Loyola Medicine

MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Brian Claypool, RN, was named Loyola University Health System’s 2010 Nurse of the Year during its annual Nursing Excellence Award Ceremony on May 5. Claypool, who is a surgical intensive care unit nurse, is the first male to receive this top honor at Loyola. He was chosen for his skills as a clinical expert, educator, mentor and role model. “Brian is a dynamic nurse leader and preceptor who facilitates good clinical experiences for new nurses and nursing and paramedic students,” said Kathy Przybyl, RN, who nominated Claypool for the award. “He is unflappable under pressure and thrives in emergency situations while still managing to make others laugh. Loyola is proud to honor him with this award.” Claypool demonstrates nursing excellence on a daily basis at Loyola. On one occasion, he was returning equipment to another unit and stayed to assist with a procedure. After a patient transfer, Claypool found time to help two physicians insert a chest tube. He also responded to a hemorrhaging patient outside of the intensive care unit and arranged for a transfer back to the ICU. During his breaks, you can find him offering another pair of hands to help in the emergency department. “It was an honor to be recognized by my peers,” Claypool said. “I am no more deserving of this award than anyone else. I would not be here without my team.” The Nursing Excellence Awards Ceremony is an annual event to honor top Loyola nurses. Certain nurses also were recognized for their clinical expertise, leadership, patient advocacy, mentoring or skills as advanced practitioners. In a field traditionally dominated by women, three of these nurses were men. The following is a complete list of award winners: Malgorzata Zimowska, RN – Clinical Expert Suzana Nikitovic, RN – Role Model Cynthia Webb, RN – Role Model Alicia Velazco, RN – Role Model Miriam Tournai, RN – Role Model Kathryn Clancy, RN – Role Model Janet Auclair, RN – Coach/Mentor Christina Dabros, RN – Coach/Mentor Jason Matiyow, RN – Patient Advocate Kathy Supple, APN – Advanced Practice Nurse Theresa Leonhardt, RN – Nurse Leader Elmer Dulce, RN – Nurse Leader ###