The VGH Burn, Plastics and Trauma (BPT) team applaud Giancarla Pasqua, winner of this year’s Trudy Staley Book Prize. Every year staff of the BPTU team vote for an RN they feel best exemplifies excellence in nurse education and mentorship.  Giancarla earned the honour this year, followed closely by runner-up Carol Kopp.

Rave reviews from colleagues

Read the comments staff submitted about Giancarla and Carol, and it’s clear why they are held in such high esteem:

•  “Giancarla has worked on [BPTU] for close to 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge which she freely shares with patients, family and staff. She is well organized in her own practice and unflappable under challenging circumstances, which makes Giancarla an excellent role model for junior nursing staff on the floor.”
• “Carol may not know the impact she has on others when she is on shift but I have heard many staff breathe a sigh of relief (especially on Full Moon Fridays).”
• “Giancarla always brings a bright smile and laughter to her work which is infectious and often spreads to others working around her. Her demeanor helps set a relaxed and happy working atmosphere.”
• “Carol voluntarily teaches patients and their families about their diagnosis, discharge plans and expected/unexpected outcomes. She will go out of her way in the best interest of the patients.”
•  “Giancarla has demonstrated excellent skills as a preceptor, charge nurse, patient and family advocate and teacher. She is adaptable to a fast-paced changing environment and is always happy to assist her colleagues when they are struggling.”

Annual award named for a BPTU retiree

Carol Kopp, runner-up for the 2014 Trudy Staley Book Prize, was also acknowledged for her notable contributions to education and mentorship.

Trudy Staley, a former BPTU head nurse and educator, retired in 1999 after many years of providing knowledge and education for burn care in B.C. In her honour, the surgeons in the Division of Plastic Surgery chose to support an annual book prize to be awarded to a nurse who shows excellence in nurse education, mentorship and patient/family teaching.

 Each recipient’s name is added to a plaque publicly displayed on the unit. Winners also receive a gift certificate for the UBC Bookstore, and a personalized certificate of honour.

 In honour of all nurses this National Nursing Week, we congratulate Giancarla and Carol, and thank you for all that you do.