BUFFALO, N.Y. (Tuesday, May 11, 2004) - Kaleida Health is honoring its 4,000 nurses during weeklong festivities to help celebrate "National Nurses Week," which is taking place May 6-12th.

"Nursing is more than a profession, it is a calling," said Kaleida Health CEO William McGuire. "Under any circumstance, our nurses find a way to give a bit of themselves to every patient in their care. We honor and recognize our nurses this week, but we must do better. We must honor our nurses each day of the week. Our patients expect it; our nurses deserve it."

The theme for this years celebration is "Nurses: At the heart of health care."

"A single week is not enough time to acknowledge how important and appreciated our nurses are," said Eileen Nahigian, R.N., D.N.S., Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Kaleida Health. "But it gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect and to say "thank you" for the daily contributions of these dedicated professionals who are at the heart of patient care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year."

Kaleida is holding its Nurse's Recognition Reception on Wednesday, May 12 from 2-4 p.m. in Swift Auditorium at Buffalo General Hospital. Among the outstanding nurses who have been nominated for the Nurses of Distinction Award:

• Lynn Kordasiewicz, RN, personifies the core elements of good nursing at Buffalo General Hospital. A resident of Lancaster, Lynn is a nurse who compassionately and expertly provides exceptional care for the entarostomal therapy patients she serves. She uses her nursing experience to personally provide the skilled, patient-centered care and professional expertise that brings about the most successful patient outcomes. She has given many insightful presentations, written articles on skin care and has conducted research activities in order to improve methods of patient care delivery.
  
  
• Clare Atkinson, of Tonawanda, has distinguished herself as an outstanding member of the nursing team at DeGraff Memorial Hospital with diverse nursing experiences over the last 25 years. From staff nurse to educator and supervisor, she has embraced the value of caring for patients and inspiring colleagues with her skill, knowledge, compassion and dedication. Clare's proactive interest in innovative ideas that improve patient care delivery has made her a leader among her peers She confidently guides them through exciting and challenging changes in technology that reduce the burden of non-patient centered activities to increase time at the bedside for direct, hands-on care with patients.
  
  
• Fran Hoeft, RN, MS, is a skilled practitioner and compassionate caregiver for patients and their families. A resident of Elma, Fran is also an inspiration to her coworkers on the Intermediate Surgical Care Unit at Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital. She has shared her expertise and love for nursing with students as a nursing instructor for more than 20 years and conducts continuing education courses for the WNY Professional Nurses Association. She also lectures for NCLEX and is continuing her own education by working toward her doctorate. Fran has touched many lives and made countless contributions to the nursing profession throughout her career.
  
  
• Judy Fabio, RN, has been an integral part of the nursing profession since 1966 and an important asset to the Department of Labor & Delivery at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital since 1976. An Amherst resident, she has been a valuable team player in improving peer performance, patient outcomes and serves as an instrumental team leader for her unit, which facilitates 3500 births annually. Well-respected for her solid judgment and commitment to nursing education, Judy's additional operating room expertise makes her a principal resource for both colleagues and nursing students. Her clinical knowledge and compassionate delivery of care create the epitome of a good nurse.
  
  
• Deborah L. Travis, RN, BSN, CWOCN, joined the Visiting Nursing Association of WNY, Inc. (a Kaleida subsidiary) in 2003 to lead continued efforts toward providing the highest quality of care to our most challenging patients. Her expertise, and the VNA's commitment to investing in the latest wound care technology, has fortified the VNA's position as the premier home care provider in WNY. Debbie lives in Niagara Falls.
  
  
• Paula Williams, RN, CNOR, director of surgical services for The Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo accepted the position of operating room coordinator and its challenges four years ago. Since her arrival, the operating room has undergone tremendous change. A Hamburg resident, she helped create two Laproscopic Operating Suites, also known as the Miniature Access Surgery Center, and has been a catalyst in the formation of a new breast surgery service.