Nurse Practitioner (NP) Scholarships Applications Available

Watertown, New York — Applications are now being accepted for the sixth annual Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship. A retired nurse from Samaritan Medical Center established a scholarship through the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Sadly, Peters passed away in 2020, yet this scholarship remains part of her legacy and commitment to healthcare in the community.

The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the education costs for an RN who is continuing their education, specifically to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Two scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded each year.

Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center (SMC) as a Certified Oncology Nurse; prior to that, she had served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic and Alternate Level of Care Units.

Beth Fipps, Vice President of Samaritan Foundation and Community Services explained, “We are so grateful to Susan for leaving a legacy to a profession she was so committed to. Susan so generously established this scholarship to promote the Nurse Practitioner profession because she felt there is an increasing need and role for such due to the nationwide shortage of physicians.”

Nurse Practitioners provide many of the same services as physicians, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.

The 2022 scholarships awardees were Desiree Fuller, Family Nurse Practitioner at Samaritan Women’s Wellness and Breast Care and Dan Ladouceur, RN in the Inpatient Mental Health Unit, pending completion of his Nurse Practitioner program.

The application period for the Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship opened on June 1, 2023, and concludes July 15, 2023 with scholarship award announcement by August 1, 2023.

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Must be a Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of two full years’ working experience. RNs currently working for Samaritan Medical Center preferred, but not mandatory.
  • Medical/Surgical experience preferred but not necessary.
  • Must be a resident of either Jefferson or Lewis County, New York.
  • Eligible to apply after successful completion of first semester in a Nurse Practitioner program with at least a B average.

As part of the application, Registered Nurses must describe why they are pursuing their Nurse Practitioner degree and where, as well as whether they have a financial need. Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and the two most recent transcripts along with the application to support the RNs pursuit of a Nurse Practitioner degree.

For more information or to obtain a scholarship application, please visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarshipapplication or contact the SMC Foundation at 315-785-4584 or visit www.samaritanhealth.com/scholarships. The application can be completed online, emailed to [email protected] or mailed to 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

# # #

Samaritan Summit Village to host Senior Living Seminar

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Summit Village, 22691 Campus Dr, is hosting a Senior Living Seminar on Thursday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone planning or helping to plan senior care.

Hear from professionals in senior care, legal matters, financial planning, real estate, and speak with local community agencies that offer resources. Lunch is provided by First Command, and a tour of the Assisted Living facility at Samaritan Summit Village will be available. Each participant will be entered to win an iPad as well! No obligations.

Finding the right solution for long term care needs is important. Seniors and their loved ones want the right mix of services and support to preserve independence, maintain safety, and enhance quality of life. The Senior Living Seminar will provide information and resources needed to help seniors continue the lifestyle they love while providing options for the care that meets their individualized needs. 

An Assisting Living program provides nursing care, home care, personal care and meals for residents that require service above and beyond what is typically provided while living in the community. Samaritan Summit Village has 120 assisted living beds and features a home-like environment that is flexible, offering a range of housing and lifestyle options for personalized care in a residential setting.

Samaritan is committed to long term care in Northern New York. Our goal is to take care of people at all stages of life, providing the most appropriate level of care for each individual’s unique medical, physical, and emotional needs.

Those interested in attending should contact Anna Doldo, Public Relations Specialist, Samaritan Medical Center, at 315-785-4584.

To learn more about Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village, visit samaritanhealth.com/assistedliving.

                                                                        ###

Samaritan Medical Center Foundation opens Online Auction for the 26th Annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York will host the 26th annual Thousand Islands Golf Classic event on Thursday, June 8, and Friday, June 9, 2023. The presenting sponsor is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 910 & Northern New York National Electrical Contractors Association.

The online auction for this year’s event is now live and features artwork, airline ticket vouchers, vacation home rentals, paddleboards, gift cards, private boat cruises, rafting passes, and more! The dinner reception with a special live auction, including New York Giants football tickets, go-cart, and more will take place on Thursday, June 8, at the Edgewood Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY. Tickets are available now. The online auction will close on Thursday, June 8.

A portion of the proceeds raised from this year’s event will be dedicated to enhancing vital mental health services at Samaritan Medical Center. The increased demand for mental health services in our community can be seen as Samaritan’s Emergency Department behavioral health unit patient volume has doubled this past year, and our inpatient mental health unit continues to be full.

