New Award Honors Newly Licensed Nurses

This year, the Department of Nursing introduced an annual award to honor the department’s dedicated newly licensed nurses (NLNs) as part of the nurse recognition program.

“We hope that this new award will help our NLNs feel valued and inspired to continue advancing their practice and developing their careers at the Brigham,” said Katie Fillipon, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, interim chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services. “We’re fortunate to have an incredible group of NLNs at the Brigham and a comprehensive orientation program that provides them with robust support as they transition to practice.”

The Susan W. Hunnewell Professional Development Awards recognize NLNs for demonstrating one of the components of the Department of Nursing’s professional practice model: compassion, knowledge, excellence and collaboration.

This year’s inaugural recipients are Mel Berreondo, BSN, RN, Olivia Berthiaume, BSN, RN, Chaya Malladi, BSN, RN, and Anjali Paudel, BSN, RN.

Award Category: Knowledge

Recipient: Mel Berreondo, BSN, RN, Braunwald Tower 10A, Urology

Mel Berreondo, BSN, RN, is known on Tower 10A for her unwavering compassion, the connections she forms with patients and her willingness to share her knowledge.

“Not only does Mel exude compassion, but she is a strong advocate for her patients and exemplifies the meaning of teamwork with the physicians, nurses, PCAs and UCs,” said Rebecca Colantuoni, BSN, RN, one of Berreondo’s preceptors.

With prior experience as a recreational therapist at Boston Children’s Hospital, Berreondo is skilled in calming patients who experience anxiety and establishing trusting relationships.

“Patients often ask if Mel is coming back because they look forward to her companionship and the outstanding care she provides,” said Colantuoni.

Berreondo spoke of the importance of knowing her patients. “Compassionate care is remembering that everyone is an individual with different needs and ways of coping with being in a hospital,” she said.

As a night shift nurse, Berreondo makes it a point to get to know her patients’ families in the short amount of time she has with them. “I know that saying goodbye to their loved one for the night is never easy, and I hope my time with them allows peace of mind in knowing their loved one is in good hands,” Berreondo said.

Berreondo also serves as a skin champion on Tower 10A. She earned her BS from the University of New Hampshire and completed the accelerated BSN program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Award Category: Collaboration

Olivia Berthiaume, BSN, RN, Braunwald Tower 4A, Intensive Palliative Care

Olivia Berthiaume, BSN, RN, stands out for her ability to foster open communication and collaboration among multidisciplinary team members, according to her nominators.

“Olivia seamlessly navigates the complexities of our patients’ needs, working hand-in-hand with nurses, physicians, social workers and other health care professionals to ensure holistic and patient-centered care,” wrote Tanya Bloom, BSN, RN, and Renata Dobrolinski, MSN, RN, in their nomination of Berthiaume. “She is deeply committed to staying current with the latest advancements in palliative oncology care and continuously seeks ways to enhance her knowledge and skills.”

This is especially important on Tower 4A, which cares for highly complex, palliative oncology patients with diverse cultural, religious, psychological and social backgrounds.

“One of Olivia’s most remarkable qualities is her compassionate approach to end-of-life care,” wrote Bloom and Dobrolinski. “She is adept at facilitating difficult conversations with patients and their families, providing support and guidance during what can be incredibly challenging times. Olivia approaches each patient encounter with empathy, respect and a genuine desire to provide the highest quality of care possible.”

Berthiaume credits her nursing colleagues for showing her “the ropes and teamwork” that have shaped her as she began her career.

“Their support and shared wisdom have profoundly influenced my practice and character,” she said. “I am eager to build upon the impactful experiences I’ve had, contribute to the nursing profession and make a difference in the lives of those I will have the honor of caring for.”

Berthiaume received her BSN from Curry College.

Award Category: Excellence

Chaya Malladi, BSN, RN, Braunwald Tower 12BC, Orthopaedics

Chaya Malladi, BSN, RN, is dedicated to continually advancing her nursing practice and serving as a resource to others.

“Chaya has shown incredible progression in her young career and has demonstrated an innate ability and talent for nursing,” wrote Alex Machajewski, MSN, RN, CNL, nursing director, in nominating Malladi. “She is intelligent, patient, organized and motivated. She has been nothing short of an exemplar in this first year and a half and has a bright future ahead.”

Malladi became a member of the unit-based practice council this past year and is attentive in sharing practice changes with newly licensed nurses on the unit. She also serves as a mentor for new nurses, helping to foster a safe, inclusive environment for staff.

Malladi leads by example with the excellent care she provides to patients. “Chaya consistently develops phenomenal rapport with her patients and their families while providing high-quality care,” said Machajewski. “Chaya has established excellent interdisciplinary relationships with nurses, physicians, physical therapists and other support staff.”

Malladi emphasized the importance of collaboration in the delivery of safe, high-quality care. “Even as a new nurse, I actively seek opportunities to support my colleagues,” she said. “A collaborative approach is essential for enhancing patient care and creating a supportive and safe environment for our colleagues.”

Malladi earned her BSN from Simmons College. She previously worked as a patient care associate at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital.

Award Category: Compassion

Anjali Paudel, BSN, RN, Shapiro 8 East/West, Cardiovascular

As a teenager, Anjali Paudel, BSN, RN, worked with a nonprofit organization serving older adults and underprivileged children in the small town in Nepal where she grew up — an experience that inspired her to become a nurse.

“I decided to become a nurse because no other profession would allow me to serve people and the community in the same way,” said Paudel. “Now, I work as a newly licensed nurse in one of the most reputable hospitals, providing the best care I can. I am grateful for being able to serve.”

Paudel worked as a patient care associate at BWH while she was working toward her BSN at the University of Massachusetts Boston. During that time, staff on Shapiro 8 noticed her compassionate nature and dedication to her patients.

“Working as a patient care assistant allowed us to see what a kind and hardworking nurse Anjali would eventually become,” said Stacey Damron Habermeier, BSN, RN, nurse in charge. “She quietly and efficiently completes her assignments but not without taking the time to really speak with and listen to her patients. She is often seen in her patients’ rooms talking with them in between patient care activities.”

Paudel received a DAISY Award nomination for her compassion. She also works as a wellness nurse at an assisted living facility. “Anjali’s upbeat attitude combined with her obvious empathy makes her a welcomed member of the Shapiro 8 nursing staff and the nursing staff of BWH,” said Damron Habermeier.