Newell resident to receive nursing award
Monongahela Valley Hospital patients are laughing. They’re laughing with Amy Dennis who truly believes that humor is one of the best medicines. “I have fun at work but I take my career very seriously,” Dennis said. A member of the MVH nursing staff for 13 years, Amy will be honored for her commitment, experience and expertise on Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Nursing’s annual Cameos of Caring Awards Gala.
The event will be held in the Spirit of Pittsburgh Ballroom at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
Dennis is the second Monongahela Valley Hospital award recipient. More than 37 hospitals in Western Pennsylvania participate in the Cameos of Caring Awards.
“I feel I don’t need any recognition to do what I do,” Dennis stated, “but I know what an honor this award is. I leave work every day and know that I really did something good that day. I know that I made a difference.”
Proceeds from the Cameos of Caring Awards Gala benefit the Cameos of Caring Scholarship Fund, established in 2000 to offer financial support for nurses to enhance their education. Dennis’ participation in the Cameos event is sponsored by the Norman G. Golomb, M.D. Memorial Education Endowment, the MVH Medical Staff and the hospital.
“My mother was instrumental in my decision to become a nurse. She always encouraged her children and she is so proud of me and my brother and sisters. As a single mother, she raised the four of us to become professionals. We all graduated from college and I influenced my sister (Debbie Morrison) to go into nursing as well.”
Dennis graduated in 1992 from the Community College of Allegheny County and began work at MVH that same year.
“Every job I ask of Amy, she gives 100 percent,” said Cheryl Timko, R.N., Amy’s 7 West supervisor.
“I can’t say enough good things about Amy. Every unit needs a person like her. She’s young at heart and puts a smile on our patients’ faces.”
Sharon Munson, R.N., senior vice president at Monongahela Valley Hospital, agreed. “Amy is a motivator. She participates in many committees from the Patient Standards committee to the Kennywood Picnic committee. She is also very humble about what she does,” Munson added.
One of Amy’s peers summed up her commitment and ability to mentor those around her this way: “She is a leader toward other coworkers and also wonderful at orientation. I never worked in an acute care environment and was having difficulty. She never gave up on me and I became a strong nurse because of her.”
“Teamwork is something I believe in,” Dennis said. “I love the people I work with. It’s a pleasure to work with them. We’re like a little family. Some of us from the unit are actually planning a girl’s camping trip with no guys allowed.”
Amy and her husband, Todd, are the parents of two children, Kelsey, 16, and Bailey, 11, and the family resides in Newell.
Timko recalled many patients who benefited from Amy’s positive influence. “I have seen her polka with patients. She actually had them laughing through post-op pain.”
Amy calls attention to the difference between being funny and having fun. Funny is a behavior, while fun is an attitude.
Amy’s attitude is to always go for the extra smile.