Additional details, the online auction, and updates may be found online by visiting samaritanhealth.com/golf and for questions please email [email protected].

Samaritan Summit Village Assisted Living Receives New York State EQUAL Grant

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Summit Village Assisted Living received a $21,000 grant through New York State’s EQUAL (Enhancing the Quality of Adult Living) program.

The purpose of this specialty program is to enhance both residents’ quality of care and life experience in Adult Care Facilities (ACFs). This grant allowed the Assisted Living team to purchase numerous items that will enhance residents’ lives with entertainment, physical exercise, enjoying the outdoors, and more. Items such as six large smart televisions, a bocce ball set, six weather-resistant benches, three octagon-shaped picnic tables, a music system for each floor to enjoy, exercise equipment for each floor that allows the residents to work their arms and legs while sitting for strength building, boxing balls for coordination, craft supplies, and Christmas lighting.

Assisted Living Administrator Neva Bossard said, “We discussed residents’ wants and needs through our resident council. We are excited for the new leisure improvements.”

#

About Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village: With 120 beds, our caregivers assist with daily chores, planning exciting group activities, managing and providing medicine, and so much more. We’re here to help make living easier at a reasonable cost. The services needed by residents may vary widely, but the goal of our care is always the same: helping seniors to live exceptionally.

Experience Assisted Living at Samaritan Summit Village through our virtual tour: https://youtu.be/EOrA3ti9Llk

Long Term Care Projects Funded by 25th Thousand Islands Golf Classic

Watertown, NY – Two projects to improve safety and quality-of-life for Keep Home residents are complete thanks to funding from Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York.

Beth Fipps, VP, Foundation and Community Services, said, “Samaritan Foundation is proud to provide upgraded equipment and needed items for residents at the Keep Home. Funds were raised by way of our annual golf tournament in 2022 toward this and other projects for our long term care residents.”

Large smart TVs were purchased and installed to provide communal activities for residents. Samaritan’s Information Systems department helped to ensure installation and activation of online services for each new system. A variety of television show and movie options are now available to residents in the activities room.

Additionally, a new security feature was installed at the main entry point for the Keep Home. Thanks to Foundation funds, residents and staff can now rest easy knowing there is improved accountability of visitors to the facility and for the safety of our residents. This new system went live the week of February 20.

Representatives pictured here, among Samaritan Keep Home residents, are: Amy O’Brien, Samaritan Medical Center Foundation of Northern New York, Clarissa Vohnoutka, Samaritan Information Systems, and Brandi Burnham, Samaritan Keep Home

#

Samaritan Celebrates its January 2023 BEE Award Recipient

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its BEE Award recipient for January 2023. The BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Allen Gray, screening and visitation specialist at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award.

Gray was nominated by a grateful patient with the following excerpt from their nomination:

Allen Gray, screening and visitation specialist

“This man was so kind to me and truly made a difference in the toughest time in my life… I just want him to know how much that means to me.”

Of significance, Gray has been nominated on multiple occasions by patients and co-workers who echo sentiments of his compassion and kindness as they are registering for services.

Gray was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude.

To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.



#

About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

Samaritan Celebrates December 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for December 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Rachel Moore, LPN at Samaritan Dermatology & MOHS Surgery, received the DAISY Award. Jessica Lister, Nuclear Medicine Technician at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Erin Bryant, a physician assistant at Samaritan Dermatology & MOHS Surgery, nominated Moore saying:

“I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Rachel for over two years.  Day in and day out she works tirelessly to provide exemplary care to our patients and their families.  Rachel greets everyday with enthusiasm and motivates those around her to strive for success. Rachel has worked for Samaritan as an LPN for many years and is a true Samaritan Star!  I would like to see her recognized for her daily commitment to our patients, our hospital system, and our community.”

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Moore was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Charlie Quinn, Plant Maintenance at Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Lister.  

After witnessing Jessica’s interaction with a patient after a delay in service, Quinn stated “Jessica speaks to patients with such grace and dignity.  She put the patient first with her kind and gentle approach.  She exemplified the HEART values by providing empathy and understanding.  This is not the first time I have witnessed Jessica display such compassion.  She provides guidance and education to patients and offers reassurance and genuine interest in promoting their health and addressing their needs.“ 

Lister was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude. 

