EXCELLENCE IN NURSING AWARDS 2024
NONTRADITIONAL SETTING
JANICE LEE , RN , BS , CCM , CCDS
Lead Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist , Lifespan Corporate Services
What drew you to the nursing field ? As a little girl , I recall visiting the hospital and being fascinated by the environment and all the activity . I knew early on that I would be a nurse — it was a perfect fit for me as I love helping people . Prior to obtaining my nursing degree , I enlisted in the U . S . Naval Reserve as a hospital corpsman . When the active-duty portion of my service was completed , I returned home and worked as a CNA during my four years at Rhode Island College . I graduated with my BS in nursing in 1989 .
What are you most proud of in your career ? I am proud of not being afraid to try something new . I never wanted to get too comfortable . I began my career in med-surg followed by home care , sub-acute rehab , emergency department , case management and finally clinical documentation integrity , where I have been since 2014 . My role as an emergency department nurse helped me develop my critical thinking skills and assist people through incredibly challenging and frightening experiences . Case management allowed me to continue using my skills and prepared me for my current role .
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ACADEMIC SETTING
JOANNE COSTELLO , PH . D ., MPH , PHCNS-BC
Professor of Nursing , Rhode Island College
What drew you to the nursing field ?
I am from a big family of nurses . My mom and two aunts and my grandmother and two sisters are nurses . I was always really curious about science and preventing illness and injury . I was also interested in politics and promoting the well-being of everyone , not just those who could advocate for themselves . Nursing , especially community / public health nursing , puts the emphasis on equity and meeting people where they are , which was a great fit for my temperament and interests .
Tell us about your specialty and why you chose it . My specialty area is community / public health nursing . When I was a nursing student in my BSN program , I had a clinical course working with teen parents and found that to be | | CONTINUED ON PAGE 87
72 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l SEPTEMBER 2024