Texas Children’s Hospital Nurses Receive Prestigious Awards

12/12/2023

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Nursing

HOUSTON (December 12, 2023) — Texas Children’s Hospital is proud to announce that 74 of its outstanding nurses have received 2023 Excellence in Nursing (EIN) awards from the Good Samaritan Foundation, a statewide organization whose mission is to increase the number of highly trained and dedicated nurses at the bedside of Texas patients.

The prestigious EIN awards recognize nurses who have demonstrated extraordinary care and compassionate service in their chosen fields. EIN honorees were nominated by their peers for their leadership, mentorship, passion for the nursing profession and outstanding service to the Houston community. A selection committee comprised of clinical leaders in the Texas Medical Center reviewed and scored the nominations.

“I am absolutely thrilled, although not surprised, to see so many Texas Children’s nurses recognized by the Good Samaritan Foundation this year,” said Dr. Jackie Ward, Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President at Texas Children’s Hospital. “Our nurses are highly committed and fiercely dedicated to the patients we serve. What an honor to see them celebrated for the exceptional nursing practice they bring to work — each and every day.”

Since 2003, Texas Children’s has been a Magnet-designated organization, considered the highest and most prestigious recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet designation reflects Texas Children’s commitment to excellence, and its award-winning nurses continue to maintain the gold standard for safety, positive outcomes and high quality patient care. The team’s dedication and hard work, accomplishments and continued leadership, are helping to advance Texas Children’s mission every single day.

Valentina Briceno-Marmol, Perioperative Nurse Manager at Texas Children’s Hospital-The Medical Center, received the Excellence in Nursing Gold Award.

Danyelle Lewis, a staff nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus received the Excellence in Nursing Silver Award. In addition, 72 bronze awardees came from Texas Children’s Hospital and Texas Children’s Health Plan.

Gold Honoree: Valentina Briceno-Marmol
Valentina, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Gold Award, is not only a nurse leader at Texas Children’s, but she also manages the American College of Surgeons Quality Improvement Program. Under her leadership, quality and safety at Texas Children’s has remained the highest priority.

Valentina recently completed graduate studies and earned her master’s degree in Quality and Safety. She looks forward to expanding Texas Children’s quality and safety program at the Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin campus, which opens in February 2024.

“The nurses and physicians I’ve had the privilege to work with have immensely influenced me,” Valentina said. “Their dedication, brilliance, and commitment to patient care have been a constant source of inspiration. They have reinforced the importance of being a patient advocate, and the crucial role we play in healing.”

Janet Winebar, Senior Vice President at Texas Children’s, says no one is more deserving of this award. “Valentina is focused, yet kind and approachable. Her easy demeanor supports building relationships and engaging partners. This is a much-deserved and distinguished recognition. Valentina’s impact on pediatric surgical patient care will be felt for many years to come.”

Recipients were honored on Friday, Dec. 8 at the annual Excellence in Nursing Awards Luncheon, which celebrates and recognizes outstanding nurses throughout the state. The awards program is among the largest in Texas.

About Texas Children’s

Texas Children’s, a nonprofit health care organization, is committed to creating a healthier future for children and women throughout the global community by leading in patient care, education and research. Consistently ranked as the best children’s hospital in Texas and among the top in the nation, Texas Children’s has garnered widespread recognition for its expertise and breakthroughs in pediatric and women’s health. The system includes the Texas Children’s Duncan NRI; the Feigin Tower for pediatric research; Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women, a comprehensive obstetrics/gynecology facility focusing on high-risk births; Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, a community hospital in suburban West Houston; and Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, the first hospital devoted to children’s care for communities north of Houston. The organization also created Texas Children’s Health Plan, the nation’s first HMO for children; Texas Children’s Pediatrics, the largest pediatric primary care network in the country; Texas Children’s Urgent Care clinics that specialize in after-hours care tailored specifically for children; and a global health program that s channeling care to children and women all over the world. Texas Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. For more information, visit www.texaschildrens.org.