Avril Keldo, MSN, NP-C, OCN, and nurse manager of the adult oncology unit at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, has been awarded the ONE/NJ Nurse Leader Award for demonstrating exception leadership, guidance and service to the nursing profession.
Nurse managers who work in acute care, continuing care and academia are eligible for the ONE/NJ Nurse Leader Award, presented by the Organization of Nurse Executives of New Jersey. ONE/NJ exists to represent and strengthen nurse leaders and aspiring nurse leaders by providing opportunities for professional networking, education, mentorship and consultation. The strategic plan of ONE/NJ identifies its core business as education and leadership development, public policy advocacy, career development, information resources and research. ONE/NJ has established goals for each of these areas to further the mission of the organization and enhance the image of the profession.
Keldo, of North Brunswick, was cited for a managerial style that has produced nearly perfect ratings for patient satisfaction on her oncology unit, where she has started model practices including: the purchase of refrigerators for every room so that families can bring home-cooked meals for themselves and loved ones; staff-signed bereavement cards for grieving families; an annual Christmas party for children who have lost a parent to cancer, which includes yearly scholarships for children in college who have lost a parent to cancer, and an annual “adopt a child” program through which gifts are delivered on Christmas Eve to the homes of children whose parents are sick with cancer.
“Nurse satisfaction and continuous nursing education are other high-priorities for Avril,” said Linda Carroll, director of professional practice. Every nurse on the oncology unit is certified in their specialty and five nurses have completed MSN/APN programs, with three pending graduation at the end of the year. “Each staff member is recognized formally for their educational achievements and excellent care of their patients and mastering high satisfaction of both patients and their families,” Carroll added.
Keldo earned a bachelor’s degree from Kean University in Union and an MSN/APN degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark. She also holds dual certification in both medical surgical and oncology nursing.
- Saint Peter's University Hospital
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