Friends of Nursing Expands Support for Nursing Professionals
The Friends of Nursing program at VHC Health is a $4 million initiative that supports education and advancement for nurses and future caregivers. The goal of the program is to help the health system retain its caregivers, especially in light of the significant number of healthcare workers who have left the field since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, the program expanded with the establishment of the Phoenix Award to support and recognize outstanding achievement and involvement by VHC Health nurses. Betsy Gadaire endowed this special fund in gratitude for the high-quality care she received at VHC Health and to celebrate professional excellence in the field of nursing.
The recipient of the Phoenix Award was Michelle Gutsin, MS, RN, C-ELBW, who began her career in the Marjorie Sands Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 2018 as a new graduate registered nurse.
“In her four years here, Michelle has grown into an exceptional nurse and has touched many patients,” said Melody Dickerson, MSN, RN, CPHQ, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations & Chief Nursing Officer. “She always carries herself with a calm and professional demeanor and role models the VHC Health anchors of customer service, teamwork and positivity. As a charge nurse and preceptor in the NICU, her colleagues often seek her advice and expertise. Michelle genuinely cares for everyone she encounters, including her coworkers and our patients’ families. She is truly an asset to our team.”