Congratulations to these Top Nominees
Ann "Sparky" Sparks, Good Samaritan Hospital
Sparky took care of my father when he was dying. Her compassion for him and my family helped us get through a very difficult time. She ensured my father was clean and comfortable, and every time she did something to him or for him she spoke to him even though it was questionable that he could hear her. She treated us with the utmost respect and compassion. She went out of her way to ensure our comfort during a very hard time. Ann was never too busy to comfort my step-mother or to give me a helping hand the four weeks my father was on ICU. She advocated for and in the best interest of my father while listening to our needs as well. When she said we could call any time, she meant it. She never spoke down to us or made us feel like our questions about my father's care were unwarranted. I hope that Good Sam recognizes her in some way. I would put my trust in her again. Too often it is those nurses who do the most that lack the recognition that they deserve. I am so glad that Nebraska is honoring its great men and women who have followed their hearts into the nursing profession
Sharon Hiett, Nebraska Correctional Center for Women
Sharon recently retired from the Dept of Corrections. During that time, she delivered a baby in the car, drove 90 miles and back during a winter storm to obtain medications for a patient, and did CPR on an inmate allowing the patient to make it to the hospital. Sharon is the kind of nurse who goes over and above to do the "right" thing for the patient. Sharon is well respected for her professionalism and kindness by both patients and the staff working with her.
Laura "Lee" Nickum & Sally Bach, Bryan LGH Medical Center
Long story short...we were 16 weeks into our 4th pregnancy and learned March 3 the baby had died; scheduled for D&C on March 5, but went into labor and delivered the baby early that morning instead. Met Lee in the ER and she was compassionate and showed true empathy for our situation. She accompanied Monique to the OR where the D&C was to be preformed. When Monique started crying as she was being put under she held her hand and stroked her hair and assured her all would be okay. Lee made both Brad and Monique feel reassured that the loss was not their fault. Sally was our follow up nurse, so helpful and caring during a sensitive time. She guided us through the paperwork and informed us on what to expect over the next few days. Nursing is a thankless and oftentimes dirty job and Brad and Monique were so thankful for their kind words, caring touch and true compassion; we felt (and know) that they really cared for us and our situation (even though we had just met) and could tell that they take their job seriously and enjoyed what they did, even through the "messy stuff."
Connie Monjaraz, Olson Center for Women's Health
1) Connie Monjaraz is great woman. She has worked hard for many years and for every job she gone above and beyond. A patient is an actual person to her, not just another person to see. 2) Connie is always coming to my family's rescue. Whenever we have a question or bruise....she is always quick to respond and help. She keeps us calm and thinking clearly. We love her!! 3) She always puts people ahead of her and will help out all the time. She is a great mother to her two daughters, and when she's not working, she spends her time attending their sporting events or visiting her new grand daughter in California. 4). Connie is an amazing person that works hard everyday, always putting herself last. 5). My mom is the most hard-working person I know. She has been a nurse for over 30 years now, and has deserved everything she has worked for thus far. She not only runs the OBGYN clinic, she puts in overtime, goes in early, stays late, offers advice, and is probably the best manager any employee would be lucky to have. She leads and manages by example through her kind heart, positive attitude, and would do anything for anyone. She always puts everyone else in front of her and for once I want her to know how it feels to be number one. Having my mom as a nurse, having chrones has really helped because she always takes care of me, and knows exactly what to do. I have been through a lot of hospital visits, surgeries, medication, and tough times and if it wasn't for her nursing skills, and her innate nature to care for her child, it would be hard to get through life. As a nurse and a mother she exemplifies everything that a hero would have. My mom is my hero! 6) Because she would help anyone, anytime. She is really caring and helped a friend's son who had cancer. She is a good friend and would be there anytime you'd ask for help. 7) Caring, supportive and confidential. 8) Connie Monjaraz has gone beyond the call of duty as a nurse. She would come over to my house to check on my sick son who was going through Cancer treatments and had to have a daily shot. She would change his dressings; give him his shot and morale support. Her smile is always welcoming. She would come in a heartbeat whenever needed. She would do this for anyone, anytime, anywhere. WE call her Angel Connie.
