Awards
Awards & Certifications
Nurse and Friend of Nursing of the Year
Each year, Atlantic General Hospital recognizes a nurse of the year as well as a support person of the year to two individuals who live and work the mission and vision of Atlantic General Hospital.
Nurse of the Year 2019
Demiah Nooney, RN was recently recognized as AGH Nurse of the Year.Nooney received multiple
nominations by her fellow AGH associates. One nomination stated “empathy,
excellent collaboration, honesty and integrity are paramount. She will
always tell you the truth and is 100 percent dependable.”
Joining the organization in 2005 as a scholarship recipient, Nooney continued her education to become a registered nurse. She worked on the medical surgical unit to provide coverage for the Center for Joint Surgery. Five year later, she joined the inpatient case management department. She later transferred to the emergency department where she currently works as a case manager.
Nooney is described as a nurse who is willing to do anything for her patients, always courteous and respectful, even during difficult conversations.
On receiving the Nurse of the Year Award, Nooney said, "I am honored to receive this recognition. It is a privilege to work alongside such an amazing team of skilled and compassionate individuals. The patients I serve, in addition to my AGH family, inspire me every day to continue to improve the health of our community. Without each and every one of them, our organization would not be able to provide the high quality care our community deserves.”
Other nominees included Allison Willey, RN, Amy Bohtling, RN, Kim Richardson, RN and Wendi McDonough, BSN, RN, CPAN, CGRN. A subcommittee of the Professional Nurse Council selects the recipient from a pool of those nominated by fellow AGH associates and previous DAISY Award winners.
Friend of Nursing 2019
The 2019 Friend of Nursing Award recipient,
Betsy Esposito, was nominated by multiple staff for going above and beyond in patient
care, as well as taking pride in what she does. One of her nominations
said, “she is the behind-the-scenes hero.”
On receiving the Friend of Nursing Award, Esposito said “I love my AGH family. My goal has always been to keep costs to the organization down so that we are able to meet the needs of each of our patients.”
Esposito has been an essential part of AGH for 11 years and is described as always bringing new ideas while helping to reduce costs to ensure that the patients’ needs are met. She will go above and beyond, no matter what effort it takes.
DAISY Award
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, presented by the DAISY Foundation, honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day. The award is presented each month. Patients, families, visitors, colleagues, physicians and other staff can nominate an Atlantic General Hospital and Health System nurse for the DAISY Award at any time. Nomination forms are available in every hospital department and health system physician office. Or click here to download the form.
2019 Recipients
DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award Colleen Wareing, MS, BSN, RN, NEA-BC,
FACHE, Vice President of Patient Care Services
Atlantic General Hospital recently presented the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award to Colleen Wareing.
Wareing has been the chief nursing officer for 19 years, overseeing multiple clinical services including inpatient services, critical care, surgical, emergency, cardiopulmonary, nutritional, bariatrics, wound care, anesthesia and physical therapy. In addition to playing an active role in providing high quality services throughout the Atlantic General Hospital Health System and ensuring positive outcomes and experiences for patients, she has been passionately involved in behavioral health initiatives and the community efforts to battle the opioid crisis.
“We are fortunate to have such an inspiring nurse leader and recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.," said Michael Franklin, President and CEO of AGH.
4th Quarter Sheri Candeloro, RN
Atlantic General Hospital has awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing to Sherri Candeloro.
Candeloro has been a nurse at Atlantic General Hospital for 10 years. She has worked in several departments including the intensive care unit, emergency department, post-anesthesia care unit, medical infusion, and the Burbage Regional Cancer Care Center. Candeloro has been a repeat nominee the DAISY award for several years.
The nomination letter stated Candeloro could not be more deserving of this award. She was nominated by a patient who was receiving several months of infusions. They described Candeloro as a phenomenal caregiver and stated, “she meets the criteria with very high marks!”
Atlantic General Hospital also awarded the Team DAISY Award to the intensive care unit staff for their outstanding work in contributing donations to Worcester Youth and Family Services throughout the year.
The ICU staff spearheaded several drives throughout the year to collect and donate items needed. Food baskets for holiday meals, more than 200 pairs of pajamas and books, and 40 Easter baskets were collected and donated to Worcester Youth and Family Services to support those in need.
3rd Quarter Iris Hudson, CMSRN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing to Iris Hudson, at a recent presentation.
