HoG Nurse Wins Nursing Excellence Award
Horizons in Hemophilia, June 2009
By Karen Daniel, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Hemophilia of Georgia is proud to announce that Quality Assurance Nurse Rueleen Lavergne has been selected as one of ten winners in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Nursing Excellence awards. Rueleen and the other nine winners were chosen by a panel of judges from more than 230 nominees. Rueleen was honored at a luncheon on May 5.
Rueleen began specializing in hemophilia care nearly twenty years ago and still has contact with some of the patients she met as Hemophilia Nurse Coordinator at the Emory/CHOA Hemophilia Treatment Center. Since joining the Hemophilia of Georgia staff in 1997, Rueleen has gotten to know hundreds of families affected by inherited bleeding disorders throughout the state. As Quality Assurance Nurse for Hemophilia of Georgia, Rueleen's primary objective is to help families affected by bleeding disorders become independent through education so that they will be prepared for emergencies.
Rueleen has helped many anxious parents learn about their child's bleeding disorder and how to treat their children at home. For many new parents, Rueleen is a source of knowledge, reassurance, and comfort. And, for some, she is a shoulder to cry on. According to Rueleen, "You have to talk them through their fear. You have to know when to encourage, when to empower, and when to step in. The calls become less frequent as they learn."
As Lead Nurse for Camp Wannaklot, Rueleen is responsible for developing a written treatment plan for each of the 160 campers. These plans include physician's orders, details of any medical issue the camper may have in addition to hemophilia, and emergency protocols. Rueleen also makes sure that the camp medical staff is fully prepared to treat any issue that could come up at camp. She is responsible for stocking the infirmary with supplies for 160 campers and more than 100 volunteers during the week.
Seeing the campers year after year is a highlight of the camp experience for Rueleen. During camp, the campers attend age-appropriate educational sessions to further enhance their understanding of their bleeding disorders. And, children as young as seven begin learning how to infuse their own factor while they are at camp. This past summer, Rueleen was thrilled that 19 young campers successfully inserted needles in their own veins for the first time. Rueleen believes in connecting with children on their level. She frequently offers to let youngsters practice sticking her with a needle "so that they're not the only ones getting poked."
Rueleen's successful teaching style extends into the community as well. She and the HoG Outreach Nurses travel to schools, hospitals, and medical and dental offices around the state to present information about bleeding disorders. They correct common misconceptions and explain that while a child who has a bleeding disorder won't die from a paper cut, prompt treatment for falls and other injuries is important to prevent joint damage caused by internal bleeding.
Rueleen stays up-to-date on the latest in hemophilia treatment and frequently researches related topics. Clients and other staff members know they can count on her for answers and for easy-to-understand explanations of complex medical issues. According to Ruth Brown, Vice President of Programs, "Rueleen is the glue that holds our nursing department together." HoG congratulates Rueleen on this outstanding accomplishment.