March 29, 2016
Melissa Stewart (left) and Jennifer Evangelista (right).
Story by: Laura Manuel
The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) recently named the top 100 nurses in 100 years as part of their centennial celebrations. A group of AHS registered nurses (RNs) are included on this elite list. Two of those who made the top 100 list are Jennifer Evangelista and Melissa Stewart.
“I am honoured and humbled to be receiving this award,” says Jennifer Evangelista, an RN and clinical nurse educator at Foothills Hospital. “I appreciate the acknowledgement from my colleagues.”
Recognition of the nursing profession is important to Evangelista. Nurses were not always seen as health professionals; today, they are acknowledged for specialized skills and knowledge.
“As a profession, nursing has moved from the role of handmaidens to working collaboratively with physicians and others on the care team,” explains Evangelista.
Evangelista is celebrated for her initiative and work in orienting nurses who have started to work in the Emergency Department, specifically in the area of trauma.
“New nurses were sort of thrown into working with trauma patients,” says Evangelista. “An orientation helped them be more prepared and have an understanding of what to expect. It’s about setting them up for success.”
Melissa Stewart is another of AHS’ nurses on the top 100 list.
“I’ve always been very passionate about nursing,” says Stewart, RN for postpartum community services, Calgary Zone. “I feel humbled that my colleagues nominated me for the award…I think it’s a great way to acknowledge the efforts of registered nurses in Alberta.”
Stewart is passionate about maternal and infant health. She acts as a resource for community health nurses to uphold evidence-based practice.
“I support my colleagues through my role on program committees and as a resource coordinator,” says Stewart. “Receiving the award doesn’t directly influence my nursing practice, but I’ll take it as a sign that we‘re doing something right. I will continue to strive for excellence in nursing.”
The nurses will be honoured at CARNA events throughout the year. The full list and biographies of the top 100 nurses can be found on the CARNA website.
