Celebrating Excellence in Nursing: The Carol Pluchino Gaeta-Jaffe Award
Each year, Big Bend Hospice proudly presents the Carol Pluchino Gaeta-Jaffe Award of Nursing Excellence to recognize a nurse who has made a significant contribution to our nursing practice. This award recognizes outstanding caregivers who embody the spirit of compassion, dedication, and resilience in hospice care. The winner is announced in November during National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.
To be eligible for the Carol Pluchino Gaeta-Jaffe Award, nominees must:
- Be either a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
- Have hands-on nursing contact with patients and have worked at Big Bend Hospice for at least one year.
- Demonstrate thorough hospice nursing knowledge and practice, with a remarkable ability to navigate difficult situations.
- Possess a broad and varied nursing background, showcasing resilience in overcoming adversity to become a hospice nurse.
- Share outside interests and hobbies that enhance the experiences of patients and their families.
- Serve as a strong advocate for patients and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
Honoring Carol Pluchino Gaeta-Jaffe
The award is named in memory of Carol Pluchino Gaeta-Jaffe, a registered nurse whose career exemplified the dedication and compassion we celebrate. Carol graduated from St. Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing in Jacksonville in 1967 and was licensed to practice in Florida, Illinois, and Louisiana. She worked in various hospitals in Orlando until a work-related injury changed her path.
After her recovery, Carol served in the AIDS clinic of the Orange County Health Department and later joined the Big Bend Hospice team in 1993. Despite facing personal challenges, including injuries from a car accident that led to her retirement, Carol remained passionate about nursing and enriching the lives of her patients. A talented cook, caterer, and floral arranger, she shared her hobbies with those she cared for, bringing joy and comfort to many.
Carol passed away in our care on September 15, 2004, after a long struggle with Castleman’s disease, a rare disorder of the lymphatic system. Her husband, Reid Jaffe, honors her memory through this prestigious award, ensuring her legacy of caring lives on.
We invite everyone to reflect on the contributions of nurses like Carol. Their commitment to excellence and compassionate care makes a difference in the lives of patients and families during their most vulnerable times. Let us celebrate these remarkable individuals who embody the essence of nursing and make our community a better place.