WALTHAM, Mass.—Fresenius Medical Care North America has named Marion Smith, RN, as the winner of the Ernestine M. Lowrie Award for Clinical Excellence.
The award is presented in remembrance of Ernestine M. Lowrie, RN, who laid the foundation for nursing leadership and patient care at FMCNA, and helped establish the company's outpatient dialysis programs.
Smith received the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to excellence in clinical leadership and nursing. Smith started her career in dialysis in 1979 as a staff nurse, and she worked in acute dialysis, home therapies, in-service and charge nurse positions before assuming a clinical manager role 16 years ago. She is now a clinical manager for Fresenius Medical Care New Hampshire Kidney Center in Concord. Smith leads a team-care approach that results in continuous quality improvement at her clinic, and her dedication and focus on quality of care epitomize clinical excellence.
"Marion consistently demonstrates the essence of our UltraCare mission of delivering excellent, patient-centered care, and we're proud to honor her with this award," said Simon Castellanos, executive vice president of operations and North Division president, FMCNA.
To ensure that her patients have every treatment option available, Smith provides and promotes new and innovative therapies whenever possible. She's also focused on motivating her patients and staff, and her clinic regularly hosts bingo games, holiday celebrations, and themed costume parties.
Smith has served with many professional organizations, including the board of directors for the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network and the FMCNA Nursing Advisory Board. She is also a committed volunteer and fundraiser, and has participated in government affairs initiatives to support ESRD reimbursement. After the January earthquake in Haiti, Smith held a silent auction to benefit the Fresenius Medical Care Relief Fund for earthquake victims, and was one of the first to volunteer in hurricane relief efforts. In addition, she also regularly participates in the National Kidney Foundation’s Walk For Life.
"Fresenius Medical Care has always set the highest standards for nephrology nursing, and Marion is a great team leader that inspires and empowers all of her staff to excel in their positions," said Rice Powell, CEO of FMCNA. "She is helping us develop the next generation of clinical managers by passing along the values that drive our company’s culture."
