Advocate Condell nurse recognized for dedication to moms, babies
An Advocate Condell Medical Center nurse is one of five statewide to receive the March of Dimes' 2013 Perinatal Nursing Excellence Award, recognizing her work with and dedication to the hospital's tiniest patients.
Lisa Plucinski, Advocate Condell's Coordinator of Lactation Services, was chosen for the award, which honors nurses who care for women and their babies either at the bedside or through programming, quality or safety initiatives.
Plucinski, a nurse at Advocate Condell since 1994, has done all of the above. She began her career caring for patients in the hospital's Level II+NICU. As both a certified childbirth educator and lactation consultant, she has helped countless expectant parents not only on an inpatient level but also through classes and community education events, and new parents through the “Lactation Warm Line” breastfeeding support line and the “Look What We Can Do” program, a weekly support group for new moms and their babies.
Her focus now is to lead help Condell achieve Baby Friendly hospital status. The Baby Friendly program requires hospitals to encourage breastfeeding and mother-baby bonding, for the healthiest start for babies, and best health outcomes for their mothers.
“I am honored to receive the March of Dimes award,” Plucinski said. “I have always respected the March of Dimes' work enhancing the health outcomes for our littlest patients.”
“Lisa exemplifies the best in Nursing, and we at Advocate Condell are proud to have her as a part of our outstanding Perinatal team,” said Kathryn Voss, Director of Nursing/Professional Development at Advocate Condell.
Plucinski will be recognized at an awards lunch during the March of Dimes 38th Annual Perinatal Nursing Conference earlier this month. Plucinski was nominated for the award by Jennifer Johnson, Condell's Perinatal Education Coordinator.
“Lisa is an amazing role model for all and definitely validates the ‘nurses are angels on earth' mantra,” Johnson said. “Her infectious passion exemplifies nursing in the 21st century. I am excited to watch Lisa continue to lead the way toward healthy moms and babies.”
About Advocate Condell Medical Center
Advocate Condell Medical Center is the leading provider of comprehensive medical and surgical services in Lake County, with state-of-the-art heart, neurosurgical, maternity and emergency services. Condell's emergency department is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Lake County, Illinois. It also features the only dedicated pediatric emergency department in the county. Condell holds accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers for cardiac patients, and is accredited by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center. Advocate Condell is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best hospitals in the Chicago metro area for superior results in patient safety and health outcomes.