2007 McHugh Award for LTC Nursing

Posted: Nov. 9, 2007

Pat Wilbur, RN, a charge nurse at The Cedars in Portland, Maine, has been selected as the 2007 winner of the Joan Anne McHugh Award for Leadership in Long-Term Care. The Award annually recognizes an outstanding nurse who provides excellent clinical care to their residents, while demonstrating leadership and a commitment to the field of long-term care nursing. This year's award was presented during the opening general session of AAHSA's Annual Meeting & Exposition. The presentation also included a video presentation recognizing all of the outstanding long-term care nurses who were nominated for the award. As part of the award, Wilbur will receive a $500 personal cash award and a $1,000 award to be used for professional development opportunities.

Wilbur is recognized for being a team player. She involves all disciplines in resident care, gathering opinions from CNAs, physical therapists, recreational therapists, dietary staff and others. She can often be heard asking questions like "What do you think" or "Could you assess it and give me your ideas?" When called upon for help, Wilbur never hesitates and her judgment and experience are always appreciated by her colleagues. Wilbur is recognized by medical staff at The Cedars as the "go-to nurse" for insight into changes in residents' condition, especially those with multiple comorbidities.

Wilbur actively listens to CNAs, respects their ideas and opinions and regularly expresses her appreciation of the excellent care they give. She is an advocate not only for residents but also her staff, recommending changes to enhance the work life of the unit. Not surprisingly, retention on her unit is high. Just as she attends educational sessions to advance her own skills, Wilbur also institutes learning opportunities with her staff. Because of her patience, nonjudgmental attitude and problem-solving abilities, she is often called upon to mentor new nurses who are struggling.

"Pat Wilbur," says Edward Latham, director of nursing services at the Cedars, "is a nurse leader who makes compassion and professionalism look easy."

For more information contact Alisha Sanders