Event Information
History
The Cameos of Caring Program & Awards Gala was launched on October 28, 1999 when over six hundred people attended the inaugural event to honor exceptional bedside nurses who work at acute care hospitals. During the first year, twenty hospitals in Western Pennsylvania joined the Cameos of Caring family, each selecting one nurse who demonstrated excellence in nursing care, served as an advocate for patients and families, and embodied the essence of the nursing profession.
In keeping with the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s commitment to the advancement and promotion of the nursing profession, the Cameos of Caring Program & Awards Gala has been expanded to include three additional award categories. The Cameos of Caring Advanced Practice Award debuted in 2002 to honor nurses who practice at a higher level of patient care and who possess a master's degree. In 2003, the School of Nursing partnered with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education to develop the Cameos of Caring Donate Life Award, recognizing advocacy for organ and tissue donation. In 2006, area schools of nursing joined the Program to recognize extraordinary faculty with the Cameos of Caring Nurse Educator Award, bringing the event full-circle as the future of nursing depends on the quality of instruction nursing students receive from today’s expert nurse educators.
By casting the spotlight on the accomplishments of these outstanding nursing professionals, the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing looks to impact nursing retention and recruit a new generation to the profession. Wholeheartedly embraced by the healthcare community, the Cameos of Caring Program & Awards Gala is recognized as heralding the rewards of nursing practice, and the 357 Cameos of Caring Awardees are recognized as role models for the profession. The Cameos of Caring message has spread beyond the borders of Western Pennsylvania, with The Ohio State University, Wright State University and the University of Akron each instituting a Cameos of Caring Award program.
Special thanks to Dr. Ellen B. Rudy who, while dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, spent the summer of 1998 on a sabbatical practicing in the emergency department at a Pittsburgh hospital. Dr. Rudy was impressed by how much knowledge and responsibility the nursing role commanded in today’s world, but she was also dismayed by the lack of acknowledgment and reward these same nurses received for their significant contributions to quality patient care. She was inspired to research several nursing recognition programs across the country, leading to Cameos of Caring.
Proceeds from the Cameos of Caring Program & Awards Gala benefit the Cameos of Caring Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund, established in 2000 to offer financial support for nurses to enhance their education.
Highlights
- 53 participating facilities in 2008 Gala; over double the 20 facilities that participated the first year of the program
- Over 1300 guests attended the 2007 Gala
- Over $105,000 raised for the Cameos of Caring Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund in 2007; bringing the total raised to nearly $600,000
- Eighteen Cameos of Caring scholarships were awarded in Fall 2007, bringing the total number of scholarships bestowed to date to 58
- Inspired The Ohio State University, Wright State University, Marquette University and the University of Akron to establish a Cameos of Caring Awards Program & Gala at their institutions
- UPMC Italy became the first international facility to participate in 2003
- The Cameos of Caring Advanced Practice Award introduced at 2002 event; the Donate Life Award in 2003; and the Nurse Educator Award in 2006
- Program received the People Do Matter Award from Workforce Connections in 2002 for innovation in human resources