Hudson has been a nurse at Atlantic General Hospital for almost 20 years, and is a charge nurse on the medical surgical unit. Hudson has been a repeat nominee for both the DAISY and Nurse of the Year award. She supports the hospital in caring for the community and serving as chair of the performance improvement/patient safety council.
Colleagues of Hudson look forward to working with her and stated she is a good hearted, kind soul. They enjoy working with her because she is a hard worker and gives all she’s got.
The nomination stated, “He is so special - kind, caring and takes such good care of his patients. His smiling face always greets you. Nothing is too much for him to do for his patients.”
The nomination letter stated, “Iris always does what is best for the patient. She is a valuable asset to the AGH team! She is passionate about patients every time she is here. No matter how big or small the situation is, Iris gets it done.”
2nd Quarter Emergency Department
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the Team DAISY Award for excellence in nursing to the Emergency Department in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019. The DAISY Award only recognizes an entire team once a year, and this is the second year in a row the Emergency Department has received the honor.
Of the nomination, Director of Emergency Services/Practice Transformation Andi West-McCabe stated, “I am extremely proud of this team! This is one example of the exemplary teamwork they provide each and every day. When you are a nurse, you know that every day you will impact someone’s life, and often your life will be impacted in return.”
The nomination reflected back on a busy day in August when the Emergency Department sprang into action to save the life of a critically ill pediatric patient. “Over these 6 hours I saw some of the most ideal team work I have ever experienced,” the nomination stated. “Across multiple departments we came together for the sole purpose to save one little girls life.”
“The Emergency Department received this award because for the second year in a row, they put to action all of the core values of Atlantic General Hospital; Trust, accountability, integrity, service and teamwork, and saved the life of a young child,” stated Vice President of Patient Care Services Colleen Wareing.
1st Quarter Guy Gross, RN, BSN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing to Guy Gross, RN, BSN, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.
Gross has been a nurse for three years, one and a half of which he has spent with AGH at the Regional Cancer Care Center. He is BSN prepared and has been dedicated to the oncology specialty since he began the profession. He recently began to pursue a doctoral degree to become a nurse anesthetist.
Of his nomination, Gross said, “I am so honored and proud to have been chosen to receive the DAISY award. I am beyond grateful for my patients and their families who felt that I was deserving of this award. Caring for oncology patients has made me the caring and compassionate nurse that I am today and I will always be thankful for them.”
The nomination stated, “He is so special - kind, caring and takes such good care of his patients. His smiling face always greets you. Nothing is too much for him to do for his patients.”
“Guy is such a unique employee as he is a constant ray of joy and positivity in any room that he walks into. His uplifting attitude is exactly what our cancer patient’s need while going through their infusion treatments. The nomination says it all; nothing is too much for him to do for his patients,” stated Colleen Wareing, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital.
2018 Recipients
2nd Quarter Wendi McDonough, BNS, RN, CPAN, CGRN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 to Wendi McDonough, BSN, RN, CPAN, CGRN.
McDonough has been a nurse for 22 years, and has been with AGH for 12 of those years. She is BSN prepared and will soon be completing her master’s degree. McDonough is dedicated to the GI specialty as well as the nursing profession. She is board certified in gastroenterology nursing (CGRN) and recovery room nursing (CPAN).
Of her nomination, McDonough said, “I was astonished and honored to learn that I was selected for the DAISY award. Some of my most treasured moments are when someone looks me in the eyes and says, “thank you.” It is then that I know I’m doing what I was called to do.”
McDonough constantly strives for improvement and expects excellence not only for herself, but for all staff working with her. She is a champion for motivating staff involvement in professional organizations, department process improvements, and attending educational conferences. The nomination stated, “Her knowledge contributes to the excellent teamwork offered by the Endoscopy Center. Her expertise, dedication and passion are evident in the superior care she provides day after day for patients.”
1st Quarter Nettie Widgeon, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 to Nettie Widgeon, RN.
Nettie has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for 13 years, starting as a CNA on the Medical-Surgical Unit. Nettie became a tech and transferred to the Emergency Department, eventually earning her nursing degree and becoming a charge nurse. Nettie was certified as a SAFE nurse, providing compassion and clinical exams for the victims of sexual assault. She worked in the Emergency Department until mid-summer of 2017, when she took th
e clinical supervisor position for Atlantic General Health System.
Of her nomination, Nettie said, "This is a true highlight of my career. There is no greater job in the world than being a nurse. It is who I am."
