Shelby Woman Receives Nursing Excellence Award

Henry Ford Health System honored two nurses, one from Shelby Township, with the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital with the inaugural Clara Ford Awards for Nursing Excellence.

Nurses were recognized for their dedication to their patients, the community and the health system.

“Each of us chooses to be a nurse for different reasons, however, at the foundation of those reasons is the desire to make a difference - helping others when it matters the most,” says Veronica Hall, Henry Ford Health System chief nursing officer. “We are proud to recognize outstanding representatives of nursing and our seven award winners.”

The award was named in memory of Clara Ford who was an advocate of the Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing, founded in 1925. The diploma school offered training in basic sciences and nursing practice, graduating more than 5,000 students in the ensuing 71 years of its operation. The school was known for its high standards and excellence in education and practice.

The award recognized the following nurses from Henry Ford Macomb Hospital:

Growth Award: Mary Gerlach, R.N, M.S.N., A.P.R.N.-B.C., C.W.O.C.N., Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, was honored for sharing her knowledge and expertise with others in the nursing profession and professional organizations as she continues her own self-development. Gerlach mentors students, excels as a preceptor, actively participates in committees and nursing organizations, and seeks out learning opportunities. She currently serves as Clinical Nurse Specialist for Wound, Ostomy, and Continence. She established the Wound Care program and continues to provide leadership for pressure ulcer audits and other quality measures.

Community Award: Marian Giacona, R.N., F.C.N., Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Shelby Township, is actively involved outside of the health system in community service. Giacona demonstrates behaviors that are consistent with Henry Ford’s Vision, is concerned about the community, promotes public awareness and is involved in or leading community education. She has been a faith community nurse at St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Church for the past 12 years. Over the years, she has increased her commitment by moving from co-lead to the lead for the health ministry. She has documented more than 78,000 group contacts averaging 36 participants per hour, and of her 288 individual contacts, 43 percent were not members of her congregation.

With the history of Henry Ford nursing as its foundation, the Clara Ford Awards for Nursing Excellence will be bestowed annually on nurses who are nominated by their colleagues. The award is based on the health system’s seven performance pillars which are: People, Service, Quality & Safety, Growth, Research & Education, Community and Finance. A selection committee comprised of nurse executives representing each of the Henry Ford Health System business units, select the award winners based solely on the merit of the nominee.