Doreen Wagner

Doreen Wagner, RN, MSN, CNOR, received the 2005 Outstanding Achievement in Perioperative Nursing Research at the National Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses 52nd Annual Congress in April in New Orleans.

Wagner is an assistant professor of nursing at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega and an independent health care consultant.

In her role as principal investigator for a clinical trial funded by Arizant Healthcare, Wagner conducted a study to compare differences in thermal comfort and anxiety in patients who were subjected to two different preoperative warming regimens. The
results of the study suggest that the use of a patient-controlled warming gown reduces anxiety among pre-operative patients better than traditional warm cotton blankets.

FULTON NURSES HONORED: The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness has honored Jessie Adams, Georgia Goseer and Elena Hodgson as outstanding employees.

Adams, Goseer and Hodgson, along with nine other Georgia public health nurses and a volunteer with the Georgia Nurse Alert System, shared the heroism award of the state Department of Human Resources.

NURSING SHOWCASE: MCG Health System nurses were honored at the 2005 Central Savannah River Area Spirit of Nursing Showcase, sponsored by the District 10 Georgia Nurses Association.

Kimberly Basso, RN, was named CSRA Nurse Manager of the Year. Basso has been with MCG Health System since 1989 and is nurse manager of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Transport Team.

Pamela Cook, RN, assistant professor of undergraduate studies in the MCG School of Nursing and a senior staff nurse, was named Nurse Educator of the Year. Amber Brown, a senior in the School of Nursing, was awarded Student Nurse of the Year.

Twenty registered nurses at MCG Health System also were honored with the Reflection of Nursing Spirit and Commitment Award. They are: Michelle Bruno, Angie Cofer, Katy Derrick, Joanne Doiron, Pam Gardner, Tina Harden, Tammy Harris, Wanda Lewis, Saundra McCorkle, Bethany McLeroy, Ann Neal, Dolat Patel, Carol Pardue, Lynda Roach, Sharon Roberts Parker, Rena Pearson-Shaver, Beneka Scott, Lorraine Stephens, Georgia Tucker and Annette Williams.

HENRY MEDICAL AMBASSADOR: Henry Medical Center recently chose Esther Baker as the hospital’s GREAT (Giving Recognition for Excellence, Advocacy and Teamwork) ambassador. Baker, along with other employees, was entered into the Georgia Hospital Association’s employee recognition program.

Criteria each employee had to meet included demonstration of commitment to the organization, coworkers and patients; contributions to a positive workplace environment; and advocacy for health care careers through mentoring and supporting students or having community involvement.

APRN CONFERENCE: United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses of Central Georgia will hold its third annual conference, Sept. 9-10 at Macon State College. Speakers Margaret Fitzgerald, Carolyn Buppert and Sarah Freeman will talk on “The Patient; the Law; and the Practice: Critical Issues in APRN’s Practices.”

For information, contact Jane Giddens at janegiddensnp@bellsouth.net or call 478-372-5941.

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