Congratulations to Neuromodulation Clinic Manager Donna Ecklesdafer, RN, recipient of the Mary Rosedale Patient Advocacy Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to patient advocacy and expertise in the area of brain stimulation treatments!
This award, presented by the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation (ISEN) honors healthcare workers who advocate for patients, educate the public about brain stimulation treatments, work to reduce stigma associated with chronic mental illness, and train new healthcare providers.
Donna began her work with ECT patients in 1994 and has been instrumental in growing Neuromodulation (ECT and TMS) services at Pine Rest to help meet the needs of patients who struggle with treatment-resistant mental health conditions. She joined ISEN in 1998 and became the first nurse to ever be certified by the ISEN. Her relentless advocacy ensured that nurses could take the ECT credentialing course, (previously only physicians could sit for the certification exam). Additionally, she played a key role in developing a nursing-specific version of the exam, empowering more nurses to excel in this specialty
Since becoming certified, Donna has been involved in teaching new staff and numerous student groups about ECT, its effectiveness, safe treatment methods and how to provide excellent nursing care for patients. She is an active member of APNA and in 2022 was awarded the APNA Excellence in Nursing leadership award.
The Mary Rosedale Patient Advocacy Certification recognition underscores Donna’s outstanding contributions to patient care and advocacy, her many years working with ECT patients and her efforts to reduce stigma surrounding ECT, TMS and other psychiatric treatments.
We are thrilled to celebrate this remarkable achievement alongside Donna, and we look forward to her continued excellence here at Pine Rest!
