“Nurse’s Nurse” Receives Annual Nightingale Award

Bernie-PuplavaBernie Puplava, a 24-year endoscopy registered nurse at Franciscan St. Anthony Health – Crown Point who has been in her profession for 44 years, was honored May 10 with the hospital’s annual 2013 Nightingale Award during National Nurses Week.

She shares a light moment with Carol Schuster, Franciscan Alliance Northern Indiana Region chief nursing officer, shortly after receiving an honorary pin.

The hospital’s Professional Development Council of Shared Decision Making chooses the winner from among nominees, of which there were four this year.

Puplava was commended, for, among other attributes, putting patients’ and physicians’ needs above her own, often responding to requests during odd hours for emergency situations and for working holidays; and for her compassion, commitment and accountability. She also was lauded for treating patients’ family members respectfully, for being a consummate-professional team player, and for being dependable and trustworthy.

Puplava told a packed room during the award program of her love for the profession and expressed gratitude to her coworkers.

The award is named in honor of legendary nurse Florence Nightingale.