JoAnn Lomax, RN, MS, touches people’s lives every day in her position as Supervisor of Patient Relations at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin. She also makes it a point to reach out to people in the community through her many volunteer efforts. She’s committed to her profession, she cares for people and she’s generous with her time and expertise. That’s why she was named the National Black Nurses Association Nurse of the Year for Community Service, and we at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin couldn’t be prouder.
Lomax, who has been with Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin for 10 years and in healthcare for 30, exemplifies our spirit of excellence and caring. This important award from NBNA recognizes that spirit along with Lomax’s countless volunteer hours in the community.
While she was surprised by the award, Lomax says it’s an honor to be recognized. “To me, it shows that you’re committed to your profession. It’s an honor for being a nurse, being recognized for years of service and being appreciated for what I’ve been able to give to nursing and what I’ve received from nursing.”
She also said it was nice to have one more thing in common with her twin sister, who was named Nurse of the Year five years ago by a state insurance provider. “I thought that was pretty neat. What are the odds?” Lomax says.
A lifelong learner, Lomax is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Community Health and Wellness Promotion. She was also named a “Health Care Hero” by Small Business Times magazine in December 2004 for her patient advocacy and ability to make stressful situations better.
In the community, Lomax gives of her time to cancer awareness, victims of violence and the homeless, among others. Her community efforts include, in part:
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation — Presenter of Breast Cancer Awareness programs with Dr. Sandra Underwood of the UWM School of Nursing
- The Guest House of Milwaukee (Homeless Shelter for Adult Men) — Board Member
- VOICE (Victims of Intense Crime Embracing Others) — Board Member
- Society of Healthcare Consumer Advocates — Past state president and presenter
- UWM Future Black Nurses — Presenter
- National Black Nurses Association-Milwaukee Chapter — A past president and current active member
Even in the hospital, Lomax serves the community. In an essay for the NBNA award application, G. John Pandl, director of special projects at the hospital, wrote, “She deals with a continuous stream of problems and crises throughout her day with sensitivity, caring and a sense of humor. From her rounds in the ICUs to the Family Center, families and staff look to her to help them sort through and make sense of the critical injuries and illnesses that are a way of life at Froedtert Hospital.”
Lomax also sits on the hospital’s Diversity Committee, where she works with Clare Reardon, director of strategic initiatives. “On the committee, JoAnn participates in a lot of activities and brings a lot of creativity and idea generation to the team,” says Reardon. She sees Lomax’s award and her dedication as a positive influence for the hospital overall. “Diverse leadership in patient care services is so valuable to the delivery of culturally sensitive care at the bedside and with patient families.”
The award was presented at NBNA’s 33rd Annual Institute & Conference in Chicago in July, 2005.
Congratulations, JoAnn!