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Excellence in Clinical Nursing


An RN who demonstrates superior clinical nursing knowledge and expert skills and who applies both talents in ways that measurably impact the quality of patient care and improve outcomes in any clinical setting or nursing specialty.


Deborah Rice-Lang, MN, FNP-BC


Family NP, Garrison Medical Clinic, Palmdale


Clinical Faculty, Primary Care NP Program


UCLA School of Nursing Los Angeles


Rice-Lang has served as a gubernatorial appointee for a California state commission, an elected public offi cial, and as a director on several hospital boards, but she said receiving the GEM Award for Excellence in Clinical Nursing was “the ultimate recognition I have received during my nursing career. It was a great honor to receive the award in the company of such an accomplished and talented group of nurses.”


As a family nurse practitioner in a medically underserved area, Rice-Lang provides the full spectrum of primary care services. She also mentors students from the UCLA School of Nursing Primary Care NP program.


Among her many achievements, Rice-Lang is most proud of leading a successful collaboration between the Los Angeles County Health Department, the City of Palmdale, and a hospital district to develop three community clinics, bringing healthcare services to an underserved area with a population of more than 300,000 adults and children.


When asked what advice she would give other nurses who are striving to advance in their careers, Rice-Lang said, “Dream big and dare to fail.”


18 Visit us at NURSE.com • 2016


Excellence in


Community Care


An RN who exemplifi es outstanding clinical knowledge and nursing expertise in caring for patients in settings beyond the hospital, including professional home care nursing; home hospice; sub- acute and intermediate care; and other ambulatory community, industrial or school nurse roles.


Valerie Hayes, PhD, MN, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, APHN-BC


Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Integrated Community Care


VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System


Hayes calls her work with homeless veterans in Los Angeles, “an unforeseen passion.” She is most proud of the contributions she makes providing care and support to homeless individuals, “who have been rejected by their families and by society.” In her role as a PMHNP, Hayes initiates a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, identifi es compounding medical and social issues, and collaborates with a team of primary care providers, social workers and psychologists.


Hayes said she is honored and surprised to receive the 2016 GEM Award. She sees her mission as a nurse to treat the whole person, and providing mental health support is tantamount when caring for homeless veterans in her community. “I landed in a place that promotes that mission,” she said. Hayes urges other nurses to follow their passion, and when the need arises, “blaze the trail and educate other professionals with your knowledge, talent, compassion and collaborative spirit.”


Hayes’ nominator gave her the highest praise for her calm, gentle and professional manner and the legendary success of her approach in de- escalating the most troubling outbursts.


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