Receiving the state awards was an “emotional and humbling experience”
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| Bonita Trapnell | Jodi Arnold |
Bonita Trapnell, clinical director, and Jodi Arnold, a nurse in the G.I. department at York Hospital, both agree that receiving a Pennsylvania Nightingale Nursing Award is an “emotional and humbling experience.”
The two veteran WellSpan nurses were recognized at an awards gala, Friday, Nov. 4, at the Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center. More than 120 nurses across the commonwealth were nominated in six categories.
“It was an honor to be in a roomful of elite nurses,” said Trapnell, who won the Nursing Administration Award. “I felt very proud. “When you attend the event, you realize how prestigious it is. I only wish that every nurse could attend the Nightingale Awards. It would be so awesome.”
Arnold, who won the Patient Choice Award, said, “It was definitely a great honor. I was proud to accept the award, but I was deeply humbled. I believe I’m just a representative of all the wonderful people who I work with. Many others do similar things that I do. It was an emotional night for me. I cried the whole time.”
Trapnell’s award marked the second consecutive year a WellSpan nurse has won the Nursing Administration Award. Astrid Davis, who was clinical director of the cardiovascular service line at the time, won the award in 2010.
Arnold is the first WellSpan nurse to win the Patient Choice Award. Patients must nominate a nurse for the award.
Valerie Hardy-Sprenkle, vice president of acute care nursing practice for WellSpan, praised both Trapnell and Arnold.
“Bonita is a strong, senior nursing leader who uses her talents to drive clinical initiatives forward which achieve outstanding results for our patients.
“She pulls teams together and galvanizes them toward a common goal. Bonita is very collaborative and very patient centered. “She’s respected and trusted by her peers and co-workers. Bonita is an excellent role model.”
Hardy-Sprenkle also cited Trapnell’s experience as one of the two longest-tenured clinical directors at York Hospital as well as her involvement with recent initiatives such as infusion management, decreasing sepsis mortality and decreasing incidents of c-diff.
Hardy-Sprenkle said Arnold, who was named the York Hospital Kitty Reisinger Heart of Nursing Award winner in May, is very deserving of the state honor.
“Jodi is incredibly compassionate, caring and patient centered,” she said. “She gives her whole heart to her patients, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Jodi’s nominator wrote, “I would like to nominate this nurse for her never-ending kindness, compassion and caring toward her patients and their families. Her empathy, willingness to listen and selflessness personifies this nurse.”
For a complete list of Pennsylvania Nightingale Award winners, go to www.nightingaleawards.org.