Three exceptional Flagstaff Medical Center nurses recently were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to their patients, to other nurses and to the nursing profession. Flagstaff Medical Center would like to congratulate Trauma Nurse Practitioner Aura Leaf Edmondson, Pediatric Nurse Joan Moore and Pediatric/Perinatal Services Director Cindy Beckett.

Aura Leaf Edmonson, R.N., A.C.N.P., trauma nurse practitioner, was selected as a winner in the regional 2009 NurseWeek/Nursing Spectrum Nursing Excellence awards, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, in the category of Advancing and Leading the Profession. Edmondson, a nurse practitioner in FMC’s Trauma Services since December 2006, was selected for the award from finalists throughout Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Washington.
 
Edmondson was recognized for her efforts in building unified trauma services between community physicians and FMC to provide a continuum of care for patients; for successfully reducing the length of stay for trauma patients below national averages; and for increasing communication between all healthcare providers in an effort to improve patient care.

The March of Dimes Nurses of the Year Awards was established to bring awareness to critical nursing shortage throughout Arizona. Nurses from across Arizona, including two FMC nurses were honored at the sixth annual Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards in Scottsdale.

Joan Moore, R.N., pediatric nurse, received the 2009 Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of Year award in the category of Rising Star, being new to the nursing profession. As a nurse for less than two years, Moore already has shown her commitment to her patients and to quality patient care. She was nominated by her coworkers for her role in implementing journals as a means to share research and information about best practice models for pediatric patients.

Cindy Beckett, Ph.D., R.N.C., L.C.C.E., director, received the 2009 Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award in the category of Advancing the Profession. Beckett was instrumental in implementing new processes which improved the model of care for newborns and their mothers in the first six hours after delivery. In addition to her role as director of FMC’s Pediatric/Perinatal Departments, Beckett is responsible for implementing shared governance models, professional development programs and activities, and evidence-based practice research methods.

FMC nurses who were finalists in the 2009 Arizona March of Dimes Nurse of the Year awards include Sally Bond, R.N., Medical/Surgical Unit; Kim Horn, B.S.N., M.P.H., Infection Control; Sherry Mace, M.S., F.N.P., Spine and Joint Surgery Center; and Cindy Sanders, M.S.N., Pediatrics.