Metro Health Hospital has named Janice DeVries its 2009 Nurse Exemplar. The award is given annually to recognize a registered nurse involved in direct patient care at Metro Health who has demonstrated exceptional nursing practice.
Candidates are nominated by their peers. Metro's Professional Nursing Council evaluates nominations based on the nurse's ability to deliver outstanding care, stimulate critical thinking in her peers, provide continuous assistance, serve as a mentor and positively influence the work of the entire health-care team.
DeVries joined Metro Health's Surgery Prep and Recovery unit in 1989. She has been employed with Metro Health in various departments for 39 years.
Her nomination form noted: "Janice has consistently given care to all patients in an accurate, kind and patient way. She always includes patients and their families in the place of care and strives to learn about and from each patient she cares for.
"This unique RN generates a close community among her peers and sincerely is interested in the details of her co-workers' lives. In doing this, she spreads a sunshine that is completely contagious."
DeVries resides in Hudsonville and has three married children and nine grandchildren.