The Nightingale Initiative
Florence Nightingale, a statistician, theorist and nursing leader, had a profound impact on the practice of nursing in the 19th century. The principles and practices she employed to define nursing as a profession continues to guide nurses in their practice today. Parkview created the Nightingale Initiative in 2014 as a professional development tool for all nurses to build skills in communication and developing a healing touch.
Embracing excellence in practice, Parkview nurses follow Florence Nightingale’s teachings by creating a healing environment, attending to the unique needs of the individual patient, seeking best practices and reconnecting to their nursing purpose.
Nightingale Award
As part of the Nightingale Initiative, Parkview recently gave the third-annual Nightingale Awards, linking the history of nursing to the future of caregiving. The award recognizes nurses who foster a compassionate, caring culture. The Nightingale Award was established in memory of the late Marge Carpenter, LPN – thanks to the generosity of her husband, the Rev. Doyle Carpenter. Marge was described by her Parkview co-workers as, “An innovative woman who had a strong work ethic, consistently exceeded the expectations of patients and families, and served as a mentor to younger nurses. Her dedication manifested daily through her work ethic, quality improvements, reliability and perseverance. She was a servant leader at work, in the community and at home.” This award seeks not only to remember Marge, but also to honor nurses who embody the qualities she exhibited daily.
2017 Nightingale Award Recipients
As servant leaders, these nurses provide compassionate and holistic care. They are innovative and mentor others in ways to provide care in a team environment. They consistently exceed patient and family expectations. Additionally, they are respected by co-workers for their work ethic and their dedication to quality improvements, reliability and perseverance.
Freda Calligan
BSN, RN, MedSurg, Parkview Hospital Randallia
“Freda came to Randallia Med Surge as a new RN almost two years ago. Freda has been a Parkview employee for 12 years working her way from dietary to nursing. She exemplifies the true value that embodies the Nightingale award. Every patient everyday isn’t just a mantra for Freda, she truly exemplifies this. She has a passion for nursing for every patient regardless of why they are admitted. In fact, numerous patients have even requested that Freda be their nurse. She is a Nightingale nurse in and out.” – Kathy Fisher, MSN, RN, CMSRN, need to confirm, nursing services manager, MedSurg, Parkview Hospital Randallia
Jeni Schmidt
RN, Supportive Care Unit, Parkview Hospital Randallia
“Jeni is entering her 21st year with the Parkview organization. She has worked with Home Health and Hospice, the inpatient oncology unit at PRMC, and is currently an RN in the Supportive Care Unit at Parkview Randallia Hospital. Jeni spends her nursing shifts compassionately guiding patients and their families through the end-of-life process. She remains a constant advocate for her patients’ needs and truly guides her practice every shift with Parkview’s mission and values.
Jeni is a wonderful team member and truly supports a team approach in the care that we provide. Jeni is a preceptor for our unit and takes pride in welcoming and teaching new staff all that they need to know to holistically care for our hospice patients. Jeni is an inspirational individual who worked extremely hard to become an RN. Her ambition and drive is highly commendable.” – Brooke Kinzer, BSN, RN, CMSRN, nursing services manager, Supportive Care Unit, Parkview Hospital Randallia
Jan Godfrey
BSN, RN, CMSRN, Nurse Leader, 6 Medical, PRMC
“Jan embodies the spirit of Nightingale in all that she does. As a Parkview employee for over 40 years, Jan has truly dedicated her time to serving others. She treats all patients, families and coworkers with respect and is able to see people as whole beings – mind, body and spirit. I often overhear her rounding on patients, checking in on them, quietly assessing needs. Jan is able to individualize every interaction. She sits and spends extra time with those who are scared or lonely and yet is able to have an honest conversation with those who need truth.
Jan shows the same care and compassion for our coworkers as well. She is a trusted confidant and mentor, always encouraging growth and new learning. She empowers others to participate and bring forth their ideas while helping to guide and grow critical-thinking skills. Jan is a constant - reliable and consistent, and she is a true servant leader.” – Christy Lung, MSN, RN, CMSRN, nursing services manager, 6 Medical & Admission Staging Unit, PRMC
Ruth Reed
RN, Prep Recovery, Parkview Wabash Hospital
“Ruth Reed is truly the perfect role model of Florence Nightingale incarnate. Ruth lives and breathes her values as a nurse. Ruth always puts her patients first. Always! Ruth gives the same respect, patience and kindness to everyone she comes in contact with.” – Laurie McCullers, manager, OR, Parkview Wabash Hospital
Krista Stetzel
RN, PPG – Family Medicine, Columbia City
“Krista led the office/team in collaboration with Dr. Hagan in developing the Giving Gardens Program for the S Whitley-Family Medicine patients. Tokens are provided to patients in need for use at area farmer’s markets. Patient educational materials have been developed. Krista also collaborated with S Whitley Hospital’s Bridget Johnson, VP of Patient Services to maintain a fruit basket in the office for patients. This is supported by a grant obtained by the hospital.” – Kathy Jones, MSN, FNP-C, Vice President-Parkview Physicians Group - Clinical Operations
