Springfield Nurse Named 'Public Health Nurse of the Year'

A Fairfax County Health Department nurse based in Springfield has been chosen as this year’s Public Health Nurse of the Year by the Virginia Department of Health.

Gail Zukosky, RN, BSN, MSN, is known for her passion working with children who have intellectual disabilities. Zukosky dedicates much of her time working at the Key Center.

“Gail Zukosky is an exceptional professional who not only serves the community with enthusiasm and passion, but also applies those same qualities to mentoring and educating future nurses, while advocating for school health,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Remley.

The , and educates children with emotional, cognitive and physical challenges. Zukosky’s leadership led to the creation of the “Peer to Peer” program, which partners Key Middle School students with children at the Key Center. Zukosky teaches the students to understand the behaviors and developmental abilities of the Key Center’s children, which creates lasting relationships and enables the students to better understand children with disabilities.

Virginia’s 2012 Nurse of the Year joins other nurses around the nation being honored during National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6 through May 12. The observance is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, who comprise the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care.

“Virginia’s 697 public health nurses wear many hats,” said Joanne Wakeham, the director of Public Health Nursing at the Virginia Department of Health. “Virginia’s public health nurses embrace every role with passion for the profession and with a strong commitment to protecting and promoting the health of all Virginians.”

The Virginia Department of Health is looking for new nurses to play vital roles in their communities. For more information about careers in public health nursing, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/nursing.