culture setting. Embracing the concept, no mistakes, just lessons learned, he said of the institution, that was earlier this year, ranked #36 amongst other facilities in NYS.

He acknowledged the contribution of Chief Nursing Officer, Ann Whyte Akinyooye, saying, I want to thank you for all you do for our staff and residents. I am extremely proud and honored to work with such a remarkable group of talented nurses. Together, we are providing tomorrow’s health care today.”

“Thank you for allowing us to celebrate your day with you. Happy Nursing Excellence Day,” expressed Weinstein.

Akinyooye, in turn, applauded the professionals, noting, “I hope you celebrate yourselves for the great job you are doing. Nurses you are special and powerful beyond measure, and I need to take up your mantle of compassion and dignity, because we stand on the pulse in this caregiving arena.”

David Weinstein, chief executive officer, Angela Cooper, assistant director, Communications, recipient of the 25 Years of Service Award, and Ann Whyte Akinyooye, chief nursing officer, during the National Nursing Award Ceremony, in McKinney’s garden. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Sabar, extended congratulations on the outstanding deficiency-free survey gained recently, noting that the incredible accomplishment was made possible through the collective effort of each of the staff.

“Day in and day out you demonstrate your remarkable skills in caring for the residents of McKinney with genuine warmth and compassion.”

“You treat our residents as if they are your own family members. This level of dedication has made this year’s National Nurses Week celebration even more special.”

“Happy National Nurses Week to our incredible nursing staff. May this week serve as a reminder of the lasting difference you make in the lives of our residents and the entire McKinney community. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and compassion,” said Dr. Sabar.

Deputy Executive Director Daveth Forbes also congratulated the staff, on the most recent survey outcome. “The average number of deficiencies in New York State is 5 per facility and in the entire US 8.7 per facility. For two consecutive clinical surveys, McKinney does not have to write a plan of correction. Well done.”

She said when the nursing staff carry out doctors’ orders, questions, or smile they make a difference. To the entire nursing team, thank you for the positive difference you make in the lives of your residents every single day. Happy Nurses week to you, she conveyed.

Dr. Khoi Luong, Sr. VP, PAC also extended greetings, and thanked the nursing staff for their commitment and dedication to the caring of the elderly residents.

The garden reception was curated by Angela Cooper, assistant director, Communications, who received a 25- year service award. Cooper also belted out a melodious rendition of the national anthem, and served as co-emcee with Andrinne Oden, associate director of Nursing.

The Nightingales holding up lanterns during the National Nursing Week of Excellence Awards Ceremony at McKinney Nursing Home. Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The McKenny Color Guard led by Det. Brigida Gonzales & P.O. Helen Lyons, and followed by Shyron Bruce – RN, and the Nightingales, who rendered the pledge with the help of Simone Ross, RN. A dance tribute “You Say” by Aoami Sailing, and a touching spoken word poem – Ode to McKinney Nurses, by Valerie McLeod Kat, highlighted the afternoon’s proceedings.

“Lift me Up, from the movie Black Panther Wakanda Forever, sang by Kendia Maisonneuvre was also a wow moment for the nurses who were all decked out in their white uniforms. 

A minute of silence was observed, and roses laid for deceased staffers, Elizabeth Augustus, EVS, and Angella Reynolds, LPN. Other contributors included Margaden Orgela, RN, and Louise Brown, BSN RN.