A Geisinger nursing leader has been honored with a prestigious statewide award recognizing excellence in the nursing profession. Lauren Murphy, manager of nursing quality at Geisinger, received the 2024 Doctor of Nursing Practice Award at the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania’s 35th annual gala held in Harrisburg.
The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania (NAP) is a nonprofit association dedicated to recognizing outstanding nursing practice and providing scholarships to aspiring nurses. Over its 35-year history, NAP has awarded over 220 nursing scholarships totaling more than $525,000 and has honored over 800 Pennsylvania nurses.
Murphy was selected for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Award, which is presented to a nurse who demonstrates significant contributions to healthcare advancement through practice and clinical scholarship. The award also recognizes nurses who are actively involved in healthcare policy and advocacy, contribute to interprofessional collaboration, and improve patient and population health.
“To be recognized by the nightingale Awards is an incredible achievement,” said Janet Tomcavage, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “Lauren personifies what it means to be an remarkable nurse and leader, and her dedication to nursing excellence is evident to everyone she works with. She’s so deserving of this recognition and we’re proud to have her as part of our Geisinger family.”
A resident of Laflin, Pennsylvania, Murphy is lauded for her leadership in fostering relationships with staff, nurse leaders, and other departments to develop innovative quality initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care. She played a key role in helping geisinger Wyoming Valley medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre achieve two consecutive Magnet® designations, the highest national honor recognizing excellence in nursing practice.
Murphy is also recognized for her commitment to keeping staff informed about quality initiatives across the Geisinger system, ensuring they maintain and exceed national benchmarks.She has also established a quality council to further promote best practices.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive NAP’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Award,” said Murphy. “It’s a privilege to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about. I want to express sincere gratitude to my superiors who mentored and supported me, my colleagues who have been with me on this journey throughout my 20-plus-year career at Geisinger and my mom, who inspired me to become a nurse. This recognition fuels my passion and commitment to making a positive impact in our profession of nursing.”
Along with Murphy’s achievement,several other Geisinger nurses were nominated for awards at this year’s gala,highlighting the organization’s commitment to nursing excellence.
- Renee Blakiewicz, chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region – Senior Level/Executive
- Wendy Franklin, inpatient RN, Geisinger Wyoming Valley medical Center, PACU – Clinical Practice RN
- John Hall, vascular access team resource, Geisinger Medical Center, vascular access – Clinical Practice RN
- In remembrance of Alissa Heeman, nursing professional development practitioner, Geisinger Medical Center – Staff Development
- Alyse Hommel, professional development coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center, nursing professional development practitioner – staff Development
- Jana Kass, nursing program director for system nursing informatics – Nursing Informatics
- Crystal Muthler, chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s central region – Senior Level/Executive
- Kellee Neyer, nurse coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center, general surgery – Clinical Practice RN
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical center is taking a proactive approach to address the nationwide nursing shortage by investing in its nursing staff through a thorough professional development program.Tanya Ulichney, a nursing professional development practitioner at the center, emphasizes the importance of this initiative.
“We are committed to providing our nurses with the resources and support they need to thrive in their careers,” Ulichney stated. “Our program focuses on enhancing clinical skills, fostering leadership development, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.”
Geisinger, a leading provider of value-based care in Pennsylvania, serves over 1.2 million people across the state. The nonprofit system,founded in 1915,boasts 126 care sites,including 10 hospital campuses,and Geisinger Health Plan,which covers over half a million members. With a strong commitment to education and research, Geisinger College of Health Sciences trains over 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies.
Recognizing the critical role nurses play in delivering high-quality patient care, Geisinger’s investment in professional development aims to attract and retain top talent. The program offers a variety of educational opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and online courses, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the nursing profession.
By empowering nurses with advanced skills and knowledge, Geisinger aims to improve patient outcomes, enhance job satisfaction, and create a more resilient healthcare workforce.
For more information about Geisinger and its commitment to nursing excellence,visit geisinger.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Lauren murphy, DNP Awarded for nursing Excellence
**world Today News:** Congratulations on receiving teh prestigious Doctor of Nursing Practice Award from the Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania! This is a remarkable achievement.Can you tell us a little bit about what this award means to you?
**Lauren Murphy:** Thank you so much. It’s an astonishing honor to be recognized by the Nightingale Awards. It’s truly humbling. Nursing has been my passion for over two decades, and to be recognized for the work I’ve done to advance patient care and promote nursing excellence is incredibly rewarding.
**World Today News:** Your colleagues at Geisinger clearly hold you in high esteem. Janet Tomcavage, Geisinger’s Chief Nursing Executive, praised your dedication and leadership. Can you elaborate on your role at Geisinger and the focus of your work?
**Lauren Murphy:** At Geisinger, I serve as the manager of nursing quality. My primary focus is on fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our nursing practice.This involves collaborating with staff, nurse leaders, and other departments to develop and implement innovative quality initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care.
**World Today News:** You played a key role in helping Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre achieve consecutive Magnet designations,the highest national recognition for nursing excellence. What does this achievement signify and how was it accomplished?
**Lauren Murphy:** Achieving Magnet recognition is a testament to the exceptional care our nurses provide and the supportive environment Geisinger fosters. It signifies a commitment to excellence in nursing practice, patient outcomes, and professional progress. This accomplishment involved a thorough, multi-year effort involving every member of our nursing team.
**World Today News:** You are also known for championing continuing education and professional development among the nursing staff. Can you tell us more about your initiatives in this area?
**Lauren murphy:** I firmly believe that investing in our nurses’ professional development is crucial to advancing patient care. I’ve implemented programs to keep our staff informed about the latest advances in nursing practice and quality initiatives.We’ve also established a quality council to promote best practices and foster collaboration among nursing professionals.
**World Today News:** You’ve received recognition for your outstanding work. What is your vision for the future of nursing, and what advice would you give to aspiring nurses?
**Lauren Murphy:** I see the future of nursing as one driven by innovation, collaboration, and a unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. My advice to aspiring nurses is to never stop learning, seek out mentors, embrace challenges, and always advocate for your patients. The nursing profession is incredibly rewarding, and your work truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
**World Today News:** Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Lauren. Your insights and dedication are truly inspiring. We wish you continued success in your career.