One nomination she received recounted a situation in which a patient was brought to the ER with slurred speech and disorientiation. While the patient admitted to having too much to drink, Nettie realized not all his symptoms pointed to alcohol intoxication. Due to her sharp observation, the patient was diagnosed with a severe brain hemorrhage and he was immediately transferred for surgery.
The nomination stated, "In a quick and challenging environment, this was an exceptional medical assessment alert to the physician. All nurses are caring; some have more experience than others, however, a quick eye to the abnormal can result in a lifesaving event. Had the patient been treated for his agitation, rather than the hidden, immediate problem, this case could have resulted in a grim outcome."
2017 Recipients
2nd Quarter - Kelly Fox, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 to Kelly Fox, RN.
Kelly has worked in intensive care unit (ICU) at AGH for 11 years. This is her fourth DAISY nomination and her first DAISY award. Of her nomination, Fox said, "I am very honored to receive the DAISY Award. I work with an incredible group of nurses and physicians. It is truly a group effort."
One nomination Fox received stated, "the actions Kelly displayed, not only as patient care supervisor and nurse but as a compassionate individual, is what earns her this nomination for the DAISY Award."
1st Quarter - Anne Watson-Waples, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2017 to Anne Watson-Waples, RN.
Anne has worked with Atlantic General Hospital for over 11 years. She was the 2015 Nurse of the Year, after being nominated by a team of peers and leadership from the hospital. This is her second DAISY Award. Of her nomination, Watson-Waples said, "I am once again humbled by this recognition. Some of the greatest moments in my life will always be the bonds I've developed and the care I've given my patients and their families. It will always be about them."
One nomination she received stated, "My wife was dying and afraid. Nurse Watson-Waples provided professional assistance but, more importantly she provided comfort to my wife during this tragic time...She showed kindness, and compassion while performing her many duties in ICU. She lifted my wife's spirits, allowing her to address the inevitable end of her life. When my wife was in hospice, Anne Watson-Waples visited, stating only that she 'was in the area and decided to stop by.'"
2016 Recipients
4th Quarter - Mary Wilgus, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing
for the fourth quarter 2016 to Mary Wilgus,RN.
She has worked with Atlantic General Hospital for over nine years. Wilgus
supports the hospital in caring for the community and its visitors as
a staff and charge nurse, as well as patient care supervisor. Of her nomination,
Wilgus says, "There is no greater compliment than the kind words
of the people we care for."
One nomination Wilgus received stated, "She tries her hardest to meet the needs of the patients and staff...making every patient feel safe and well informed. Mary is a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with!"
3rd Quarter - Patty Tull, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the third quarter of 2016 to Patty Tull, RN.
Tull currently works in Surgical Services and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital since 2006. Winning the Daisy award was unexpected. Deciding to go back to school and changing my life and career, I always hoped to change and add to someone's life. This award makes me feel like I am becoming the nurse I always dreamed of hopefully being one day. I hope to continue being just that nurse," said Tull.Zimenkova currently works in the observation unit at Atlantic General Hospital. She received a nomination from the mother of an adolescent patient who said she is “so awesome!”.
2nd Quarter - Mariya Zimenkova, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the second quarter of 2016 to Mariya Zimenkova, RN.
Zimenkova currently works in the observation unit at Atlantic General Hospital. She received a nomination from the mother of an adolescent patient who said she is “so awesome!”.
The family member that nominated Zimenkova was extremely grateful for the care and attention she gave her son while being treated at Atlantic General Hospital. “She was very supportive to us, answered all of our questions, and what a great bedside manner! She is such a wonderful nurse. Everyone was great, but she is the one that stands out the most!”
1st Quarter - Katie Zidanic, RN
Atlantic General Hospital awarded the DAISY Award for excellence in nursing for the first quarter of 2016 to Katie Zidanic, RN.
Zidanic currently works in the Med Surg department and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for two years. She received two nominations, one from a patient and one from a family. The family member who nominated Katie wanted her to be recognized for getting her mother to smile. It was something she had not seen her mother do in a long time.
The patient who nominated Zidanic said, “If my whole family could have voted, you would have had 50 nominations for Katie.”
“It is truly an honor to be recognized for a career that I feel so passionately about and one that I feel like I was born to do,” Zidanic said. “Within days of working at AGH I knew that I had been placed here for a reason. I work with THE best group of nurses, techs and doctors.”
