3 UPMC St. Margaret nurses honored with Pitt's Cameos of Caring award

For their bedside manner and for giving priority to patient care, three UPMC St. Margaret nurses were honored with the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s Cameos of Caring award.

Meghan Jones of Edgewood, Amber Cole of Verona and Karen Coyne of Burgettstown were chosen for the top honors.

“Cameos of Caring is awarded to a nurse who goes above and beyond on a consistent basis to put patients and staff before herself,” Jones said. “For me, this appreciation is unique and special. I was extremely humbled to learn I was nominated three times — and one of my submissions was written by several of the staff I have the pleasure of managing. This award means more than I could ever express, and I will treasure it forever.”

Established in 1999, the Cameos of Caring was created to advance the nursing profession. Since then, the program has grown to include work performed at multiple levels of practice, including education, case management, and quality and safety.

Jones was selected for the Advanced Practice Manager Focus Award. An orthopedic unit director, Jones has collaborated over the past decade with departments across the hospital in an effort to improve both patient outcomes and employee satisfaction.

She is credited with a kind and supportive demeanor that allows her staff to thrive.

Jones was honored for her commitment to the community, volunteering countless hours with organizations such as Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg for its food drives.

Karen Coyne, a nursing instructor at the St. Margaret School of Nursing, was chosen for the Educator Award.

For nearly five years, Coyne has been helping students develop skills to last a lifetime. She is often referred to as “a nurse’s nurse,” and one who touches the lives of everyone she encounters.

As Student Services Advisor, she guides aspiring nurses in what it means to be a leader through communication, self-care and role modeling.

“This award humbles me to know that I am making a difference for so many,” Coyne said. “I am thankful for this amazing career.”

Amber Cole was chosen for the Nurse Honoree Award.

A registered nurse on the stepdown unit, she is committed to educating and supporting nurses, serving as a preceptor and mentor for those new to the unit.

Cole was honored for providing a welcoming environment and helping newcomers to navigate through their first year.

Her award also noted her work in increasing inclusivity for deaf patients.

Cole is a former sign language interpreter and is currently working on a hospital-wide project to educate staff on effective communication and resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients.

“Being the honoree has been such a humbling and exciting experience in my nursing career,” Cole said. “To be placed in the same category with nurses who I have looked up to and who have impacted my own nursing practice is truly an honor. I hope to also be able to inspire and influence future nursing generations to follow their passions and care from the heart.”