Two Sarasota Memorial nursing leaders took top prizes in this year’s Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE) 2017 Excellence Awards. Women’s and Children’s Services Director Pam Beitlich won the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award for “developing creative approaches to nursing leadership and creating and sustaining an environment that enhances the image of nurses and the profession of nursing,” according to the announcement from FONE. Beitlich has served as a nurse and clinical leader at Sarasota Memorial for more than 35 years, starting as a cardiac staff nurse and working her way up to leadership of the Women’s and Children’s Division. In her current role, she is responsible for SMH’s Labor and Delivery Unit, Mother-Baby Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics. She also oversees Childbirth Education, the OB Emergency Care Center and SMH’s affiliation with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Clinical Programs Manager Jackie Garabito earned the Excellence in Preceptorship/Mentorship Nursing Award for “using innovative approaches to learning that contribute to successful professional development and practice,” according to FONE. Garabito began her nursing career in 1998 as a staff nurse on Sarasota Memorial’s Medical Respiratory, Nurse Residency and Admission Center units. After serving as a clinical nurse specialist and advance practice nurse, Garabito was named manager of Clinical Programs in 2016.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital