Nurses are the heart of health care, providing care to keep our communities healthy, offering comfort during some of the most difficult times, and advocating for the health and safety of patients. Their dedication and compassion make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others each day.
For the seventh year, the Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Celebrate Caring campaign is shining a light on outstanding nurses in our region. We’ve selected three winners from hundreds of nominations submitted by family, friends, coworkers, and patients of these amazing nurses.
We recognize their contributions and thank them for everything they do. Congratulations to this year’s winners!
Lisa Koung, BSN, RNLisa uses her extensive nursing knowledge to deliver compassionate care as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) nurse in the interventional radiology department at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Outside of work, Lisa founded the Khmer Performing Arts and Culture group (KPAC) to empower and advocate for the Cambodian community through dance and music. Through KPAC, she organizes free health fairs throughout the year to provide essential services such as vaccines, health screenings, and healthy food to members and the community in Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Lisa received multiple nominations during this year’s campaign — a testament to her impact on others. One nominator said, “Lisa is passionate about others. A very kind soul. She goes to work loving what she does.”
Trina Smith, LPNTrina is a tireless advocate for underserved communities, going above and beyond to ensure her patients receive access to the best possible care. In her role at Divine Providence Village, a Residential Campus that supports adult women with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Springfield, Delaware County, she helps support individuals with intellectual disabilities. Beyond the walls of Divine Providence, Trina devotes her time to Trinity Transitional House, the nonprofit organization she founded and is currently the CEO of, to help vulnerable families in Delaware County regain stability and independence. The organization offers vital support services such as housing resources, counseling, and access to community programs.
Her nominator said, “Trina’s leadership and compassion extend beyond her professional duties, reflecting her deep commitment to uplifting her community. Through her efforts, she has created a beacon of hope for many families facing homelessness and hardship. Her work exemplifies the power of dedication, compassion, and community service, inspiring others to make a difference and create lasting change in their neighborhoods.”
Alexandra Uscatu, MSN, CRNP, RNAlexandra found her calling when she went back to school to become a nurse. She has worked at CHOP for four years and recently received her nurse practitioner’s degree. Currently, Alexandra works throughout the organization, including general pediatrics and behavioral health. Through a fellowship grant program with CHOP called the Community Nurse Advocacy Fellowship, she spent nine months creating a program to help support mental health for the students at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia Charter School. The program consists of presentations and activities that help the students with all aspects of mental health, such as understanding their emotions.
Her nominator said, “Lexi always makes connections with her patients, and you can tell the difference that she makes in the simplest of moments.”