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Sharing a laugh yesterday are (from left) Bob Carll, award-winner April Brinson and Eileen Dohmann.
Mary Washington Hospital nurse April Brinson laughs while sitting on the lap of friend and O.B. Tech Sharon Teagler after a ceremony. |
BY MEGAN WILLIAMS
Mary Washington Hospital nurse April Brinson knew she was a candidate for licensed practical nurse of the year.
What she didn't know was that her family and colleagues were plotting a surprise celebration for her.
When she saw the crowd gathered in the lobby of the hospital yesterday, Brinson singled out one person: her husband Gary.
"You're in big trouble," she said to him with a sheepish grin.
Brinson doesn't mind giving recognition to everyone else but doesn't like getting it, said Tanya Mitchell, the nurse manager for the labor and delivery ward where Brinson works.
Mitchell, along with other nurses in the ward, nominated Brinson for the award.
The King George County mother of two was chosen by Advance LPN magazine as one of two runners-up out of 65 nominated on the East Coast
"I'm very overwhelmed and very honored," Brinson said.
Mitchell's nomination described her as "the heartbeat of the ward."
"LPNs are chosen based on five criteria: initiative, teamwork, knowledge, adaptability and having an above-and-beyond quality," said Bob Carll, the regional account executive for Advance LPN magazine.
It was her above-and-beyond quality that set her apart.
For her patients that have husbands serving overseas, she takes pictures or she videotapes the birthing event to send to them.
"She's such a caring and giving person," said Brinson's husband.
"She has a commitment that knows no bounds," Mitchell said. "She goes far and beyond the call of duty. She's the epitome of teamwork. It's an honor to work with her."
Brinson was presented with a framed certificate and will have a story and picture in Advance LPN next month.
"We're not at all surprised she won," said Eileen Dohmann, vice president of nursing. "She's a star, she's always been a star and we're glad to celebrate with her."
Brinson, however, said that it was the people she worked with that should be recognized.
"It's the reason I do what I do anyway."
Brinson is the third LPN from Mary Washington to receive recognition from Advance LPN magazine. In May the emergency department nurses were also recognized as the runner-up for best nurse team by the magazine.
Megan Williams: 540/374-5000, ext. 5661
Email: mewilliams@freelancestar.com
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AGE: 44
FAMILY: Married to Gary Brinson for 24 years; two sons, Caleb, 18 and Jacob, 14. Lives in King George.
EDUCATION: Graduated from King George High School, 1982; graduated nursing school at Fayetteville Technical Institute in Fayetteville, N.C., 1986.
EXPERIENCE: Has been a nurse for 20 years, 6 years at Mary Washington Hospital.
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