Linda McClintock, RN, was named the 2009 Deer Valley School Nurse of the Year on Thursday, May 7, in a surprise presentation at Deer Valley Middle School in Phoenix.
The award, now in its sixth year, acknowledges excellence in school nursing practice and leadership in school health. Nurses from the Deer Valley Unified School District are nominated for the award, and finalists and a winner are selected by the Deer Valley Education Foundation and John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital in Phoenix.
 |
Linda McClintock, RN, third from right, was named the Deer Valley School Nurse of the Year for the Deer Valley Unified School District. She’s pictured with (from left) Colleen Scharneck, RN, vice president of patient care services at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, Marie Brennan, executive director of the Deer Valley Education Foundation, Mendy, RN, the mascot of Mendy’s Place, Kathy Northrop, RN, clinical director of pediatrics at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, and Lynn Miller, principal of Deer Valley Middle School.
|
Mendy, the mascot of Mendy's Place, the 24-hour children's emergency center at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, along with school, hospital and foundation staff surprised McClintock as she was teaching a health class to special education students.
She responded to the news with a big smile and tears of joy as students applauded.
"I'm overwhelmed," she said. "I'm honored and I'm very proud to represent two organizations that truly value registered nurses."
McClintock has been a nurse since 1984. She was inspired to become a nurse after watching nurses take care of her grandmother.
"I saw how wonderful the nurses were and what a difference they made for my grandmother," she said.
She was selected for the award based on her years of dedication to her profession and to students. She exemplifies the qualities of her chosen profession: compassion, patience and caring. She also has the ability to stay calm under pressure, respond with professionalism and a kind heart along with a vast knowledge of school health topics, important practice issues and school health office management. McClintock also is a part-time administrative nursing supervisor at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital, and a previous finalist for the award.
"Mrs. McClintock is organized, detailed and cares about students and the safety of this campus," said Lynn Miller, Deer Valley Middle School principal, in his letter of recommendation. "She has a dedication that is second to none for our students and our staff."
She will be honored at the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board meeting at 7 p.m. May 12 at the district office, 20402 N. 15th Ave., Phoenix. John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital will present her with a $500 check and a school banner. In addition, Deer Valley Middle School will receive a $150 check.
"We are so proud of Linda. She's accomplished so much as a school nurse and as an administrative nursing supervisor at Deer Valley," said Colleen Scharneck, RN, vice president of Patient Care Services at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital. "She makes a difference in the lives of children and patients every day." |