Celebrating Our 2022 Excellence in Nursing Award Winners!
Twenty incredible Johns Hopkins nurses were named “top nurses” in Baltimore magazine’s May issue and are recipients of the publication’s 2022 Excellence in Nursing award.
The nurses were chosen from hundreds of nominations submitted by peers, supervisors and patients. An expert panel of senior registered nurse advisers reviewed the nominations and selected the top 100 nurses in 21 specialties for their extraordinary contributions to health care.
Meet Johns Hopkins’ Excellence in Nursing award winners, and hear why each is proud to be a nurse:
Dooah Almarzoog, M.S., B.S.N., R.N.
Case Manager
Johns Hopkins Medicine International, International Care Management
Winner in the Case Management Category
“I’m proud to be a nurse because I’m able to apply my clinical expertise and culturally diverse background in order to help international patients have a positive and easy experience during their journey while seeking care in the U.S., Also, I’m able to bridge the gap between Johns Hopkins clinical providers and international payers in order to meet both parties’ expectation.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine International, International Care Management
Winner in the Case Management Category
“I’m proud to be a nurse because I’m able to apply my clinical expertise and culturally diverse background in order to help international patients have a positive and easy experience during their journey while seeking care in the U.S., Also, I’m able to bridge the gap between Johns Hopkins clinical providers and international payers in order to meet both parties’ expectation.”
Jacquelyn Arthur, B.S.N., R.N.
R.N. III
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Community Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatric Rehabilitation/Health Home Program
Winner in the Psychiatric Nurse Category
“I love being a nurse! I feel blessed to be in a position every day to advocate for my patients, lessen the stigma of mental health within our national health care system and encourage others to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Community Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatric Rehabilitation/Health Home Program
Winner in the Psychiatric Nurse Category
“I love being a nurse! I feel blessed to be in a position every day to advocate for my patients, lessen the stigma of mental health within our national health care system and encourage others to embrace a healthy lifestyle.”
Shenna Badgett, L.P.N.
Licensed Practical Nurse
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Surgery, Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Winner in the Rehabilitation Category
“What makes me most proud of being a nurse is the joy I get to serve and help others. I am committed to make my patient’s stay as pleasant as I possibly can during their time in the hospital by treating them as I would want to be treated.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Surgery, Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Winner in the Rehabilitation Category
“What makes me most proud of being a nurse is the joy I get to serve and help others. I am committed to make my patient’s stay as pleasant as I possibly can during their time in the hospital by treating them as I would want to be treated.”
Carrie Baumann, B.S.N., R.N.
Senior Clinical Nurse
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Winner in the Community Care/Ambulatory Care Category
“I am most proud to be a nurse when I know I have helped patients and their family members through a difficult time in their lives. To be able to support and help guide them through the process of a diagnosis and treatment is quite an honor.”
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Winner in the Community Care/Ambulatory Care Category
“I am most proud to be a nurse when I know I have helped patients and their family members through a difficult time in their lives. To be able to support and help guide them through the process of a diagnosis and treatment is quite an honor.”
Jackie Cassidy, B.S.N., R.N.
R.N. III
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Head and Neck Surgery Clinic
Winner in the Medical-Surgical Nursing Category
“I’ve worked at Johns Hopkins for 34 years. I just can’t imagine doing any other profession or working at any other hospital — I just love it! I encourage young people to pursue a career in nursing all the time. I get the opportunity to care for and meet so many wonderful patients and families. Every day is different and provides an opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life — whether big or small. I feel privileged to be a part of the amazing team at Hopkins!”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Head and Neck Surgery Clinic
Winner in the Medical-Surgical Nursing Category
“I’ve worked at Johns Hopkins for 34 years. I just can’t imagine doing any other profession or working at any other hospital — I just love it! I encourage young people to pursue a career in nursing all the time. I get the opportunity to care for and meet so many wonderful patients and families. Every day is different and provides an opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life — whether big or small. I feel privileged to be a part of the amazing team at Hopkins!”
Lora Clawson, M.S.N., C.R.N.P.
Assistant Professor
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“My career in nursing began with the goal of making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. In the Hopkins ALS clinic, we are able to provide caring and compassionate medical and nursing expertise in addition to cutting edge clinical research opportunities, thus impacting positively the lives of our ALS patients and families.”
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“My career in nursing began with the goal of making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families. In the Hopkins ALS clinic, we are able to provide caring and compassionate medical and nursing expertise in addition to cutting edge clinical research opportunities, thus impacting positively the lives of our ALS patients and families.”
