RWJ Hamilton's Cindy Bascara Honored with Frances Black Humanitarian Award for Service

HAMILTON, NEW JERSEY - Cindy Bascara, RN, MSN, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, has received the esteemed Frances Black Humanitarian Award in Healthcare. The award, which is given annually by the non-profit organization Friends' Health Connection (FHC), recognizes Bascara for the outstanding service she provides to all of her patients.

Cindy Bascara, RN, MSN, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, has received the esteemed Frances Black Humanitarian Award in Healthcare.

Bascara is currently participating in the RWJ Hamilton Sepsis Initiative, an effort to identify and treat patients with sepsis, characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state caused by infection. She played an active role in the implementation of the Sepsis Screening Tool and the Sepsis Protocol, improving patient outcomes.

Sharon Brown, RN, MSN, and Assistant Vice President, Nursing says, "Cindy Bascara has really made a difference in the quality of care that we provide to our patients. As our Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, she works collaboratively with the nursing staff and the physicians to promote education and evidence-based clinical practice."

"Each year there are a number of individuals, like Cindy Bascara, who demonstrate outstanding compassion and continue to provide commendable service. It is a true honor that we are able to make sure these people are given the recognition they deserve," says FHC Executive Director Roxanne Black-Weisheit. The award is part of FHC's effort to support and educate people with health problems, their families and caregivers.

In her current role as a CNS, Bascara serves as a clinician, a leader, consultant, educator and a researcher. Her overall goal is to promote positive patient outcomes, collaborate with physicians and other teams to improve care and initiate new programs. Bascara is currently working towards her post-master's certificate for clinical nurse specialist at the University of Delaware.

Bascara is a staunch believer of developing her knowledge and skills, whether it's through volunteer work or education. By coordinating educational programs, giving lectures and being a resource to other nurses for new procedures and equipment, Bascara has proven her dedication to improving the overall quality of care for all of her patients. "Raising the bar in the nursing profession is important to me," says Bascara. "Taking it to the next level through professional growth, mentoring and empowerment will not only lead to quality care, but will give a great sense of fulfillment-something that we all need as professionals."

Bascara lives in Millstone Township, NJ with her husband and four sons.

RWJ Hamilton is one of 47 hospitals and healthcare facilities affiliated with Friends' Health Connection. For the Frances Black Humanitarian Award program, each facility chooses a nominee to represent it. Winners were recently honored at a formal dinner and awards ceremony.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.