What's it like to win a Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award?

My position as the Wound Management Nurse Coordinator is challenging.  I am the first person to hold this position at my facility and I developed the program.  I didn't think anyone realized what I did or how hard I worked.  All of that changed in July of 2005.

It was late one evening and I was checking e-mails for the day.  There was an e-mail from Cherokee stating that Sue Smith, my Director of Nursing, had nominated me for an award.  I was honored! "Why me?"  I thought.  I couldn't imagine why she chose me.  Then, I read the nomination letter, and I cried.  She knew.  She knew the challenges I had faced; she knew how hard I was working.  She knew and appreciated it enough to nominate me for this award.  I never thought I would win but that nomination meant more to me than anything else in my nursing career.  I couldn't wait to share it with my family.  I had to have them read it because every time I tried to read it to them, I would cry all over again.  I didn't share it with any of my co-workers because I didn't want to cause any hard feelings for those who weren't nominated.  I didn't need to tell anyone, I knew that Sue realized what I did and that was all I needed.  It gave more confidence and I was able to continue improving with a renewed strength. 

That fall I learned I was one of the 100 semi-finalists out of the 1,400 nominations.  What an honor!  I still didn't think I would win.  This award was for nurses throughout the entire United States, and I was this nurse in a small town in northwestern Pennsylvania.  It was an achievement to be in the top 100.  There was a part of me that hoped that if I did win, I would like the prize with the education package.  I was getting more frequent e-mails from Cherokee asking me to sign releases "just in case" I was chosen as a winner.  It was getting close to the end of the year and Cherokee wanted to make a calendar so they were asking all the finalists to get prepared in case they were a winner so Cherokee could start their process as soon as they knew. 

I won!  I couldn't believe it!  I won!  I was screaming, jumping up and down with excitement.  I won!  I cried too.  That is what I do.  The ceremony was so touching. Leaving that room that day I felt like I could achieve anything.

By winning the Top National Prize for the LPN/LVN category, I received the educational package that I had hoped for. It has proven to be as beneficial as I thought it would.  My Wound Team has expanded and grown with the tools and education gained from winning this award.

I won $1,000 in Cherokee uniforms that has helped me maintain my professional appearance while offering me flexibility with my time.  I can now go longer than usual before ironing if time is short, and still have enough uniforms for the week.

There was a $500.00 donation in my name to my favorite non-profit organization for which I chose the Wesbury Foundation.  Equipment was purchased for my Wound Team and the remainder went to the "Get on the Bus" Campaign, to help purchase a new bus for our residents. 

 My membership was paid to join the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care.  It has been helpful in providing information in regards to the latest task force education, free of charge, to members and educational support.  Included is a subscription to a monthly Wound Journal that includes the latest research and products.

The largest part of the prize package was an all expense paid trip to the Symposium for Advanced Wound Care in San Antonio, Texas. It was all expenses from leaving my door until I returned.  I learned so much information.  I have been able to bring that knowledge back and improve care to our residents in many aspects of their care.  I was able to see the great leaders in Wound Care, of whom I have read their articles, books, and research literature. People I never thought I would have an opportunity to meet. Going to the Symposium was like a dream come true.  I never thought I would ever get to one. It was here that I realized that it all started with one person and once they joined together, change happened.  It was here that I realized that I can make a difference not only in the lives of our residents but to other elderly residents in my area by sharing this knowledge with other long term care facility nurses. 

I am stronger because of the knowledge and the experiences gained with this award.  It will continue to benefit me for years to come. Thank you, Cherokee, for giving me this amazing opportunity, and by choosing me, you have been able to help many others.