GBMC Forensic Nurse A Finalist for ‘America’s Most Amazing Nurse’

--Winner of nationwide contest to be announced on May 12th--

Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s (GBMC) Laura Clary, BSN, RN, FNE-A/P, SANE-A, CFN, CPEN, clinical program manager for the hospital’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) program, is one of five finalists for Prevention magazine’s and The Doctors’ TV Show “America’s Most Amazing Nurse.”

Laura, who has been with GBMC’s SAFE and Domestic Violence program since 2010, is a SAFE Nurse who cares for victims of sexual assault, child abuse, rape, human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and domestic violence. She also manages a team of 13 forensic nurses and five victim advocates who collectively see more than 400 patient cases a year at GBMC.

“Just being nominated is a defining moment in my career because of my role and the patient population I represent,” said Clary. “Providing care is a true challenge for all of our patients, and I take great pride in leading a team of nurses that are able to service them and provide quality care to them.”

Laura told Prevention magazine that the one thing she tells her patients is that “I want each and every one of my patients to know that what happened to them was not their fault and they did not deserve it. And I want them to know that they are incredibly brave.”

In addition to her leadership role, Laura also leads many efforts to raise money to fund the SAFE Program, since the services offered at no charge to patients. She has also conducted several lectures and presentations to local schools in the Baltimore area in bringing awareness on the subjects of sexual assault, rape and domestic violence. Laura is also the chair of the Baltimore County Sexual Assault Response Team and a member of the Child Abuse Medical Providers of Maryland (CHAMP).

“Laura has an incredible work ethic and is committed to providing exceptional care. It is an honor for GBMC to have such a talented, inspirational, dedicated and compassionate nurse caring for our patients,” says JoAnn Z. Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer (CNO). “We are all truly proud of her and it’s no secret that we all think she is an amazing nurse.”

In 2016, Laura was also selected as one of the Baltimore region’s Top Nurse specializing in Women’s Health and was presented with the Henry Gleim Memorial Award from the Maryland Governor’s Office of Crime and Prevention. The Governor’s award recognizes outstanding services to crime victims and those who work to serve them and only one individual is selected annually for this prestigious award.

As part of her selection for the nationwide competition, Laura had a $1,000 donation made in her name to the Baltimore County Child Advocacy Center. If she is also chosen as Prevention magazine’s “fan favorite” from among the five finalists, she'll get $500 more for her charity.

Since November, Prevention magazine and The Doctors have joined efforts in a search across the country to find America’s Most Amazing Nurse. Each entrant or nominee had to have an active RN license or advanced nursing credential and must currently be working in the nursing field. Other qualifications include: exceeds the standards for excellence in nursing care, education, or research, viewed as a role model and/or mentor in their workplace or community.

In conjunction with National Nurses Week (Sat. May 6 – Fri. May 12), the winner will be announced in the June issue of Prevention magazine and on the Friday, May 12th episode of The Doctors on ABC. (Check your local cable or satellite TV provider for channel designation).

If Laura is named ‘America's Most Amazing Nurse’, during The Doctors broadcast, she will win a trip to Reykjavik, Iceland, where she and a guest will stay for five nights at Hotel Silica Blue Lagoon and experience its world-renowned geothermal waters and a VIP spa experience.