Weitz, RN, 2010 MMH Nurse of Distinction; honored by peers and managers
This year’s hospital week theme, Celebrating Health, Hope and Healing fits nicely with our celebration of National Nurses’ Week which began on Thursday May 6, and ends on May 12, which is Florence Nightengale’s Birthday. Florence Nightengale is known as the founder of modern day nursing. During the Crimean War, Ms. Nightengale changed healthcare by endless work in the wards with the wounded and sick soldiers and tirelessly and by some accounts relentlessly convincing doctors and military leaders that Health, Hope and Healing could be brought to the soldiers with open windows letting in fresh air and sunshine. Providing a clean environment and the number one defense against sickness, continuous hand washing.
Today nursing is often described as an art and science, a profession that embraces dedicated people with varied interests, strengths, and passion because of the many opportunities the profession offers as nurses, explained Sue Beaulieu, MSN, RN, Massena Memorial Hospital Nurse Executive.
“We work in emergency rooms, clinics, education, information technology, advanced nursing practice nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetist serving their community with professionalism, passion and commitment to safety,” Beaulieu added.
MMH takes the opportunity during Nurses Week to thank our Nursing team, not only the 
RNs and LPNs who work not only in the traditional nursing areas but in medical imaging, patient family services, education and information services, but our nursing assistants, technicians and health unit coordinators. It is this team effort of approximately 178 individuals that provide the high quality of care to our patients. Of special note one of our nursing teams led by Joyce Smith, RN, Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatric Units has been recognized for their outstanding care in decubitus ulcer prevention and care explained Beaulieu.
The Nurse of Distinction is an award that has been given for the past four years at MMH, this nurse who has been nominated by their peers or manager as someone who is dedicated, professional, reliable and committed to the profession of nursing. This year MMH had four finalists that were nominated. They are Beckey Wiley, LPN, David Weitz, RN, Joyce Smith, RN, and Kathleen Lauzon, RN, NP.
The Nursing Staff recognized David Weitz, RN, as this year’s recipient of the MMH Nurse of Distinction Award. Weitz an eighteen year veteran on the hospital healthcare/nursing team has worked in ICU, Medical/Surgical/Pediatric Unit, Surgical Services and a Nursing Supervisor and Director. He not only provides excellent care to his patients, but has served his country in the United States Navy but his community as a volunteer fireman and now the new Chief of the Massena Volunteer Firemen.
Weitz has advanced his professional role and is an Advanced Cardiac Life Support instructor. His nomination noted that he is always friendly, cooperative, always willing to change his hours around and most importantly has mentored many of the new nurses in Intensive Care. He is a true professional and dedicated nurse, community members and probably most importantly a wonderful Dad to his two sons.
On Wednesday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m., MMH Nursing Team had a Candle Lighting Ceremony in honor of our women and men who dedicate their lives in the profession of helping others.
