For More Information Please Call:
Marge Sullivan, Palm Healthcare Foundation, 561.833.6333
Melanie Otero, The Waters Pelton Organization, 561.626.0026 ext 11
Jennifer Abbott, The Waters Pelton Organization, 561.626.0026 ext 19

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – From January 1 to February 2, 2007 Palm Healthcare Foundation and The Palm Beach Post will accept nominations for the fifth annual Nursing Distinction Awards, which honor Palm Beach County’s dedicated and highly skilled nursing professionals.  Eligible nominees include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, nursing assistants, nursing students, and volunteers who have made a significant impact in the lives of patients and fellow healthcare professionals throughout the community.  Nominees should display dedication to excellence in an area of expertise beyond the scope of their jobs, commitment to the profession of nursing, and a sense of community.  The Nursing Distinction Awards recognize those who serve as an inspiration to others in an effort to improve the quality of healthcare, discover new ways to assist those in need, and display compassion and caring on a daily basis.  Special consideration will be given to those who inspire others to pursue a nursing career.

Palm Healthcare Foundation and The Palm Beach Post hope to receive nominations from those within the healthcare community as well as patients and members of the public who have received or observed outstanding care from a nurse.  “Nurses are the glue that holds together the healthcare community,” said Suzette W. Wexner, Palm Healthcare Foundation President. “We know that there are hundreds of examples of outstanding nurses who have displayed compassion, devotion to our community, integrity and leadership, and have served as an inspiration to others to join the healthcare profession.  We want to hear those stories and recognize the nurses who are deeply dedicated to quality patient care.”

One nurse will be selected for the 2007 Nurse of the Year Award, which comprises a $1000 grand prize and a spa weekend at The Breakers in Palm Beach.  Additionally, each category winner will receive a certificate to Gianna Christine Salon, Spa, and Wellness Center, a professional portrait and an award.  Winners will be announced during the Palm Healthcare Foundation and WPTV’s Nursing Distinction Awards Celebration Dinner on May 18, 2007 at The Breakers.  A pre-event hosted by Land Rover on March 8, 2007 will recognize award nominees.  Categories include:

• Leadership Award
• Registered Nurse of the Year
• Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year
• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Nursing Student of the Year
• Educator of the Year
• Hands & Heart Award (recognizes a nurse whose compassion and caring has made a profound impact on a patient’s life)
• Extra Mile Award (recognizes a nurse who fosters professional growth in others and/or serves the community as a mentor or volunteer)

Nomination forms are available at www.palmhealthcare.org and must be received on or before February 2, 2007.  For more information, please call 561-833-6333.

About Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc. was chartered in 2001 as an independent community healthcare foundation. Believing that “Together We Can Do More,” the foundation’s mission is to transform healthcare challenges by bringing together the talents and resources of the community to create innovative solutions that deliver high-impact results. The Foundation’s funding priorities—access to healthcare, healthcare quality and safety, healthcare technology, healthcare policy and healthcare workforce—are designed to empower non-profit healthcare organizations and healthcare professionals to create programs and services that improve the quality of life for Palm Beach County’s underserved citizens.  Since 2001, the Foundation has distributed more than $14 million to over 70 non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County operating over 130 programs that met its funding goals.  To learn more about Palm Healthcare Foundation, please visit www.palmhealthcarefoundation.org.