Phelps Memorial Hospital Center Nurse Receives Top Nursing Award from Hudson Valley Magazine

Cheryl Burke, MS, MBA, RN-BC, WCC, a nurse educator at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, received the “Top Nurse Award” at Hudson Valley Magazine’s 8th annual “Excellence in Nursing” awards event, held recently at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, NY. The event took place during National Nurses Week and celebrated the region’s finest nurses. Cheryl Burke received the highest honor for her remarkable nursing career that has demonstrated what nursing excellence is.

“In addition to being innovative, Cheryl is nurturing, enthusiastic and above all, patient, in her position as a clinical educator,” said Mary McDermott, Chief Nursing Officer at Phelps. “She is a true role model in pursuit of excellence in patient care and she encourages staff to participate in scholarly activities, which demonstrates her commitment to lift up those around her. Cheryl truly deserves this recognition.”

A Registered Professional Nurse, Burke has significantly impacted the lives of thousands of patients and their families over the course of her 35-year nursing career. She has increased the knowledge of countless RNs and has been a valuable asset to Phelps by bringing numerous patient care programs to life. Programs she helped develop, including the Rapid Response Team and the palliative care and stroke programs, have contributed to better care for hospitalized patients.

Her most recent display of commitment to the hospital and community has been the implementation of the NICHE program (Nurses Improving Care of Health System Elders) to meet the needs of geriatric patients, which has achieved Level 3 (Senior Friendly level). In her 10 years at Phelps as a clinical educator, she has successfully oriented more that 100 new staff members to the professional role of the RN. She also is a resource to several local colleges, working with senior students on their projects.

Burke’s commitment to her community is inspirational. She participates annually in the Sleepy Hollow Health fair as a volunteer. She is committed to improving the wellness of the community and works closely in the hospital’s wellness initiative. She developed a stroke support group that was extremely well received by attendees, and she continues to be a resource for one of her first stroke support group members.

Burke has achieved life-long professionalism and is committed to continuing education. She holds two masters degrees and two National Board certifications. In addition, she maintains her competency in chemotherapy administration.

The Hudson Valley Magazine Excellence in Nursing Awards were sponsored by Health Quest, Bon Secours Charity Health System, Westchester Medical Center, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation and Hudson Valley Skin Care.

In the photo: Cheryl Burke of Phelps Memorial Hospital Center and Jack Driscoll, Hudson Valley Magazine’s Associate Publisher/ Director of Advertising.

Photo credit: Hudson Valley Magazine