Lake Regional Health System selected seven outstanding nurses to honor during National Nurses' Week, May 612. The award committee received 44 nominations this year from employees wishing to honor their co-workers.
"Our nurses are here for this community and are crucial to the healing work of Lake Regional," said Melissa Hunter, R.N., MSN, Lake Regional Health System's director of nursing, in a news release. "I commend our Nursing Excellence Award winners for their accomplishments."
The following Lake Regional nurses are being recognized for excellence in their profession.
Denene Kirkpatrick, LPN, Skilled Nursing Facility, and Cassie Dawson, LPN, Orthopedics, received Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year awards. These awards recognize nurses who demonstrate commitment to providing excellent care by participating in quality improvement initiatives and educational opportunities. Kirkpatrick lives in Eugene, and Dawson lives in Osage Beach.
Deborah King, FNP, Lake Regional Clinic in Macks Creek, received the Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year award. This award recognizes a nurse practitioner who is a role model for integrity, clinical excellence and a positive attitude. King lives in Cross Timbers.
Rhonda Weaver, R.N., Med/Surg, received the Mentorship award. This award recognizes a nurse who is known for helping other nurses learn and succeed. Weaver lives in Eldon.
Lana Singer, R.N., Emergency Department, received the Spirit of Nursing award. Florence Nightingale said, "Nursing is an art," and one must have passion to create masterpieces. This award recognizes a nurse who always looks for opportunities to brighten the day of patients and co-workers. Singer lives in Stoutland.
Kathleen Bybee, R.N., Emergency Department, and Trish Pemberton, LPN, Lake Regional Clinic in Lake Ozark, received Culture of Safety awards. These awards recognize nurses who prioritize safety and who lead by example. Bybee lives in Preston, and Pemberton lives in Iberia.
The health system also celebrated nurses with fun activities on May 6. Lake Regional Health System currently employs approximately 350 nurses.
Lake Regional Health System provides comprehensive health care services to the residents and visitors of the Lake Area. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a three-time recipient of the Missouri Quality Award. Lake Regional also operates primary care, urgent care, specialty care and rehab therapy clinics, retail pharmacies and home health services throughout the Lake Area. To learn more, visit www.lakeregional.com.