REPORT: December 2006

In the News

Lynda Olender, chief nurse executive of James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Bronx, recently received a special mention in Advance for Nurses “Best Nurse Leader” issue. Olender was hailed for the leadership principles she embodies as a nurse advocate. “She has made many visionary contributions that greatly enrich the professional organization…her devotion to continuing education, her staff and the facility has made her work a labor of love,” said nominating colleague Bridget Maybury. Olender has forged partnerships with local schools of nursing. Under one such initiative, medical center staff nurses and clinical managers serve as faculty preceptors in return for continuing education opportunities. Olender also is a champion of the VALOR program, which provides opportunities for outstanding students to develop competencies in clinical nursing while at an approved VA health care facility. Oldender “nourishes an environment of growth and opportunity for all nurses,” said Maybury.

Ellen Brickman, director of the NYSNA Statewide Peer Assistance Network (SPAN) Program, recently was elected president of the National Organization of Alternative Programs (NOAP). Founded in 1999, NOAP promotes programs that serve as an alternative to licensure discipline, allowing for both safe practice and the retention of healthcare professionals in the work force. Brickman came to NYSNA in June 2000 as an assistant director for peer assistance in the Practice & Governmental Affairs Program. She became director of the newly-formed SPAN program several months later. In November 2006, she received a certificate on behalf of SPAN from Sigma Theta Tau, which honored the program for its contributions to the profession and the health and well-being of both nurses and patients.

Denice Lutgen, executive director of the Nurses Association of the Counties of Long Island, Inc. (NYSNA District 14) recently received the Distinguished Community Health Service Award from State Assemblyman Nick Perry (D-Brooklyn). Lugten embarked upon her nursing career 30 years ago as a staff nurse at Bellevue Hospital. She later became a nursing care coordinator and quality assurance consultant at Franklin General Hospital and held assistant director positions at Mid-Island and Brunswick General Hospitals on Long Island. A legislative district coordinator to Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Suffolk County), Lugten also is a member of the Alpha Omega chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, and the National Nurses Response Team. She participates in community health programs, workshops, and health fairs with an emphasis on preventive health care and women’s health issues.

Bader Reynolds, vice president of CareGivers Home Health Care Agency in Utica, was recognized by the New York State Association of Health Care Providers at its annual meeting in October. She was given the Founders Spirit Award for her successful efforts to promote awareness and appreciation of home and community-based services in both New York state and Washington, D.C. Reynolds is a member of the Iota Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, serves as adjunct faculty at the SUNY Institute of Technology, and is on the Utica College Nursing Advisory Board. She has served on the NYSNA Council on Nursing Practice, Council on Legislation, and the Community Health Clinical Practice Unit.