Nurses of the Year named in Bowling Green, Franklin and Scottsville 6/1/2009
On Tuesday, May 12, 2009, four nurses throughout Commonwealth Health Corporation (CHC) were named Nurse of the Year at their respective facility. The ceremonies, held in conjunction with National Nurses Week, recognized the impact that nurses have on the lives of their patients and coworkers everyday. Each recipient was part of an overall group nominated by fellow coworkers. Corporate wide, 25 nurses were nominated for Nurse of the Year. Nominees went before a selection committee prior to being voted on by nursing staff at their respective hospital. The selection committee evaluated each nurse’s demonstrated leadership, excellence in customer service, community involvement and commitment to the nursing profession.
Anna Lewis was named Nurse of the Year for The Medical Center at Bowling Green. Lewis has been with The Medical Center for 39 years and has worked in pediatrics, psychiatry, coronary care, the IV team and currently on the oncology medical surgical unit where she has been for the past 18 years. Lewis is a mentor and example for everyone on her unit. She is very active in her church and community activities.
Jessica Johnson was named Nurse of the Year for Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital. Johnson has been with Commonwealth Regional Specialty Hospital for two years, and has demonstrated nothing but excellence in her tenure there. She serves as a preceptor for new nurses, and she has enrolled in graduate school to work toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
At The Medical Center at Franklin, Nina Toomey was named Nurse of the Year. Toomey has been with The Medical Center at Franklin since 1995. She is credited with being an outstanding preceptor for new nurses and has been recognized on multiple occasions for excellence in customer service. She also serves on several internal committees at the hospital including Internal Performance Committee and the Acute Care Unit Council.
Karen Smith was named Nurse of the Year for The Medical Center at Scottsville. Smith has been an LPN for 19 years and currently works at the hospital’s long term care facility, Cal Turner Extended Care Pavilion. She has been with The Medical Center at Scottsville since 1997. Outside of work, Smith participates in Relay for Life activities, food drives for the underprivileged and has assisted hospice patients.
“I wholeheartedly feel we have some of the best nurses in the world working at CHC,” said Betsy Kullman, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer. “This year’s honorees are among the best and brightest. Over the course of their careers, they have touched countless lives, and they make a significant impact in their communities every day.”