Two Rutland Regional Medical Center Nurses Receive Carol P. Welsh, RN, Nursing Education Scholarship

RUTLAND, VT – Rutland Regional Medical Center's Nursing Excellence Team recently presented the Carol P. Welsh, RN, Nursing Education Scholarship to Tracie Harris, MSN, RN, CCM and Amy Harmon, MSN, RN, RN-BC. Each recipient was presented with their respective award during a surprise visit and presentation by Kelly Watson, Chief Nursing Officer, and Carole “Gert” Mayes, Manager of Nursing Excellence for Rutland Regional, along with other hospital leaders.

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. The Carol P. Welsh, RN, Nursing Education Scholarship was established in Carol's memory in 2012 by her husband Bruce and their family.

Tracie Harris is an RN specialist in clinical documentation within the medical coding department and is always looking for ways to improve upon the accuracy and timeliness of patients’ clinical documentation. She will use this scholarship to attend the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists National Conference. Her intent is to bring back and share knowledge and new information to help the bedside nurses, coders, and revenue cycle teams with strategies for excellence and improved collaboration.

Amy Harmon is an RN clinical educator in the Education & Clinical Excellence Department. She will also use her scholarship to attend an educational conference. The Vizient/AACN Nurse Residency Program Annual Conference offers multiple presentations on how to engage newly licensed nurses, ways to incorporate DEIB principles, retention strategies, preceptor support and professional development. This conference also provides invaluable networking opportunities with other Nurse Residency Coordinators.

“The two recipients are exceptional examples of nurses who look for ways to enhance and share their knowledge at every opportunity,” said Carole “Gert” Mayes, Manager of Nursing Excellence at Rutland Regional Medical Center. “Giving back as a mentor honors the legacy of Carol Welsh while helping the organization achieve high quality outcomes.”

High resolution photos available of both recipients with Carole “Gert” Mayes, Manager of Nursing Excellence