Meghan Cronk, M.S.N., R.N., C.N.R.N., C.N.L.
Pediatric Epilepsy Nurse Coordinator
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Pediatric Neurology
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“There is no greater honor than having the opportunity to have an impact in the lives of my patients as their nurse. I strive to provide exceptional care as they navigate the complex world of epilepsy — from the hospital and clinic, to the school and home settings. My goal is to empower my patients and their families to gain a sense of control as they transition into adulthood.”
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Pediatric Neurology
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“There is no greater honor than having the opportunity to have an impact in the lives of my patients as their nurse. I strive to provide exceptional care as they navigate the complex world of epilepsy — from the hospital and clinic, to the school and home settings. My goal is to empower my patients and their families to gain a sense of control as they transition into adulthood.”
Danielle Crump, B.S.N., R.N., O.C.N.
Lead Clinical Nurse
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences
Winner in the Oncology Category
“What makes me proud about being a nurse is that I am able to be a part of my patient’s cancer journey as a support, a cheerleader rooting for good outcomes, a person that can console when the outcomes aren’t what was expected. I work with pediatric and adult patients, so I get to experience two different views/mindsets. But what I experience from both is resilience, and I have been blessed to witness it.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Radiation Oncology and Molecular Sciences
Winner in the Oncology Category
“What makes me proud about being a nurse is that I am able to be a part of my patient’s cancer journey as a support, a cheerleader rooting for good outcomes, a person that can console when the outcomes aren’t what was expected. I work with pediatric and adult patients, so I get to experience two different views/mindsets. But what I experience from both is resilience, and I have been blessed to witness it.”
Joshua Cruz, R.N.
R.N. III
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pediatric Operating Room
Winner in the Operating Room Category
“I got into nursing to take care of patients. That’s still my focus and what I take the most pride in as a nurse.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pediatric Operating Room
Winner in the Operating Room Category
“I got into nursing to take care of patients. That’s still my focus and what I take the most pride in as a nurse.”
Laura Daly, B.S.N., R.N.
Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program Nurse
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program
Winner in the Acute Care/Family Practice/General Medicine Category
“I love connecting with each individual patient and getting to know them for who they are outside of the clinic. As a patient, you are putting your trust in people you don’t necessarily know very well, so I make a strong effort to show my patients that I truly have their best interests at heart. I try to treat each patient as if they were a close friend or family member and do my best to acknowledge and validate their concerns or thoughts. I want to show them that working on their health and wellness goals is a collaborative effort they don’t have to do alone.”
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program
Winner in the Acute Care/Family Practice/General Medicine Category
“I love connecting with each individual patient and getting to know them for who they are outside of the clinic. As a patient, you are putting your trust in people you don’t necessarily know very well, so I make a strong effort to show my patients that I truly have their best interests at heart. I try to treat each patient as if they were a close friend or family member and do my best to acknowledge and validate their concerns or thoughts. I want to show them that working on their health and wellness goals is a collaborative effort they don’t have to do alone.”
Catherine Field-Flowers, B.S.N., R.N.
Occupational Health Nurse
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Occupational Health Services
Winner in the Acute Care/Family Practice/General Medicine Category
“I have never been prouder to be a nurse than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I am no longer at the bedside, I feel like I am able to make a huge impact by providing vaccines to our employees who are on the front lines. It is an honor to support the staff that takes care of our community and family members.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Occupational Health Services
Winner in the Acute Care/Family Practice/General Medicine Category
“I have never been prouder to be a nurse than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although I am no longer at the bedside, I feel like I am able to make a huge impact by providing vaccines to our employees who are on the front lines. It is an honor to support the staff that takes care of our community and family members.”
Elizabeth Foreman, M.S., B.S.N., R.N.
Lead Clinical Nurse
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Surgery
Winner in the Medical-Surgical Nursing Category
“What makes me most proud about being a nurse is that what we do directly impacts outcomes. I enjoy being a part of a team that strives to empower others and make differences for our patients.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Surgery
Winner in the Medical-Surgical Nursing Category
“What makes me most proud about being a nurse is that what we do directly impacts outcomes. I enjoy being a part of a team that strives to empower others and make differences for our patients.”
Robert Huber, R.N.
Clinical Nurse Operations Manager
Johns Hopkins Care at Home, Home Support
Winner in the Hospice/Home Health/Palliative Care Category
“I love home-based nursing and the relationship I build with my patients in the home setting. Above the patient care and education I provide, the emotional support I provide is reciprocated back to me and is a blessing When I leave my patient with a smile on my face, I know I’m in the right place.”