DAISY - 2015
Tracey Wooden, RN, CHPN received the fourth quarter DAISY Award at a presentation
held on Thursday, July 23rd.
Tracey currently works for the Supportive Services department and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for ten years. Tracey began her nursing career at AGH working on the Med-Surg unit, but felt strongly that chronically ill patients and their families deserve access to resources that will allow them to live without pain and suffering. In her current role, Tracey is able to assist with symptom management, emotional support and allowing the patient’s to attain their goals.
Tracey received two nominations, one from a patient and one from a family. One family wrote, “While the situation had a tragic end for our family, you were a bright spot in the situation with the care, concern and help you provided”.
Of her nomination, Tracey said, “It is truly a collaborative effort to support our patients and families and I work as a part of that team. I am so honored that a family would take the time to write this nomination, especially during such a difficult period."
DAISY - 2014
Atlantic General Hospital recently unveiled the Healer’s Touch statue in the hospital’s serenity garden in conjunction with honoring its first DAISY Award recipient, registered nurse Tracey Donalds. Donalds joined Atlantic General Hospital in 2010 as a nurse in the medical surgical department, where she helped with the initial development of the Observation Unit. She currently works in the emergency department. According to one of her nominees, Donalds “is the most fiercely compassionate medical professional we have ever encountered.”
Nurse of the Year-2018
Paula Dize, RN, CCRN, was recognized as AGH Nurse of the Year for 2018. Dize received multiple nominations by her fellow AGH associates. One nomination stated “her commitment to our facility shows in her manner of support towards her patients and her professionalism.”
Dize is described as a nurse who exceeds in her leadership roles.
“She treats her patients as if they were her own family,” stated one of her fellow AGH associates.
“Described as a mentor, an educator, a leader and someone who inspires passion, the nominations cited multiple examples of care above and beyond the call of duty and teaching expertise towards her colleagues. She makes me proud to be in the nursing profession as a leader alongside a rising leader,” added Colleen Wareing, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital.
On receiving the Nurse of the Year award, Dize said, "I am honored and grateful to be a part of the AGH family. I feel very privileged to work with such talented and passionate individuals. Being recognized by my colleagues for a job that I love is an amazing and humbling experience.”
Other nominees included Amy Bohtling, Kelli Duckett, Mary Wilgus, Shannon Simpson, Tanna Bryant, Nettie Widgeon, Wendi McDonough, and Bev Ward. A subcommittee of the Professional Nurse Council selects the recipient from a pool of those nominated by fellow AGH associates and previous DAISY nurses.
Nurse of the Year- 2017
Niki Morris, RN, CNOR, was recently recognized as AGH Nurse of the Year. One nomination stated
“she exemplifies the true definition of what is a nurse.”
Morris is described as a nurse with impeccable ethics and professionalism
who continuously focuses on the patient by demonstration of teamwork throughout
every department. Morris recently achieved her certification in critical
care nursing and will complete her BSN this year.
“Morris’ nominations cited multiple examples of care above and beyond the call of duty as a mentor and leader. She makes me proud to be in the nursing profession,” added Colleen Wareing, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital.
On receiving the Nurse of the Year award, Morris said, "I am humbled and honored to be acknowledged for what I love to do and especially by my peers. I am fortunate to be able to work with and learn from such amazing people in an awesome hospital such as Atlantic General."
Other nominees included Donya Smith, Jeannie Keagle, Lynn Morin, Nettie Widgeon, Sherri Candeloro, Iris Hudson, Kelly Fox, and Mary Bratten. A subcommittee of the Professional Nurse Council selects the recipient from a pool of those nominated by fellow AGH associates.
Nurse of the Year - 2016
Tracey Wooden, RN was recently recognized as AGH Nurse of the Year. Other nominees included three past DAISY awardees Patti Tull, RN; Mariya Zimenkova, RN and Katie Zidanic, RN. (The DAISY Award is a national program that honors nurses on the local level who have gone above and beyond in their delivery of patient care.)
Wooden works in Supportive Care Services as a Palliative Medicine Nurse and has been with AGH since 2005. Wooden holds a BS degree in Cultural Anthropology from SUNY at Buffalo in New York and obtained her RN from Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md. She currently is completing her masters to become a nurse practitioner in palliative medicine. Wooden is a clinical expert in palliative medicine and has achieved the title of certified hospice and palliative medicine nurse through the National Hospice and Palliative Medicine Association.
