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Home > News & Media > Nursing Education Scholarship Winner Announced
Published on April 02, 2024
RUTLAND, VT – Rutland Regional Medical Center's Nursing Excellence Team recently presented Justine Franko, MSN, RN, CNM, NCSN with the Carol P. Welsh, RN, Nursing Education Scholarship. The surprise presentation took place in the Women’s & Children’s Unit and Birthing Center (WACU/BC) where Franko works as a nurse manager.
The Carol P. Welsh, RN, Nursing Education Scholarship was established in Carol's memory in 2012 by her husband Bruce and their family. Carol Welsh was employed by Rutland Regional for 34-years and held numerous positions at the hospital before becoming a long-standing Director of Surgical Services. She passed away on December 30, 2011. Carol was a mentor to many nurses during her long career at Rutland Regional and many still remember her kindness and generosity.
Justine Franko has worked for more than a decade as a women’s health professional and holds a Master of Science as a Nurse Midwife as well as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Over the course of her profession, she has noticed an increase in perinatal health disorders, which affects 1 in 5 mothers. Justine will use the scholarship funds to pursue Perinatal Mental Health Certification and bring that knowledge back to the WACU/BC at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
“I am so grateful for this scholarship, and I will use it to bring education and awareness to the women’s health community here and far,” said Franko. “The certification would allow me to create and lead women’s groups locally for those challenged by perinatal mental health disorders.”
Kelly Watson, Chief Nursing Officer, and Carole “Gert” Mayes, Manager of Nursing Excellence for Rutland Regional, surprised Franko on April 1 with a presentation in the WACU/BC area.
“Perinatal mood disorder has a profound effect on bonding with the newborn, it strains family dynamics, can alter the development of the child, and in the worst scenarios, can lead to fatality,” said Watson. “Justine will be able to bring what she has learned to the practice and share the tools and supports parents need to manage through the disorder.”
Video of the presentation available here: https://youtu.be/6-gdvMuFbDM
Rutland Women’s Healthcare provides obstetric needs such as prenatal visits, ultrasounds, fetal testing, lab tests and more at offices at 147 Allen Street, across the street from Rutland Regional Medical Center. Rutland Women’s Healthcare is supported by a team of medical providers including gynecologists, obstetricians, certified nurse midwife, and specially trained nurses. They provide in-office support for emergent gynecological conditions, as well as telehealth for services that do not require an in-office visit. They provide a full array of medical services and preventive care designed to meet the needs of women at every stage of life, from the teenage years to menopause and beyond.
The Women’s & Children’s Unit and Birthing Center provides expert care for laboring moms and their newborns. Private rooms are provided for labor and delivery as well as for postpartum care. Rutland Regional Medical Center was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program for reaching the “Gold Safe Sleep Champion” designation for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The hospital was also named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals recognizing facilities that have provided exceptional care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Survey.
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Rutland Regional Medical Center is the largest community hospital in Vermont and is supported by a medical staff of 340 physicians and advanced practice providers trained in 41 specialty areas. The 145-bed hospital is supported by approximately 1,700 employees. With a strong patient-centered focus, consistent quality performance, Magnet® Nursing Recognition, and award-winning care, Rutland Regional remains dedicated to improving the health of families and individuals throughout portions of southern and central Vermont and communities in eastern New York State with preventative, diagnostic, acute and rehabilitative services.
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Media Contact: Gerianne Smart, Manager, Marketing & PRPhone: 802.747.1608Email: Gerianne Smart
