In recognition of nurses whose extraordinary efforts stand out, the March of Dimes Washington Chapter held its 12th annual Washington Nurse of the Year Awards honoring nurses from throughout the state. The event, which took place today at the Meydenbauer Conference Center, was presented by Premera Blue Cross. Chair of the event was Kathy Bressler, RN – President, St. Clare Hospital.
RNs working at all staff levels in Washington were honored in 19 categories surrounded by their peers; nursing professionals who every day set the standards of outstanding patient care. That’s exactly what the Nurse of the Year award celebration is about. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and joy as the honorees were announced. This year the winners include:
Advance Practice – Renee Rassilyer-Bomers of Normandy Park with Swedish Medical Center
Advancing the Profession – Peg Currie of Spokane with Providence Sacred Heart
Advocacy for Patients – Mary Mahar of Seattle with UW Medicine
Patient/Clinical Care – Jennifer McKinley of Duvall with EvergreenHealth
Leadership – Darcy Jaffe of Seattle with UW Medicine Harborview
Innovation/Non-Traditional Nursing – Paula Newman Skomski of Brier with Providence Intervention
Neonatal – Sarah Newport of Tacoma with Tacoma General
Nurses Choice – Laura Crooks of Seattle with Seattle Children’s Hospital
Perinatal/Pediatric – Sue Jones of Lake Tapps with Swedish Medical Center
Palliative Care – Irene Peters of Bellevue with Overlake Medical Center
Rural Health – Elizabeth Perkins of Spokane with Providence Sacred Heart
Educational Champion – Marie Arnone of Renton with Swedish Medical Center
Women’s Health – Karen Onstad of Tacoma with St. Joseph Medical Center
Staff Nurse/Critical Care – Jess Cochran of Seattle with Harborview Medical Center
Mentoring – Ann McElroy of Seattle with Swedish Medical Center
Rising Star – Christopher Davis of Tacoma with St. Clare Hospital
New Generation – Juancho Serrano of Seattle with Regional Hospital for Respiratory and Complex Care
Legend of Nursing – Karen Odle of Woodinville with UW Medicine
Distinguished Nurse of the Year – Linda Latta of Auburn from Seattle Children’s Hospital
KING 5 News Anchor Danielle Leigh was the emcee.
The presenting sponsor was Premera Blue Cross. The platinum sponsor was Pediatrix Medical Group. The gold sponsors were Seattle Children’s Hospital and CHI Franciscan Health. The silver sponsors were EvergreenHealth, Harrison Medical Center, Overlake Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, UW Medicine, Versant, WGU Washington, Providence Sacred Heart and Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. The community sponsors were Virginia Mason Medical Center, Washington State Nurses Association and KING 5.
About
The March of Dimes celebrates its ongoing work to help all babies get a healthy start in life. More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes has helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, go online.