“Wooden is described as epitomizing the spirit of nursing. She is deeply caring, a loving and devout advocate for patients and their families, and skilled in providing effective symptom management. Tracey focuses on all aspects of care for patients and their caregivers,” added Colleen Wareing, vice president of patient care services at Atlantic General Hospital.
As an ardent and compassionate palliative medicine nurse, Wooden provides education and interventions to our Supportive Care Services patients, their families, and others on the health care team.
Wooden commented, “I am truly honored to receive the Nurse of the Year Award. I am fortunate to be a part of such a caring, devoted team of nurses and caregivers.”
Nurse of the Year -2015
Anne Watson-Waples, RN, received the
2015 Nurse of the Year award at the Nurse’s Week Kick-Off breakfast held on Monday, May
4th. On hand to see her receive the award were both current and former
colleagues excited to see her recognized for her outstanding patient care
and dedication to the organization and community.
Anne currently serves as a charge nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for ten years. She is chair of the Nurse Peer Review Council and also serves on numerous hospital committees and taskforces. She is a mentor and role model for her peers.
Active in her community, Anne was instrumental in the development of the Faith-Based Partnership, which helps bring health education into the community. She was also recently recognized by a patient for the compassionate care Anne provided her during an extended stay in the ICU. The patient wrote, “Ms. Waples has earned her wings.” When asked which of our organizational values Anne exemplifies, the patient wrote “all of them!”
Nurse of the Year - 2014
Melissa Welch, RN, is a charge nurse on the Med Surg unit and is the Clinical
Coordinator for the Stroke Center. She has been instrumental in the Atlantic
General Hospital Stroke Center obtaining the highest recognition from
the American Stroke Association. This was her fourth nomination for the award.
Friend of Nursing- 2018
The 2018 Friend of Nursing award recipient, Regina Bailey, was nominated by multiple staff for going above and beyond in patient care, as well as taking pride in what she does. One of her nominations said, “She comes to work with a bright smile and is always positive.”
Mary Mullins, chair of the Professional Nurses Council at AGH, stated, “It was a great year for the nursing nominations with outstanding submissions to choose from.”
“Without excellent partners, techs, CNAs, MOAs, etc., we cannot be great nurses,” stated Wareing.
Friend of Nursing- 2017
The 2017 Friend of Nursing was awarded to a volunteer for the first time
ever. Nick Bartolomeo was nominated by multiple staff and was described
as one of the hardest working individuals at AGH. He represents the core
values of AGH and instills them through orientation of others.
Elizabeth Weaver, RN case manager, and chair of the Professional Nursing Council, added, “We have an incredible team of professionals, dedicated nurses and associates. All are committed to providing quality care and personalized service to members and visitors of the community. We congratulate this year’s Nurse and Friend of Nursing for a job well done and upholding such high standards of service and care.”
Friend of Nursing - 2016
The Friend of Nursing for 2016 was awarded to Diana Boze. She is a nurse technician in the medical surgical nursing area. Boze received an incredible letter of recommendation attesting to the dedication and professionalism she displays each and every day in her position.
Other nominees included Cheryl Spanninger from medical infusion, Linda Walter from case management/CDI, Yvonne Bass from the Wound Care Center, Nakia Annis from emergency department registration, Cindy Grachik in the emergency department, Dr. Susan Andrews from ICU, and Aaron Schoepf from surgical services. A subcommittee of the Professional Nurse Council selects the recipient from a pool of those nominated by fellow AGH associates.
Friend of Nursing -2015
Betty Mitchell received the
Friend of Nursing 2015award. Betty has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for 9 ½ years
as an Executive Assistant. She was nominated by a group of associates
working throughout the organization. She was described as “the glue
that holds the nursing department together”.
She not only keeps our VP of Clinical Operations organized, Betty is instrumental in the execution of most nursing related events, whether they are administrative or social, including our annual Nurse’s Week celebrations. “Betty has at one time or another worked on a project for one of the nursing departments above and beyond her assigned jobs and she does so without hesitation. If you need help, she will make sure it gets done.”
Clinical Associate of the Year - 2014
Debbie Patterson is the Unit Secretary for Med Surg and has worked at Atlantic General Hospital for over four years. She is committed to customer service, patient safety and acts as a mentor to new associates. She is described by her co-workers as someone who “always goes above and beyond.