By: Robert Remler
The Long Beach unit consists of 15 registered nurses who provide care to the 34-bed medical, surgery and telemetry unit known as "main 2-north/south." The unit is one of the hospital's busiest."Having up to 16 patients on [the heart monitors] means any one of them can become critical at any time, requiring the nurse[s] to focus [their] attention on that patient while still caring for other patients. It is in these situations where teamwork becomes essential," said Nurse Manager Maggie Pawlowski.Pawlowski attributes the nurses' success to their respect for one another, professional devotion and camaraderie."I regularly receive letters from patients extolling not only [the nurses'] competence and professionalism, but their compassionate spirit as well," said hospital CEO Douglas Melzer.Their compassion goes beyond the hospital and into the community. Each year they "adopt" a local family for Christmas, providing the family with presents. They once took up a collection of clothes for a needy patient upon his discharge and regularly donate food to local pantries."Giving back is a part of who we are," Pawlowski said.
Franklin hosts diabetes support group
The next meeting of Franklin Hospital Medical Center's diabetes support group is June 10. The featured speaker is Sanjay Sahay, M.D. who will discuss "Gastroparesis and Other Related Diabetic Problems."The meeting begins at 8 p.m. in the hospital's Orzac Division Conference Room. The hospital is located at 900 Franklin Avenue in Valley Stream.
South Nassau names new head of emergency services
South Nassau Community Hospital of Oceanside has named Donna Desmond, RN, administrative coordinator of Emergency Services. A level II trauma-receiving center, South's Emergency Services Department is one of just a handful in New York staffed completely with board certified emergency medicine technicians. In addition to assisting with the performance improvement of the department, Desmond will coordinate the EMT and paramedic educational programs, oversee advanced training services of staff, and devise strategies to promote clinical policies.
North Shore hosts gala day
The North Shore University Hospital Pre-school Development Program hosts its 28th Anniversary Gala Awards Banquet June 20 at Chateau Briand in Carle Place This year's gala will honor Dennis Dowling, executive director of North Shore, who will receive the Golden Heart Award. Kelly McNamee, MS; Livia Murray, CSW; and Saundra Waxman, MS, SAS, will also be honored.Proceeds from the event will benefit children who have language and communication disorders and associated developmental problems. For more information call (516) 938-1784. Individual tickets are $150.
Mercy goes tropical
Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Centre is gearing up for its Second Annual Mercy Luau on June 27. Sponsored by the Friends of Mercy and assisted by the Council of Leagues, the event will be held at the Bridgeview Yacht Club in Island Park. The evening will feature a casual surf & turf dinner, accompanied by a live band. Tickets are $100 each. "Reverse Raffle" tickets sell for $100 each and 17 ticket holders will win, with a top prize of $10,000. Winners need not be present. To reserve tickets call (516) 705-1021.
LIJ offers support
Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park will be offering a support group for people with cancer and their families. The group will meet June 18, July 2, and July 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the hospital's Oncology Building, second floor, located at 270-05 76th Street. Pre-registration is required. To register contact Sharon Lerman, CSW, at (718) 470-8964.
Free health forum
A presentation on the most recent developments in breast-cancer prevention, treatment and research as reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference will take place June 12 at 7 p.m. at North Shore University Hospital's Rust Auditorium located at 300 Community Drive in Manhasset. For more information call (516) 465-2500.
