May 15, 2010 - 04:30 AM

Melissa Mancini

DURHAM -- Lakeridge Health celebrated nursing week with a variety of awards from different health organizations.

The awards recognized various nursing activities in the health network and included Lakeridge Health being named the 2010 Employer of Excellence by the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario.

"The nomination was one of the best we've ever received," said Dianne Martin, executive director of the RPNAO.

Ms. Martin said Lakeridge, like all other hospitals in the province, is facing hard times right now but it approached cuts in a way that ensured nurses are still just as respected and valued in the organization.

She also praised Lakeridge for offering as many educational opportunities for RPNs as registered nurses.

"We don't see that everywhere," she said.

Virginia Albrecht has been a RPN for 25 years and is the second RPN to work in the clinical trials program at the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre. She said Lakeridge has been great at hearing the voices of RPNs through focus groups, surveys and task groups.

She said working at the clinical trial unit, which is usually staffed by RNs, has been a great experience and all the RNs have been welcoming and knowledgeable.

"The doors are opening (for RPNs)," she said.

There are many opportunities for RPNs at Lakeridge, said Dee Craddock, patient care specialist, oncology and nephrology.

"We're not closing any doors as long as the knowledge, skill and judgment is there."

The cardiopulmonary Unit at Lakeridge Health Oshawa garnered the first ever Unit of Distinction Award from the Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology's bachelor of science in nursing collaborative program.

The unit was chosen from all the units in which the degree program has students, for excellence in teaching and mentoring, said Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann, Lakeridge's chief nursing executive and vice president of professional affairs.

The hospital was also recognized with an honourable mention from the Canadian Nurses Association in the 2010 CNA Employer Recognition Awards.