MARCH OF DIMES ANNOUNCES NURSE OF THE YEAR WINNERS

March of Dimes announced the Nurse of the Year awards at a virtual ceremony on October 1st. The event recognized nurses who demonstrate exceptional leadership, excellence and service in nursing. “It is an honor to be able to recognize these outstanding individuals, said Karyl James, Mercy OKC Community Chief Nursing Officer and Event Chair. “What makes this especially meaningful is that even through a national pandemic, we were able to celebrate and recognize these dedicated and compassionate nurses while helping the March of Dimes fight for the health of moms and babies.”, said James. (story continues below)

Congratulations to the 2020 Nurse of the Year winners:
ADVANCED PRACTICE
Karen Brown, Long Term Care Specialists
CHARGE NURSE
Christen Hickey, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine
CRITICAL CARE (sponsored by INTEGRIS)
Melissa Colbert, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
EDUCATION (sponsored by Ascension St. John)
Cassie Walden, Ascension St. John Medical Center
EMERGENCY (sponsored by Norman Regional Hospital)
Courtnie Alberry-Minnear, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
GENERAL MEDICAL/SURGICAL (sponsored by Mercy)
Anice Hunter, Mercy Hospital South
INFECTION CONTROL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH (sponsored by Mercy)
Megan Garibay, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
MANAGED CARE (sponsored by The Le Norman Family)
Jenny Campbell, Heritage Hall
NEONATAL/PEDIATRIC (sponsored by The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine)
Marci Frias, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine
NURSING ADMINISTRATION
Melissa Alvillar, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
NURSING MANAGEMENT (sponsored by The Le Norman Family)
Evelyn Radichel, INTEGRIS Health Edmond
OTHER NURSING SPECIALTIES
Torres Schlitte, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
QUALITY & RISK MANAGEMENT (sponsored by RCB Bank)
Kristi Booker, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine
RISING STAR
Lauren Newell, INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital
SURGICAL SERVICES (sponsored by Regent Bank)
Brett Gowdy, Chickasaw Nation Medical Center
WOMEN’S HEALTH (sponsored by the Le Norman Family)
Janae Baldwin, INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Virginia Hubble, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
This year we received over 350 nominations, 51 finalists and 19 Facilities! All award recipients were determined by a distinguished selection committee comprised of health care professionals. Whether serving as health care providers, educators, researchers, volunteers or advisors, nurses play a critical role in advancing the March of Dimes mission to fight for the health of every mom and baby. Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the United States and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years. From advocacy to education to research, we are working to level the playing field so that all moms and babies are healthy.
The Nurse of the Year awards are supported by Presenting sponsor The Le Norman Family, Gold sponsor Mercy, Silver sponsors, Ascension St. John, INTEGRIS, The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, Bronze sponsors, Stillwater Medical Center, Norman Regional Health System, Media sponsor iHeart Media and GrassFire Creative.
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.