The nursing excellence team at Rutland Regional Medical Center has presented Justine Franko, nurse manager in the Women’s and Children’s Unit and Birthing Center, with this year's Carol P. Welsh Nursing Education Scholarship.
Franko, who has worked for more than a decade as a women’s health professional, said she plans to use the award to pursue certification in perinatal mental health. Perinatal health disorders such as anxiety and depression are among the most common complications that occur in pregnancy or in the first 12 months after delivery.
“Perinatal mood disorder has a profound effect on bonding with the newborn, it strains family dynamics, can alter the development of the child, and in the worst scenarios, can lead to fatality,” said Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Watson. “Justine will be able to bring what she has learned to the practice and share the tools and supports parents need to manage through the disorder.”