A contingent of Florida nurse members from 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East will travel this week to New York City and join other top caregivers from numerous states at the 1199SEIU 2024 Nurse of Distinction Awards Gala.

The annual Gala, supported by 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, has honored the professionalism, dedication and leadership of 1199SEIU nurses for more than a decade.  Held during National Nurses Week, honorees are recognized for demonstrating exemplary work ethics and a commitment to excellence in the face of challenges such as short staffing and other healthcare workplace issues.

“Nurses are cornerstone to patient care and we’re proud to celebrate their great talents and achievements at this prestigious labor and management sponsored event,” said Nadine Williamson, gala host, RN and Executive Vice President for 1199SEIU.  “We’re excited to welcome the deserving and dynamic delegation of nurses from our 1199SEIU Florida family.”

About 1,000 nurses, community leaders, elected officials, union executives, as well as hospital and healthcare industry representatives will be on hand at the celebration in the iconic Marriott Marquis  Hotel in the heart of New York City’s Time Square.

“It’s going to be a fantastic time, sharing stories with other nurses and recognizing our colleagues for their amazing work and dedication,” said Taiwan Jackson, LPN at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. “Plus, it will be my first visit to New York City, so I’m looking forward to that, too.”

Other 1199SEIU Florida nurses scheduled to make the Nurse of Distinction trip include Daisy Light, RN at Tenet Healthcare St. Mary’s Medical Center and Joyce Anderson, RN at HCA Florida JFK North Hospital in West Palm Beach; RN Leonardo Ruiz at UHealth Tower in Miami; as well as 1199SEIU organizer Janelle Manigault.    

“The job of a nurse can be very challenging,” said RN Daisy Light. “But we love serving our patients and community as caregivers, and supporting each other as a union.”