FARMINGTON – Jeannine Lake, RN, CDE, a registered nurse at Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient department, recently received a surprise visit from hospital managers to announce that she had been selected as Franklin Memorial ‘s Caregiver of the Year. As such, she is the hospital’s nominee for the statewide Caregiver of the Year Award to be awarded on June 25 by the Maine Hospital Association.
FMH administrative team leaders, Richard Batt and Jill Berry Bowen, made the surprise announcement during Hospital Week and presented Lake with words of thanks for her outstanding contributions to patient care delivery, and presented her with gift certificates for dinner and the cinema.
As part of the Franklin Memorial’s Outpatient Care team, Lake provides a wide-array of nursing services including IV therapy, care of diabetic and oncology patients, and assisting physicians during endoscopy procedures, diagnostic studies, and minor surgical procedures.
Lake has received specialized training in diabetes management, gastrointestinal therapies, and oncology for the past 25 years, and was one of the founding nurses for the American Diabetes Education and Follow-up classes that were first offered to FMH patients ten years ago.
Lake, who was FMH’s first certified diabetes educator, has been a leader in diabetic care there. “She has a genuine gift in her ability to provide diabetes education to all levels and meets the needs of her patients,” said Taffy Davis, Outpatient and Oncology Working Manager. “Over the years, she has gained the trust of physicians who send their patients to her for their patients’ diabetes management. There is no better proof of her caring and positive outcomes than having these doctors’ endorsement.”
Lake began her career at Franklin Memorial Hospital after graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1975. She has also provided nursing care at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice in Lewiston, and the Health Unit at International Paper Company in Jay.
This award honors a caregiver from an MHA member institution, who, on a daily basis, demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the delivery of care to patients and their families. “Each hospital’s chief executive officer was allowed only one nominee, so being nominated is truly an honor,” said Richard Batt, FMH President and CEO. “Jeannine models what it means to truly advocate for health.”
Nominations for the state award will be reviewed by the MHA Caregiver Award committee, composed of six former MHA board chairs, and chaired by Scott Bullock, immediate past chair of the MHA Board. “We want to honor those talented and caring professionals on the front lines of care at Maine’s hospitals,” Bullock said. “For these nominees, healthcare isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.”
Runner-up nominees from FMH included: Kim Edwards, RN, Emergency Department; Dale Bardo, MD, Surgeon; Wendy Huish, RN, Day Surgery; Miriam Brennan, PT, Physical Therapy. Each received special thanks and a $50 gift certificate.
##END##
Jill Gray, Community Relations Manager
Franklin Memorial Hospital
111 Franklin Health Commons
Farmington, ME 04938
Tel: 207.779.2555
Send questions/comments to the editors.
