Laurie Bryant, Top Nurse - 2011 Health Care Hero

Most people have a hero. For the volunteers and patients at the Kimmel Cancer Center, their hero is Laurie Bryant.

Laurie is a nurse at the Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center’s hematology unit. She has been selected a 2011 Daily Record’s Health Care Heroes Top Nurse Award after an extensive review process.  Laurie was nominated by her nurse manager, Gina Szymanski, Sharon Krumm, director of oncology nursing, and participants in her volunteer program.

Her nurse manager, Gina Szymanski explains “Laurie is passionate about influencing the care giving practices of her medical colleagues, one medical student or physician at a time. Her efforts are commendable, with demonstrably effective results. She is very deserving of the Health Care Heroes Award.”

In addition to her day-to-day nursing duties, Laurie mentors undergraduate students interested in medicine, medical students, interns and residents, teaching them clinically and modeling the important role of nurses in defining problems and recommending care. Laurie also is training the next generation of caregivers in a busy comprehensive cancer center. “Laurie's passion for excellent nursing care includes psychological, social and spiritual aspects of care.  Her passion is manifested in a number of ways, including working with volunteers to provide patients and their families’ opportunities to participate in bingo, movies and concerts, activities that are thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated,” said Sharon Krumm.

As if that wasn’t enough for one person to handle, Laurie has also started one of the most successful unit-based volunteer programs at Johns Hopkins, which brings monthly bingo and movie nights to patients and families staying overnight in the hospital.

The Health Care Heroes are chosen based on the business or individual’s ability to solve a community health problem by reaching outside their normal sphere of business, educate its participants, show a commitment to the community, impact the recipients’ lives, and focus on an acknowledged health care issue.


Read more about the Health Care Heroes Award