June 13, 2023

SVSU Department of Nursing celebrates contributions of nursing professionals

In a tribute to the dedication, compassion and expertise of nurses, Saginaw Valley State University’s Department of Nursing hosted the Carleen K. Moore Nursing Excellence Awards today at SVSU. The 12th annual celebration luncheon showcased the invaluable impact nurses have on patient care, highlighting exceptional individuals whose tireless efforts improve the lives of those they serve. 

“It is an honor to recognize nurses in our community,” said Andrea Frederick, SVSU professor of nursing. “Nurses are vital to the delivery of health care to patients throughout the community. Our honorees represent nursing excellence and embody the qualities that make the nursing profession so important. They deserve to be applauded for their work.”

Established through the generous support of Terry and his wife, Carleen Moore, R.N., the nursing awards recognize the outstanding achievements of nurses across specialties, including critical care, pediatrics, mental health, education, long-term care and more.  

The winners of this year’s awards were nominated by colleagues and healthcare leaders and selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Eight nurses were honored in three categories:  

Acute Care Nursing 

• Kalie Taylor, registered nurse, certified surgical technical and certified surgical first assist at McLaren Bay Region in Bay City

A certified perioperative nurse, Taylor also holds trauma nurse core certification. She was nominated by Yevette Bradley, manager of patient services at McLaren Bay Region, who said that Taylor was instrumental in the establishment of the McLaren Bay Region vascular hybrid program.    

• Melanie Goidosik, surgical nurse at Ascension St. Mary’s Towne Centre Surgery Center, Saginaw

Nominated by Trisha Slough, nurse manager, Goidosik was described as a true patient advocate in the pediatric intensive care unit who treats patients and families with sensitivity and compassion. Goidosik also is involved in community advocacy, including hosting a soup kitchen.  

• Lauren Guentert, staff nurse, surgical ICU/neuro trauma ICU staff nurse at MyMichigan Health in Midland, SICU/NTICU staff nurse (surgical ICU, neuro trauma ICU)

Guentert is respected for her attention to patient needs and comfort. She was nominated by Joe Wilson, her manager, who shared a patient comment: “Lauren always made embarrassing situations positive and uplifting. She provided physical care but also provided me with much needed emotional support.” 

Community Nursing 

• Summer Bates, lead palliative care nurse practitioner for Covenant HealthCare. 

Bates is a passionate believer in patient-centric care. Summer was nominated by Katie Parkhurst the Hospice and Palliative Care Manager for Covenant HealthCare, who praised Bates’ passion for compassionate care and her efforts to explain and promote the value of palliative care to the community. Bates is a member of the Center to Advance Palliative Care, Michigan Oncology Quality Consortium, Michigan Health Information Network, Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, and Sigma Theta Tau.  She has achieved Advanced Certification for Hospice and Palliative Nursing (ACHPN).  

• Sandra Johnson, administrative director of Covenant HealthCare-Cancer Care Center

Johnson was nominated by Adam Tompa, Vice President, Service Lines Covenant HealthCare, who shared that Johnson’s unwavering dedication, expertise and leadership played a pivotal role in the development and renovation of the Covenant Regional Thumb Network Cancer Center in Marlette. This project will make it easier for 173 patients in the Thumb Region to receive daily radiation treatments closer to home.  

Nursing Education 

• Kristine Schaub, nursing professional development specialist at MyMichigan Health

Schaub has made a positive impact on the quality of patient care through her dedication to research and share information on bedside nursing. Schaub serves as co-lead for the MyMichigan Health Research Council and has presented her work at the 2023 Sigma Conference on ideas to promote healthy work environments and the implications for nurse leaders. Schaub was was nominated by Rachel Peltier, clinical education manager at MyMichigan Health.  Schaub is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Academy of Medical/Surgical Nurses, the Association for Nursing Professional Development, and the American Nurses Association. 

• Jeanette Lambert, nurse manager at Ascension St. Mary’s of Saginaw  

Lambert has been tireless in the pursuit of strategies to decrease hospital acquired infections and to promote the best patient centered care possible, developing and implementing a variety of strategies to impact the quality of care at all organizations in Ascension Michigan. Lambert is a member of the American Association for Nursing Leadership and is preparing for the nurse manager leadership credentialing exam. She was nominated by Mary Jo Stephen, director of patient care and Shane Hunt, vice president of nursing.  

• Julie O’Neil, department educator at Covenant HealthCare

O’Neil has been a nurse in Covenant’s Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for over 20 years and has been in the role of department educator for the past two years. She also co-leads the Covenant Family Support Group. O’Neil’s nominator, Jena Bargon, the RNICU nurse manager, stressed her dedication to patients, their families and the nurses she works with. She is passionate about providing knowledge and inspiring others to excel.  

Speakers and presenters included Tami Pobocik, SVSU Nursing Department chair; Tammy Terrell, chief nursing officer at MyMichigan Health; Shane Hunt, vice president for nursing for Ascension St. Mary’s, Standish and St. Joseph’s Hospitals; and Andrea Frederick, SVSU professor of nursing. 

Carleen K. Moore worked as a licensed practical nurse for almost 15 years before returning to nursing school to become a registered nurse. She then worked in the critical care units at Midland Medical Center before retiring from full-time nursing in 2001. The Moores believe in the importance of recognizing and encouraging nurses who demonstrate excellence in their field, and promoting the reputation of Saginaw Valley State University and the SVSU Nursing Program.