A group of nurses across Keck Medicine of USC were recognized in May for their hard work and dedication to exceptional patient care.

The 2015 Nursing Recognition Awards were announced May 6 at a ceremony in Hoffman Café at Keck Hospital of USC.

Nurse Victor Dimacali, left, is congratulated by a colleague after being named Nurse of the Year.

Nurse Victor Dimacali, left, is congratulated by a colleague after being named Nurse of the Year.

The Nurse of the Year Award went to Victor Dimacali in recognition of his clinical expertise, commitment and outstanding patient care.

Dimacali, who works as a nurse on 6-North and joined USC six years ago, was nominated by Nurse Manager Kathy Coe. Coe credited Dimacali for his compassion, knowledge and for being a mentor to his colleagues.

Dimacali said he did not expect to earn the recognition.

“I know plenty of nurses deserving of the award,” Dimacali said. “As a nurse I always go home fulfilled and with a happy heart when a patient thanks me for taking care of their pain. I know all nurses feel the same way.”

The ceremony took place during National Nurses Week, which commemorates the work of the men and woman on the front lines of health care. Chief Nursing Officer Annette Sy acknowledged the work being done by all nurses across Keck Medicine of USC.

“I am so proud of all of you, each and every day,” Sy said during the awards ceremony. “Thank you for the care that you give.”

Recipients 2015 Keck Medicine Center of USC Nursing Recognition Awards:

  • Nurse of the Year Victor Dimacali
  •  Advanced Practice Nurse Kathrine Winnie
  •  Nurse Leader Lori Hitomi
  •  Preceptor Stephanie Johnson
  •  Nurse Rookie Jerwyn Tiu
  •  Nurse Advocate Maria Victoria Deras
  •  Nurse Humanitarian Lisa Johnson
  •  Care Partner Leonore Rodriguez

— Douglas Morino

Winners during the 2015 Nursing Recognition Awards celebrate May 6 with Chief Nursing Officer Annette Sy. From left, Nurse Rookie Jerwyn Tiu, Nurse Preceptor Stephanie Johnson, Advanced Practice Nurse Kathrine Winnie, Nurse Leader Lori Hitomi, Sy, Nurse of the Year Victor Dimicali, Nurse Humanitarian Lisa Johnson, Nurse Advocate Maria Victoria Deras and Care Partner Leonore Rodriguez.

Winners during the 2015 Nursing Recognition Awards celebrate May 6 with Chief Nursing Officer Annette Sy. From left, Nurse Rookie Jerwyn Tiu, Nurse Preceptor Stephanie Johnson, Advanced Practice Nurse Kathrine Winnie, Nurse Leader Lori Hitomi, Sy, Nurse of the Year Victor Dimicali, Nurse Humanitarian Lisa Johnson, Nurse Advocate Maria Victoria Deras and Care Partner Leonore Rodriguez.