Elaine Johnson, RN, staff nurse/educator at Houston Northwest Medical Center, is the recipient of the Broad Shoulder Award from Houston Woman Magazine. The award is given to “a woman who exemplifies sincere friendship and provides comfort and support in good times and bad.” Johnson, who has been a nurse for nearly 40 years and worked most recently at The Breast Center at the hospital since 1999, is an advocate for early detection of breast cancer and a tireless supporter for patients facing the diagnosis of breast cancer.
“Elaine is the calming voice on the other end of the phone who calls patients that have to return for additional testing,” says co-worker Esther Valdez, RN, charge nurse and MammaCare specialist, who nominated Johnson for the award. “She is always a true professional who manages to empower patients with knowledge of the importance of follow-up care. Elaine delivers accurate information without alarming patients because of her compassionate and caring demeanor.”
In addition to acting as a facilitator for the hospital’s breast cancer support group, Johnson is a board member of The Weathervane Foundation, an organization that raises money for breast cancer research. She also volunteers for the American Cancer Society and has participated for several years in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Network of Strength Walk to Empower. Johnson also serves as a program coordinator and vice president for the Bluebonnet Critical Incident Stress Management organization, which provides stress management interventions for emergency service personnel.
“Elaine navigates through life in a wheelchair now due to health issues, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. She has no problem sharing tips on how to ski, travel and attend different social functions regardless of your weight-bearing status, as she calls it,” says Valdez. “Elaine’s compassion and kindness knows no bounds. She can easily converse and make patients feel like a friend almost instantly. Elaine is an inspiration to all who know her and truly deserving of this award.”
The Broad Shoulder Award is part of the annual Nominate HER Awards program that is designed to recognize women who influence and inspire those around them, as well as serve as excellent role models for others in the community. Award recipients are nominated by readers of Houston Woman Magazine and selected by publication staff.