Kentucky Kids Crew Receives Magnet Award

Kentucky Kids Crew Receives Magnet Award

Media Contact: Mary Margaret Colliver, (859) 361-1887

FOR RELEASE

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2008) −UK HealthCare's Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team, known as Kentucky Kids Crew, has been recognized by the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital's Department of Nursing as recipient of the annual Magnet Recognition Award. This award was developed by the Department of Nursing after the hospital received the Magnet Designation in 2001. The award is presented annually to recognize team members of a unit who have created an environment for professional practice through role modeling, coaching, teaching and advocacy.

Kentucky Kids Crew nurses, who make up the Neonatal/Pediatric Transport Team are pictured front row: Deb Rice, Sarah Bowling, Kelly Turner, Kimberly Samuelson, Yoshiko Miyakawa, and Shelly Marino
Back Row: Dana Landry, Caty Curlis, Amy Brassfield, Angela Melton, Gayle Powell, Kate Fletcher, and Tina McCoy

"Our Kentucky Kids Crew team of nurses transport neonatal and pediatric patients for the Central and Eastern Kentucky area," said Penne Allison, director of Emergency/Trauma Services at UK HealthCare's UK Chandler Hospital. "They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When babies are born prematurely, they come to the rescue to stabilize the patient and then transport the patient to Kentucky Children's Hospital. Because each nurse is highly skilled, they have saved the lives of many neonates, infants and children over many years. The University of Kentucky is very blessed to have this resource in our community. They care for our tiniest patients with great skill and compassion. The Kentucky Kids Crew is truly deserving of the prestigious Magnet Award."

Kentucky Kids Crew conducts multiple outreach programs and its team members serve as ambassadors from Kentucky Children's Hospital at community and school activities such as Children's Miracle Network, Makenna Foundation, and Buddy Walk.

“Our group of nurses has acquired a reputation for excellence in nursing care," said Shelly Marino, emergency transport manager, Kentucky Children's Hospital. "The nurses on this team are dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line every day to make sure their patients receive the best care possible. They are the epitome of what Magnet nursing is all about.”