Three TAPAN Members Among TNA District 9 Outstanding Nurse Honorees.
November 8, 2024--Houston TX. Dr. Katherine Simpson, Geraldine delos Santos and Rochelle Mariano were named three of the 20 Outstanding Nurse Honorees at the 32nd Texas Nurses Association (TNA) District 9 Nursing Celebration. The gala was held at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston. TNA District 9 is the largest district in Texas with over 4,600 members. This annual event is dedicated to honoring exemplary nurses, providing scholarships to nursing students, and awarding research grants.
Dr. Katherine Simpson, DNP, APRN-BC, CNRN, CVRN-II, LNC, is an assistant professor at the University of St. Thomas who ensures a high standard of nursing education. She is an active community member serving through the Houston Food Bank, Our Savior Catholic Church, Avanta Health, and Healthcare for the Homeless Clinic. She has served as president of Advance Nurse Practitioner professional organization and TAPAN Upper Gulf Coast Region. Her unwavering commitment to professional development, advocacy and quality make her a deserving honoree.
Geraldine delos Santos, MSN RN CPAN is a clinical educator and certified perianesthesia nurse at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is an active member of ASPAN, TAPAN, and a certification coach for ABPANC. She is currently the Vice-President for the TAPAN State Component. Geraldine has received numerous awards for professional practice within Memorial Hermann including the Nursing Excellence Collaborator, Advocate, and Credibility Award. She has also received the Good Samaritan Bronze award, and recently the TAPAN Rising Star and Presidential Award.
Dr. Pam Windle and Rochelle Mariano
Rochelle Mariano, MSN RN CPAN CAPA is currently the Nurse Manager of the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Harris Health System. She embodies the professionalism of a dual-certified perianesthesia nurse in her everyday practice. She has organized and conducted numerous programs for the PACU nurses and implemented several EBP unit guidelines to uphold the ASPAN standards of perianesthesia nurses. Rochelle is a true patient advocate who mentors new employees, colleagues, interns, and other health care providers. She is community-service oriented--providing outreach programs to schools, churches, and her community. She has been previously recognized as a Harris Health Champion and Harris Health Hero.
Geraldine delos Santos, MSN RN CPAN is a clinical educator and certified perianesthesia nurse at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is an active member of ASPAN, TAPAN, and a certification coach for ABPANC. She is currently the Vice-President for the TAPAN State Component. Geraldine has received numerous awards for professional practice within Memorial Hermann including the Nursing Excellence Collaborator, Advocate, and Credibility Award. She has also received the Good Samaritan Bronze award, and recently the TAPAN Rising Star and Presidential Award.
ASPAN Past President Pamela Windle Receives
Noble Nurse Award.
Dr. Pamela Windle received $10,000 from Mike Calvert Toyota to give back to an exemplary nurse who embodies the PURPOSE of TNA--to improve health standards and the availability of health care services for the less fortunate. Dr. Pamela Windle has volunteered to serve the needy over the decades. Her involvement in PNAMH, ASPAN/TAPAN, Filipino Cancer Network and American Heart Association paved the way for her to provide free health fairs, CPR instruction, feeding programs, and patient education. She has participated in several international medical and surgical missions. Her passion for strengthening the bonds within the Philippine Nurses Association has made an impact in the Greater Houston area.