REPORT: July/August 2006

In the News

Joan Cumberbatch received the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation (HHC) Award – described as a tribute to the night shift – from the Greater New York Hospital Association in a ceremony at the Frederick P. Rose Hall of Jazz, Lincoln Center in June. Cumberbatch, an HHC veteran of more than 33 years, is an adult special care staff nurse at Kings County Hospital Center. She serves as a delegate to her local bargaining unit, is president of NYSNA’s HHC Executive Council, and is a member of the NYSNA Board of Directors. Cumberbatch has received many awards throughout her career, but considers this award “special” because of the nod it gave to night-shift employees. “I’ve been on the night shift for many, many years, and I accept this award on behalf of my fellow RNs who work while most of the City sleeps,” she said.

Lisa Ruiz, an organizer with NYSNA’s Economic and General Welfare program, has accepted a commission as a first lieutenant with U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps. Ruiz decided to join the Army “in order to be part of something truly meaningful…to do work that is important, work with substance that helps others.” Ruiz came to work at NYSNA in 2000 after a long battle – waged almost single-handedly – against the management of Atlantic City Medical Center over working conditions. Before becoming a nurse in 1992, Ruiz enjoyed what she calls “a very glamorous and exciting life,” performing in feathers and rhinestones as an Atlantic City showgirl with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Diana Ross, Wayne Newton, and Engelbert Humperdinck. “From showgirl to the Army – I’ve come a long way, baby,” she says.

Janice Cooke Feigenbaum, a clinical professor of nursing at the University at Buffalo was recently honored with the Ruth T. McGrorey Award for nursing leadership. Feigenbaum is a longstanding member of Sigma Theta Tau, the American Association of History in Nursing, and the International Nurses Society on Addictions. She is noted for motivating her students to become more involved in their profession through membership in their local district nurses’ association and has represented NYSNA District 1 at the national level in developing standards of competencies. Feigenbaum also is politically active, lobbying legislators and speaking at regional forums, and has presented her work at numerous national and international nursing conferences. She is closely involved with the Lighthouse Center for Women Recovering from Addiction.

Eleanor O’Boyle, a 40-year veteran of the nursing profession, has received the Women’s Recognition Award from the Town of Brookhaven, N.Y. O’Boyle was assistant vice president of nursing education at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson before retiring in February. The Port Times Record noted that O’Boyle has developed numerous self-study modules and presented educational programs throughout the country. She received the NYSNA Nursing Practice Award in 2003 and the Foundation of the New York State Nurses Association Nurse of the Year award in 2000. O’Boyle served on the Suffolk County Council, the Alzheimer’s Association, the New York State Legislature’s Nurse of Distinction Committee, and NYSNA District 19. She plans to continue to consult in her field, teach seminars, and volunteer in her community.