Mar
16
2017

Made for Nursing

Posted by: Sally Ann Lake

Meet Katherine Lawless (Kat), senior secretary, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), and her cat, Mitt. Kat was awarded $5,000 through the 2016 Debbie Tascone Nursing Scholarship Award Program. Kat (and five others) met the criteria, and submitted a pertinent essay this time last year.

“Kat is a compassionate and selfless woman who will undoubtedly make a difference in the patients she cares for,” says Dr. James Schneider, Pediatric ICU Chief, and Kat’s supervisor.

“My desire to be in the field of healthcare came at an early age. As a hearing-impaired child, I struggled with those who were quick to judge me – it’s an invisible handicap. Those experiences fostered compassion towards others, along with a willingness to look beyond the obvious.

When I was a teen, I volunteered at an Adult Day Health Care Program, where I was exposed to individuals with many health obstacles. I learned through that experience, and as a nursing student that being entrusted with the care of the patients includes supporting the life they have lived and will live, not just the life they were born with,” says Kat, whose anticipated field of specialization is palliative care.

“I cannot think of too many people as deserving of this award as Kat. She has overcome many challenges in the years I have known her, relentlessly pushing herself to achieve her goals — and always with a smile,” says Marcia Zinger, ECMO coordinator, Pediatric ICU, CCMC.

Apply Now Through March 24

If you are a Northwell Health employee or the dependent of an employee, and are currently admitted or enrolled in an accredited Bachelor of Science in nursing or Associate Degree in nursing program, or taking graduate, post-graduate or certificate courses in palliative care you can apply on the home page of the employee intranet now through March 24.

Carry on Kat!