TINA FITZGERALD RECEIVES 2011
CONKEY FAMILY MEMORIAL AWARD

Tiina Fitzgerald, RN, BSN, CDE was the recipient of the 30th annual Conkey Family Memorial Award given out during National Hospital Week.  The award, announced on Monday, May 9, during an afternoon award event at MCH, is a cash gift given annually to an employee of MCH, chosen on the basis of his or her actions, which show the highest concern and attention for patients or the benefit of patients.  The award is given to the person, who best exemplifies this attitude of care for patients directly or indirectly.  Employees of MCH make nominations and the hospital’s Board of Directors chooses the recipient from those names nominated each year.  Some excerpts from Tina’s nominations include:  “Tina has made a valiant effort to know each and every one of her fellow workers…” …“she is never without a helping hand, good knowledgeable advice, and a greeting with a smile in all encounters with her work friends…” …”she organizes diabetic meals, meetings, shopping trips, and newsletters for her patients teaching them a healthy lifestyles while enjoying life….”…”Tina is also a wonderful community advocate for Mendota Community Hospital.” … “Tina is a versatile employee who has worked all shifts in several departments”  …”she is caring, charitable, and gives of herself…”

Tina Fitzgerald has worked at Mendota Community Hospital for over 37 years.  She was born in Buffalo, NY and grew up along the eastern coast of the country before graduating high school in Wyoming, IA.  She received her Associate’s degree in nursing from Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL and her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.  Currently Ms. Fitzgerald works as the hospital’s Community Health Nurse providing outreach screenings and programs in Mendota and the surrounding communities for both the public and businesses.  She is a Certified Diabetic Educator (CDE) for the hospital providing diabetic instruction to inpatients and outpatients.  Before she began working exclusively  in Community Health Services, Ms. Fitzgerald worked in the Medical Surgical Unit, Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department.  She also has served as assistant night supervisor and relief charge.         

Ms. Fitzgerald lives in Mendota with her husband, Paul.  They have one son, Michael, (Angie) and two grandchildren.  In her spare time Tina enjoys gardening and exercising.  She also is interested in fish and turtles and has a number of aquarium tanks in her home.