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

###

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

Samaritan Celebrates November 2022 DAISY®️ and BEE Award Recipients

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for November 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Casey Hughes, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Home Health, received the DAISY Award. Ruth Reinbeck and Lisa Ericzon, Central Sterile Technicians in Surgical Services at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Stephanie Parks, Director of Patient Services, Samaritan Home Health, nominated Hughes saying:

“Casey is a home care nurse that goes above and beyond to always put patient needs first.  In homecare the nurses are in the home with no other medical professional with them. Generally home care visits take between 30-60 minutes. Casey was going to see a patient for the first time since they were discharged from the hospital.  Upon her thorough assessment she revealed that the patient’s wound was much worse than expected.  Casey spent two hours in the patient’s home to ensure proper care and follow up was performed.  Casey is a great example of Samaritan’s HEART values.  She takes care of each and every patient as if they were her own family member.”  

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Hughes was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Ruth Powell, FNP, Surgical Services, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Reinbeck and Ericzon.  

“Ruth and Lisa have both been here at Samaritan for greater than 20 years. They exemplify “being excellent every day and for being extraordinary team members.” They are highly respected and trusted by their coworkers and peers.  I have seen them work countless numbers of hours when their unit was short staffed, or someone needed training. They have been here through an entire move from combining two totally different ORs into one new OR. They were instrumental in the tedious job of converting paper to computer practices in regard to OR surgical instruments and sterilization methods. Ruth and Lisa are always looking for ways to improve processes which leads to more efficiency in their area. This, in turn, leads to a more efficient operating room. Ruth and Lisa are the backbone of their department. They make a meaningful difference every day in the care of patients.”

Reinbeck and Ericzon were each presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude. 

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

###

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

Samaritan Celebrates October 2022 DAISY® and BEE Award Recipients 

Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for October 2022. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® recognizes exemplary nursing staff, and the BEE Award honors other outstanding staff members who support patient care, both at the hospital and all outpatient clinics.

Rachael Kaban, a Registered Nurse on 4 Pavilion, received the DAISY Award. Jon LaFontaine, Clinical Discharge Planner in the Emergency Department Behavioral Health Unit at Samaritan Medical Center, received the BEE Award. 

Sherin Washburn, Graduate Nurse, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated Kaban saying:

“I was having a busy shift from the moment I got report. I felt overwhelmed. Rachael was very calm, helpful and instructive.  She let me ask all the questions I had and did not make me feel bad for not knowing. She helped me tremendously the entire shift even though she was not always caught up. I am so grateful she was here because I don’t know what I would have done without her help. Having an experienced nurse available to use as a resource who doesn’t make you feel dumb and is willing to help and doesn’t seem irritated or disinterested is amazing and makes all the difference.”  

For receiving the DAISY Award – which is an international award backed by The DAISY Foundation – Kaban was presented a certificate commending her as an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, and a symbolic sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” which is hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of this sculpture has also been installed in the Healing Gardens at Samaritan Medical Center in honor of all DAISY and BEE Award winners to come. It was purchased using funds donated by the Samaritan Auxiliary.

Jacqueline Dawe, RN, Chief Nursing Office/Vice President of Patient Care Services, Samaritan Medical Center, nominated LaFontaine.  

“John emulates what it means to be EXCEPTIONAL.  This year has been very challenging in healthcare as all of you are aware, especially for our patients with mental health issues. We have seen an unprecedented number of patients needing our help.  Jon is a calm individual that helps the staff in an uncertain environment also stay a little calmer when he is working. Even when the situation is getting really heated and patients are in crisis, Jon remains calm. He speaks calmly to patient’s time and time again that are probably living one of the worst moments of their life, and he treats them with empathy and a caring attitude.  Jon is mostly seen with a smile on his face, and you can tell even with wearing the mask that he’s smiling from ear to ear.  He speaks with a tone that is positive and professional. I have seen the trust in John that has developed from many levels of the healthcare team with regards to his assessments and recommendations for patients.” 

LaFontaine was presented with a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with other tokens of gratitude. 

Both awards will continue to be presented throughout the year, and nominations can be submitted by patients, families, or colleagues at any time. To make a nomination or to learn more about the Samaritan DAISY and BEE Awards, visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.

###

About Samaritan Medical Center

Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.

About The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.

You are now leaving samaritanhealth.com

Samaritan Health is not responsible for content, privacy policy, accuracy or legality of any website assessed through a link on www.samartianhealth.com. A link to another website does not constitute an endorsement, guarantee or approval by Samaritan Health of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein