Nurses of Note Receive Awards

Texas Children’s Hospital recently honored two highly dedicated nurses by naming Emily Weber as 2001 Nurse of the Year, and Sandra Silerio-Taylor as Preceptor of the Year.

Nurse of the Year

The Nurse of the Year award, made possible by an anonymous donor through the Junior League of Houston, has been awarded to bedside nurses since 1985. The award recognizes an outstanding nurse who exemplifies excellence in a staff nurse/bedside caregiver role based on professional development, teamwork, providing service with "HEART" (the Texas Children’s acronym for service: Hearty welcome, Empathize, Ask questions, Respond quickly and Take the next step) and delivering family-centered care.

Weber, a registered nurse and charge nurse, joined Texas Children’s in 1999. She precepts, chairs her unit practice council and serves on the hospital practice council and the Performance Improvement Magnet Committee. Weber is a member of numerous Texas Children’s committees and served as a move coordinator during the recent hospital expansion.

Weber recently began working toward a master’s degree in nursing in health systems management, with a minor in health care administration.

She is quick to credit Texas Children’s leadership for supporting her efforts.

"Texas Children’s is a great place to work," Weber said. "It has provided me with opportunities to grow in my profession. There are so many avenues here to help patients and their families, and I try to incorporate them into my daily care efforts."

Kerri Phelps, a nurse education coordinator, said Weber goes above and beyond the call of duty in performing her job each day.

"Emily always is looking for ways to make the work environment better," Phelps said. "If she sees a problem, she brings it to the attention of the leadership team and suggests a solution. She is full of creative ideas and shares them freely."

Preceptor of the Year

The Preceptor of the Year award, established in 1999, recognizes an experienced role model and learning facilitator who assists employees in mastering skills required for successful job performance and satisfaction.

Silerio-Taylor, the 2001 Preceptor of the Year, joined Texas Children’s as a graduate nurse in 1998 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Texas Woman’s University. Silerio-Taylor is a registered nurse, charge nurse and preceptor, and serves on the Performance Improvement Committee and her unit’s practice council.

"Sandra is known for establishing caring relationships with those she precepts," said Jill Stonesifer, registered nurse and education coordinator. "She also models this behavior in the relationships she establishes with patients and families."

Silerio-Taylor said she is happy to help new nurses learn the ropes.

"I remember how important my preceptors were during my graduate nurse orientation," she said. "Without their guidance, I would not be the nurse I am today. I strive to provide those I precept with the same essential guidance."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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