Loyola Nurse Earns National Award for Contributions in Patient Care

Newswise — Judy McHugh, MSN, RN, a nursing quality improvement coordinator at Loyola University Health System (LUHS), has received the Validator Award. McHugh earned this national award for the work she has done to advance the organization and the profession of nursing through quality and safety initiatives.

She was among a prestigious group of more than 50 nurses who were nominated for this honor. This contest was part of a nationwide campaign to recognize nurses for their good work in the profession. McHugh accepted this award at the ANCC National Magnet Conference® in Baltimore earlier this month. This was the first time the award has been given.

“Judy is always a champion for improving quality of patient care,” said Deborah Jasovsky, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, associate chief nurse executive and Magnet program director, LUHS, who nominated McHugh for the award. “She continuously strives for excellence and inspires her colleagues to do the same."

As a member of LUHS’ Nursing Quality and Safety Council, McHugh has been integral in quality campaigns and committees to improve patient safety. She also has been involved with fall prevention, restraint reduction, and communication and documentation improvement initiatives in nursing. McHugh also mentors other nurses, equipping them with evidence-based practices.

McHugh earned her bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College and her master’s of science in nursing from Loyola University Chicago.

Loyola Nurse Earns Critical-Care Certification

Karen Brown, RN, earned her Critical-Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. Brown works in the intensive care unit at Loyola University Medical Center.

Loyola Nurse Appointed to Board of Directors for Otorhinolaryngology Society

Ramute Kemeza, RN, was elected to a two-year term of the board of directors for the Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head-Neck Nurses. Kemeza also is the national chapter coordinator and has served on the society’s nominating committee and as committee chairwoman. Kemeza works in Employee Health Services at Loyola University Medical Center.