ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—A nurse for Englewood Health Department was honored Dec. 5, 2019, as the “2019 Public Health Nurse of the Year” by the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association and also received a special certificate of appreciation recognizing her achievement at the Jan. 21 City Council meeting.
The nurse, Claudette Murdock, received applause and words of praise following the short presentation.
“I would just like to say, Claudette, thank you for representing the city. I think that’s a tremendous honor for the state of New Jersey. I know we have one of the best, I say the best, health departments in the state of New Jersey and I’m honored that you are representing us,” said Council President Charles Cobb following presentation of a certificate to her by City Health Department Director James Fedorko.
‘More Claudettes’
Mayor Michael Wildes said to “let us know where we can get more Claudettes…and where we can give you greater resources and support.”
Councilwoman Katharine Glynn said Murdock’s achievement “shines a light on the quality of our health department which I agree is second to none. So very well done and congratulations,” she added.
Murdock, of Hackensack, a nurse for five years with the city health department, was nominated for the award by Fedorko, who cited four outstanding characteristics that qualified her for recognition.
‘Truly a blessing’
“It’s truly an honor and pleasure to receive Public Health Nurse of the Year,” said Murdock. She said it was most important for her “to give back” to Englewood. She thanked Fedorko for recognzing her hard work “and it’s truly a blessing to be working with you,” she added.
She gave thanks to Fedorko, her mentors, health board members, and God for the award.
Fedorko noted Murdock’s excellent work at the Child Health Clinic held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
He said attendance was up to more than 10 children per clinic, “significantly increased” childhood vaccination rates from 120 administered in 2014 to 284 vaccinations in 2018, as well as an increase in repeat patients and adult vaccinations.
‘Key team player’
Fedorko said Murdock was a “key team player who worked tirelessly” to prevent further outbreaks after two cases of measles were confirmed in Englewood during spring 2018.
She was also asked to speak about the experience at a state Department of Health fall forum.
Murdock “inspired” the city health department to engage local schools and daycares to raise awareness of measles.
She personally spoke with school nurses and administrators to promote vaccines and measles education. One daycare initiated an MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) clinic due to her outreach, Fedorko wrote.
In addition, Fedorko said, Murdock displays an “eye for detail and commitment to public health.”
He notes each year Murdock reviews nearly 6,000 documents from 20 daycare centers, and private and public schools “to get a clear and accurate picture of the immunization status of our community.”