By MARK SCHANTZ | The Suncoast News
Published: May 19, 2011
Full article can be found here.
Starting off a new century in an adopted homeland has been good for Enver Ruzdija, who was forced to flee the former Yugoslavia during the Balkans conflict and start his life over again.
Last week, the 43-year-old registered nurse received Helen Ellis Memorial Hospital's highest nursing honor, the Grace Kleinfeld Award. Kleinfeld started the hospital's nursing program and was one of its first administrators.
"I'm very happy," Ruzdija said. "I have my family at home and my hospital family. I am happy to share this award with them."
Ruzdija, who got his first taste of nursing in 1992, when he attended school in Doboj, Bosnia, said he was especially happy to get the Kleinfeld Award because it is voted on by his professional peers. Hospital colleagues hugged and congratulated him after the ceremony Friday afternoon.
Amy Patterson, Helen Ellis Memorial's chief nursing and operating officer, said Ruzdija's peers nominated him for his dedication to nursing excellence and eagerness to go the extra mile. He is always assisting patients and staff with a smile, she said.
After war broke out in his homeland, Ruzdija became a certified nurse in Germany, where he met his wife Tanya. She is an RN working at Bayfront Medical Center.
The couple has two sons, Denis, 16, and Robert, 6. As the new century began, Enver, Tanya and Denis came to the United States, settling first to Iowa and later relocating to Florida. Robert was born in the United States.
Ruzdija became a licensed practical nurse in 2003 and then an RN in 2007, graduating from St. Petersburg College. He is now finishing work for a Bachelor of Nursing degree.
He said he likes helping patents and staff in the hospital's cardiac catheterization lab.
A proud smile came to his face when Jerry Touchton, the hospital's spokesman, noted that Ruzdija is the first male to be awarded the hospital's highest nursing honor.
"It's good that more men are getting into nursing, traditionally a woman's field," Ruzdija said. "We are glad to be here, helping them and working together to give good care to patients."
Patterson said more men are choosing nursing because it offers such variety. Men typically enter "the high adrenalin" nursing fields such as cardiac, emergency and critical care, she said.
There is a shortage of good, dedicated nurses, both nationally and locally, Patterson said. "It's not a profession for everyone. You have to have a heart for nursing and be dedicated and compassionate to give good patient care."
Reporter Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.