2016 Founders Award Winner

Dr. Raquel Pasarón was awarded the Founder's Award at the annual conference in San Diego. This award is presented yearly to recognize an individual’s significant contributions to the advancement of the care of pediatric surgical patients and exemplary service to the APSNA organization. The award has four criteria: professional development, nursing leadership, APSNA involvement, and honors and awards, whilst recognizing years in pediatric nursing and pediatric surgical nursing. Raquel is a Nurse Practitioner at Nicklaus Children's hospital in Miami, Florida. She has been a member of APSNA since 2007 serving in several positions including Secretary, Director of Program and President.

Raquel is active with research, publications, education, and mentorship. Her letters of nomination are a monument to a dedicated life to the betterment of children and to the advancement of pediatric surgical nursing care. In one of the letters a colleague wrote "Raquel is an amazing clinician, an inspiring leader, and a dedicated researcher who makes a difference in children’s lives daily.” Her patients and families, who seek her out and do not let her go, once they meet her, love her. She is also seen as the glue that keeps the service together. “She is the rock upon which our very busy academic pediatric surgical practice is anchored.” Raquel is completely devoted to APSNA, as president of the organization she spends countless hours in nurturing the organization, appreciating the foundation laid before her, and with this knowledge taking APSNA to a new level of professionalism and elegance. “The real reason, the reason she shines so brightly is so many aspects of her work is that she truly loves her patients and the system that allows us all to work as a team to help. She is an inspiration to all who work with her and an example for the nurses, residents, fellows, and sometimes attendings she teaches.”

For Pasarón, being awarded the Founders Award was an emotional moment, and reflective of the honor and privilege she recognizes this award embodies. “I am touched and humbled to be recognized by my peers.” The award hangs on the wall of The Weinberger Learning Center in the Division of Pediatric Surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, a center of education, leadership and pride. Pasarón felt that it was important to share this with those peers that have helped build her career, and support her everyday. “We are one heart with many arms and legs that care for the precious cargo we call patients and families.”