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Nemours Nurse Named Top in the Nation

A registered nurse who cares for children with cancer and blood disorders at Nemours Children’s Hospital earned a national honor from the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN). Julie Laybourne Swee won the 'Excellence in Clinical Practice' award from the organization. The SPN gives the annual award to a staff nurse who made a significant contribution to the care of children and families through outstanding professional clinical performance.

"I could not be more delighted for Julie and Nemours," said Dana Nicholson Bledsoe, president of Nemours Children’s Hospital. "Everyone at Nemours is dedicated to delivering the very best care to our patients and families and Julie’s honor is confirmation that we are fulfilling that promise."

Swee works overnight as a charge nurse in the pediatric inpatient unit, specializing in hematology and oncology. She was nominated by her colleagues with support from some of her patient families.

"She really deserves it. She’s just gone above and beyond as a nurse and a friend to us," said Kathryn Vorkapich, whose daughter Palmer spent five months as an inpatient at Nemours. "She steps in and makes sure that Palmer is doing everything she needs to do and that her time here is special and she’s still being a kid."

The SPN is headquartered in Chicago with members all over the country. The organization is dedicated to advancing the specialty of pediatric nursing through excellence in education, research and practice.

The 2016 awards were announced in the organization’s June 27th newsletter.