Two employees at Hospice by the Sea have won 2008 “Awards of Excellence” from the Florida Hospices and Palliative Care organization (FHPC).

Vincent Averaimo, R.N., from Fort Lauderdale, a registered nurse and a caregiving team leader, received the Nursing Excellence award. Sister Maria Elena Larrea of Hollywood, a community coordinator for Hospice by the Sea’s Hispanic outreach program, Abriendo Puertas, garnered the Supportive Services Excellence award.

Averaimo and Larrea were among five individuals from throughout the state who were honored by the FHPC for exemplifying best practices in role modeling, leadership, teamwork, and professional development. Candidates are nominated in five categories — nursing, certified nursing and home health assistance, psychosocial care, spiritual care, and supportive services.