Raina O’Connor, MBA, MSN, RN (ICU), has been named the new Director of Bethesda’s Critical Care Unit. O’Connor joins the Bethesda team with over 30 years of experience in nursing and nursing leadership positions. She recently served as the Director of ICU for East Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, ID, where she led her unit to receiving the 2005 Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. O’Connor has also had the privilege of serving as the Chief Nursing Officer for the Australian Army Hospital providing care to the Defense Force members in ICU.

O’Connor received her Master’s Degree in Nursing as well as a Graduate Diploma in Acute Care from the University of Central Queensland in Australia. She is a member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.



Columbia Hospital employees raised $225.00 for the Gaskov Clergé Foundation by holding a “Denim Day” at the hospital. For a donation of $5.00, the employee is permitted to wear jeans to work on the designated Denim Day. Val Jackson, CEO of Columbia Hospital presented a $225 check on behalf of its employees to Dr. Serge Thys, a psychiatrist at the hospital who volunteers with the Gaskov Clergé Foundation. The donation will be used for promoting health, sports, education and sciences in both the United States and Haiti.



To help women learn more about cancer, including how to prevent and treat the disease, Martin Memorial recently held a women’s cancer forum. The event, called “A Cup of Life,” included an afternoon tea that featured a panel discussion by physicians and healthcare professionals who specialize in cancer treatment. Pictured above: Aileen Pruitt, a cancer survivor and wife of Florida State Senate President Ken Pruitt, speaks to the crowd during the event.



Nancy T. Humbert has been named Vice President of Strategic Business Planning and Public Affairs at Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH).

Prior to joining Miami Children’s, Humbert was Deputy Secretary for Health, State Public Health Nursing Director and State Women’s Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health. Humbert has served the Florida Department of Health in this capacity since 2004, and prior to that, she served the Miami-Dade County Health Department for 15 years. During her early career, Humbert served as a nursing director consultant, intensive care staff nurse and charge nurse in a variety of settings.



Four registered nurses at VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Broward County recently passed the National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPN), demonstrating their knowledge, skill, experience and general excellence in end-of-life care.

Elizabeth Jerome, RN, BSN, CHPN, of North Lauderdale has worked for VITAS for nine years. She is a team manager providing support for residents of a local assisted living community.

Eileen McDermott, RN, CHPN, of Coconut Creek has worked for VITAS for seven years. She is an admissions nurse.

Ellen Ferrick, RN, BS, CHPN, of Margate has worked for VITAS for four years. She works on the contract bed team.

Carol Clarke, RN, CHPN, of Coral Springs has worked for VITAS for two years. She is an admissions nurse.