CMH nurses receive top honors for 2006

Calvert Memorial Hospital nurses Karen Seekford and Rose Essex received top honors at the Maryland Nursing Association’s District 9 ceremony held in Waldorf. Seekford won the JoAnne Zwick Caring Award and Essex was named Nurse of the Year.

JoAnne Zwick was well known throughout the Southern Maryland area. She worked in the local hospitals and taught in the nursing program at the Charles County Community College. She was killed in a car accident in 1981.

“These honors are well deserved,” said Bob McWhirt, vice president for patient services at CMH. “Karen and Rose are outstanding examples of excellence in nursing care and professionalism.”

Seekford has been a registered nurse on level 2 at CMH since 1988. “Since her arrival, Karen has consistently exhibited a commitment for nursing,” said Anne Lockhart, RN, director, medical-surgical units, “particularly medical-surgical bedside nursing care.”

“She is an advocate for nursing at CMH and her unit,” said Lockhart. “She has actively participated in key committees and task forces. She is greatly respected by her peers.”

Lockhart praised her willingness to train new nurses and to serve as a resource for other staff.

Essex has been a registered nurse for over 20 years. Although, her original area of practice was critical care nursing, for the past five years she has served as a certified diabetes educator with the Diabetes Self-Management Program at CMH.

“Rose brings a unique blend of talents and communication skills to her position,” said Lockhart. “She frequently serves as a resource person for staff at CMH and teaches on diabetes-related topics.”

“She is also a avid volunteer,” said Lockhart. “She routinely participates in community based health fairs and is a frequent speaker at church and scout meetings. In fact, her activity has resulted in many new participants in the (Diabetes Self-Management) program.”

For more information about nursing or scholarship opportunities at Calvert Memorial Hospital, visit: www.calverthospital.com.