Johns Hopkins Care at Home, Home Support
Winner in the Hospice/Home Health/Palliative Care Category
“I love home-based nursing and the relationship I build with my patients in the home setting. Above the patient care and education I provide, the emotional support I provide is reciprocated back to me and is a blessing When I leave my patient with a smile on my face, I know I’m in the right place.”
M. Susan LeFande, D.N.P., M.S.N., F.N.P.-B.C.
Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Capital Region, Infusion
Winner in the Oncology Category
"When a patient arrives to an appointment apprehensive or frankly terrified and leaves me feeling comforted and able to laugh, that is when I am truly proud to be a nurse. Nurses are at their best when they are empowering their patients with information. Health care can be scary, and knowledge is the best antidote to fear.”
Sibley Memorial Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Capital Region, Infusion
Winner in the Oncology Category
"When a patient arrives to an appointment apprehensive or frankly terrified and leaves me feeling comforted and able to laugh, that is when I am truly proud to be a nurse. Nurses are at their best when they are empowering their patients with information. Health care can be scary, and knowledge is the best antidote to fear.”
Anna Noguchi, B.S.N., R.N.
Program Coordinator for Organ and Tissue Donation, Liaison to the Living Legacy Foundation
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center
Winner in the Intensive Care Category
“Nursing is meeting strangers who are experiencing some of the most vulnerable times of their life. For me, working in critical care is to focus on the holistic well-being of the patient and family, therefore positively impacting the community. It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of a patient’s journey and to aid in their ability to find meaningful closure.”
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Comprehensive Transplant Center
Winner in the Intensive Care Category
“Nursing is meeting strangers who are experiencing some of the most vulnerable times of their life. For me, working in critical care is to focus on the holistic well-being of the patient and family, therefore positively impacting the community. It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of a patient’s journey and to aid in their ability to find meaningful closure.”
Rowena Orosco, B.S.N., R.N.
Assistant Patient Care Manager
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Burn Intensive Care Unit/Burn and Wound Unit
Winner in the Intensive Care Category
“What makes me most proud about being a nurse is the ability to help people in their most vulnerable state and working with a great team of staff that loves what they do in taking care of a very complex patient population.”
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Burn Intensive Care Unit/Burn and Wound Unit
Winner in the Intensive Care Category
“What makes me most proud about being a nurse is the ability to help people in their most vulnerable state and working with a great team of staff that loves what they do in taking care of a very complex patient population.”
Rene Shumate, M.S.N., R.N.
Specialty Nurse
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology
Winner in the Pediatrics: Nonneonatal Category
“I am most proud of being in a career that helps other people, where I am able to assist patients and their families through some of the most difficult situations they have ever had to face. I find it especially gratifying to be continuously learning new things, being surrounded by others who challenge me and teach me.”
The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology
Winner in the Pediatrics: Nonneonatal Category
“I am most proud of being in a career that helps other people, where I am able to assist patients and their families through some of the most difficult situations they have ever had to face. I find it especially gratifying to be continuously learning new things, being surrounded by others who challenge me and teach me.”
Sarah Snoops, B.S.N., R.N., C.N.R.N.
Clinical Nurse
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Multiple Sclerosis Center in the Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Infections
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is the ability to impact a person’s life. We get to support a person during their greatest highs and lowest lows by being their cheerleader, confidant and teammate.”
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Multiple Sclerosis Center in the Division of Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious Infections
Winner in the Neurology/Psychology/Behavioral Health Category
“The most rewarding thing about being a nurse is the ability to impact a person’s life. We get to support a person during their greatest highs and lowest lows by being their cheerleader, confidant and teammate.”
Kathleen Ward, B.S.N., R.N., C.C.M.
Nurse Case Manager
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Department of Care Management
Winner in the Case Management Category
“No matter your field of nursing, you can always advocate for patients. That is why I love being a nurse.”
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Department of Care Management
Winner in the Case Management Category
“No matter your field of nursing, you can always advocate for patients. That is why I love being a nurse.”
Margaret West, R.N., C.D.C.E.S.
Lead Clinical Nurse
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
Winner in the Pediatrics: Nonneonatal Category
“I am most proud of the relationships I have forged with patients and families. Nurses are trusted to make a difference in the lives of patients in their most vulnerable moments. We have the unique opportunity to enact lasting change in our community and in the world.”
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
Winner in the Pediatrics: Nonneonatal Category
“I am most proud of the relationships I have forged with patients and families. Nurses are trusted to make a difference in the lives of patients in their most vulnerable moments. We have the unique opportunity to enact lasting change in our community and in the world.”