Rita McClure, Pershing Elementary
I am nominating Rita McClure who graduated with LPN in 1997. Three weeks after graduating nursing school she found out that she had cancer. She has been a school nurse for 10 years first working for LPS at Holmes Elementary and is now currently working at Pershing Elementary as a treatment nurse. She helps kids feel better so they can receive the education they need to be successful in school. She won the Helen Kreiger award for outstanding healthcare provider in 2006. Rita also sits on the board for Every Woman Matters which helps women receive health screenings. She has sat on this board for 9 years. She also sits on the board of the Peoples Health Center which provides health care to uninsured and under served Lincolnites. She has sat on this board for four and a half years. Rita is also a registered member of the Iowa tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. She also sits on the board of IPAC (Indian Education Advisory Committee) and this group is dedicated to the well being of all Native American students and their families in the Lincoln Public School system. She has been working with this program since 1995. Rita is not only a caring and dedicated nurse she is also a wonderful role model and is so giving to her family, friends and her community. Thank you
Teri Lutz, Complete Children’s Health
1) Teri is a wife and mother of three children and still has the time and compassion to help others. Teri's oldest son has a disability which can really take its toll on a family but Teri always has empathy for all of the patients and parents at Complete Children's Health. She takes the extra time to educate Mothers and Fathers about their infants risks of RSV as she is Complete Children's Health's Synagis Coordinator. Teri has so many roles and yet never backs down from paying full attention to her patients and parents. All-in-all Teri is what nursing is all about. Every individual goes into nursing with the goal of "helping others" but as time goes on it becomes a job and then it is just that patients are no longer patients they are paychecks, but with the empathy and kindness Teri still shares I think she should be titled the Best Nurse in Lincoln. 2) Teri is a very kind, caring, and compassionate nurse, and always has time for all her patients. As a Front Office receptionist, I see this quality in her everyday. She's never too busy for a question. 3) Teri is the lead nurse on our Synagis Clinic team that works with premature and very ill babies. Her passion for making sure each child receives not only care, but the best care, is often commented on by our patients. She takes each child she cares for to heart as if they were her own and fights for the ability for them to receive any and all care needed. She shows loving compassion to each family, even coming in on her days off or her own maternity leave to care for these children
Lanita Ellison, Lincoln Surgical Hospital
Lanita has only been a nurse for 3 years, but got her start as a lab technician in the Air Force 13 years ago. During this 13 year span she has grown personally and professionally from a lab tech to an EMT, a Paramedic, and now a registered nurse. All this while maintaining a family, and until recently continuing to serve in the Nebraska Air National Guard. Due to this wide range of skills she has quickly become a go-to person at Lincoln Surgical Hospital for many different disciplines, and has become responsible for many different programs including patient satisfaction, laboratory training and control and the Hospitals mass casualty preparedness program. While working on recovery floor she in the recipient of many glowing patient reports that very often single her out as being the kindest, most helpful and most companionate nurse the patient has ever dealt with. She continually strives to understand all of her patients needs, she has the amazing ability to get to the heart of her patients issues and constantly looks for the best way to treat those issues, often times going beyond merely treating with drugs, but addressing every aspect of patient care. Lanita Ellison truly is the best nurse in Nebraska, deserves any honor that comes her way.
Flo Hendricks, Lincoln OBGYN
1) Flo has been my protector since the day I was born. Flo is the oldest of 12 children. She was our second mother. She would hold us down so she could take out a splinter so we could recover without getting an infection. The sight and smell of blood never seemed to bother her. Flo has always been my adviser when it came to medical questions. I called Flo numerous times when my children were small and needed advice on whether they needed stitches - to what kind of rash they might have. Flo is the most unselfish, kind, compassionate, smart individual, which helps to qualify her as the Best Nurse in Nebraska at the Lincoln OBGYN office. 2) Flo is an upbeat, positive person who always makes the day a bit brighter. Her caring and professional manner let you know that she is on your side. She's top notch.