NEW YORK CITY — Manhattan’s Bohemian National Hall was the site of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York’s 2009 ESPRIT Awards in May.

The peer-nominated ESPRIT award, which stands for Excellence, Service to Customers, People, Fiscal Responsibility, Initiative and Teamwork, is awarded to staff members who embody those values.

For their exceptional commitment, ESPRIT honors were awarded to nurses Rebekah Bennett, Aleen Bryan, Stephanie M. Bussmann, Cherry Collins, Marilyn Correa, Donna Docherty, Lynnelle Glenn, Betty Hilleman, Perette Nadia Souffrant Jean-Pierre, Yelena Kosoglyadova, Philip Leon, Natalya Levitsky, Liying Li, Simone Allison McGowan, Nilda Morales, Dahlia M. Nichols, Olga Paltielova, Rimma Portnoy, Alicia Schwartz, Hillory Thorpe, Diana Valdez, Natasha A. Van Wright, Betty Velez, and Stephanna Zeppie.

The annual ceremony also highlights the achievements of the organization’s nurses throughout the year, including academic achievements and professional publication. Special honors were given to nurses who were recognized by organizations outside of VNSNY.

Among the awardees were Marilyn Liota, RN, who was recognized by the Home Care Association of New York State, and Gail Sarli, RN, a regional finalist in the Management category in Nursing Spectrum’s 2009 Nurse Excellence Awards.

Service awards were given to nurses who have worked at VNSNY for 30 years: Sheila Ann Boylan, Roni Chastain, Lenore S. Mussio, Monica F. Scott, Mary Turner, and Nancy L. Washburn.

Carol Raphael, VNSNY president and chief executive officer, introduced the night’s guest speaker, Kristine M. Gebbie, RN, Dr.PH, acting dean for the School of Nursing at Hunter College, City University of New York.

She told the nurses in the audience that their challenge was to build a system that flows seamlessly in the home. “Share what you know with others,” Gebbie said.