We celebrate humanitarians, innovators and excellence in nursing.
We celebrate humanitarians, innovators and excellence in nursing.
Throughout the pandemic, we have remained committed to ensuring that our patients received the highest quality of care, while at the same time safeguarding all of our more than 275,000 colleagues.
In short: We have never wavered from our HCA Healthcare mission — the foundation of all that we do.
Like so many other things that have been done differently in the past 18 months or so, we gathered virtually instead of in-person for the 48th annual HCA Healthcare Awards of Distinction ceremony. But we were no less proud to recognize our remarkable finalists and recipients. The awards are the organization’s highest honors, spotlighting some of our finest colleagues, physicians and volunteers who, together, bring our mission and values to life every day.
“Our Awards of Distinction recipients represent what HCA Healthcare stands for: compassionate, quality patient care; innovative, forward-thinking ideas; and, above all, the care and improvement of human life,” says CEO Sam Hazen. “These are truly remarkable individuals, all with a passion for living our mission through their work.”
Here’s a snapshot of this year’s award recipients as well as the finalists in each category.
Manager, Central Equipment Distribution
Good Samaritan Hospital San Jose, Calif.
Innovators Award Recipient
Henok began as a housekeeper in 2010, quickly becoming a key member of several teams, including Sterile Processing, Respiratory and Central Equipment Distribution. His smile and positive demeanor have made him one of the hospital’s most recognized colleagues.
An innovator by nature, Henok has helped further the hospital’s culture of excellence. He is honored for developing several projects: • A process that sends bed rentals through Central Equipment Distribution, resulting in significant cost savings. • The Cart Exchange Program, which combines the inventories of the crash, chest tube, urology and pacemaker carts • Using iMobile technology to make more efficient use of VIP Service translation carts, respiratory equipment and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) equipment • A new process to clean IV pumps, plus other critical patient-care equipment, and efficiently transport them to the nursing units
Henok’s desire to improve processes is an inspiration across the organization.
RN, BSN, CCRN
Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children – HealthONE Denver, Colo.
Excellence in Nursing Award Recipient
Professional Mentoring Category
Rachel eagerly mentors new ICU nurses and works to improve the quality of care that ICU nurses provide by expanding the unit’s depth of knowledge and skill. She created the New Stages concept, which has helped new hires care for patients in critical condition while being paired with a preceptor based on learning styles.
Rachel also created the Rare Patient Condition Box, which documents conditions outside the typical day-to-day ICU care.It serves as a reference resource for nurses when new cases present. Documenting such cases helps the department develop new skills and knowledge with regard to critical cases. Rachel also likes to tap into creative forces; she launched the Diary Project for patients’ families and friends to help them overcome the emotional and mental challenges of post-ICU syndrome.
RN, BSN
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
Wesley Medical Center Wichita, Kan.
Excellence in Nursing Award Recipient
Compassionate Care Category
Beth’s high standards of excellence are reflected in the care she offers patients and the positive impact she has on colleagues. She has used her personal time to come to the hospital before and after her shifts, dispensing joy, comfort and support to patients and their families.
In 2019, she received the DAISY Award in recognition of the indelible impact she made on a family as they welcomed the birth of a child only to learn a short time later of the mother’s cancer diagnosis, which led to her passing. Beth went the extra mile to support this grieving family. She exemplifies Wesley Medical Center’s standards of integrity, compassion, respect and excellence.
MSW, LMSW
Oncology Social Worker
Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Johnston-Willis Hospital Richmond, Va.
Frist Humanitarian Award Recipient
Employee Category
Robin has worked for more than three decades caring for others; it’s not only what she does, but also who she is: an advocate, champion, mentor, friend, triathlete, two-time cancer survivor and amputee who has impacted countless lives in central Virginia and around the world.
In 2019, she was part of the U.S. delegation to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where she assisted in developing adaptive sports programs for the amputee community. She’s an active board member for Mission Gait and developed a program called Discover Your Possible, which helps amputees improve their capabilities and confidence. Robin helped launch the Greater Richmond Amputee Support Group and led her breast cancer support group to compete in the Richmond Triathlon to raise money for Sportable, an organization that supports those with disabilities through sports opportunities. She also has led fundraising efforts in support of the American Cancer Society and theLeukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Greeter and Wayfinder
Centennial Hospital
A Campus of The Medical Center of Aurora Aurora, Colo.
Frist Humanitarian Award Recipient
Volunteer Category
Lewis has been with HCA Healthcare for 15 years and has been a volunteer at Centennial Medical Plaza for the past six years. With a remarkable record of more than 7,000 hours of volunteer service on behalf of the hospital, Lewis has positively impacted thousands of patients and families.
He was born with spina bifida and has used a wheelchair for most of his life, but Lewis is there for his patients and colleagues, every time. He not only guides patients to where they need to go, but he also talks with them and engages them beyond what is expected. In addition to the many hours volunteering at Centennial Medical Plaza, Lewis volunteers at his church and the Food Bank of the Rockies.
M.D.
College Park Family Care Center
Overland Park Regional Medical Center Affiliate Overland Park, Kan.
Frist Humanitarian Award Recipients
Physician Category
For more than three decades, Anne and Tom Kettler’s philanthropic efforts have benefited College Park Family Care Center, a Stanley Kansas, affiliate of Overland Park Regional Medical Center. This husband and wife have helped provide equitable healthcare to thousands of uninsured and underprivileged people throughout the Kansas City area by operating the Hope Family Center. They have tirelessly delivered compassionate, high-quality care to thousands of people who otherwise may have gone untreated.
Both have made multiple medical mission trips abroad, including to Africa, and have encouraged many others to get involved in local and international missions over the past 30 years. Tom was a leader at College Park Family Care Center when the facility’s leadership began a missions fund; it provides financial resources to support College Park and HCA Healthcare colleagues wanting to participate in international and local medical missions.
Innovators Award Finalist
Tami Speed, RN
Alaska Regional Hospital Anchorage, Alaska
Among other new ideas, Tami helped deploy a pain management pilot for ortho joint patients, resulting in a 50% reduction in narcotic doses.
Innovators Award Finalist
Dan Wilden MBA, BSN, RN, CLSSBB AVP
Business Intelligence St. David’s Medical Center Austin, Texas
Dan has taken the lead in assorted process improvement initiatives that have led to enhanced patient treatment.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Employee Category
Lisa Clark, RN
Mission Hospital
Asheville, N.C.
Lisa has created several initiatives, including the Autistic Link Program. She also works to help homeless people in her community.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Employee Category
Gonzalo
Del Castillo
Nurse Technician
Kendall Regional
Gonzalo works tirelessly to identify ways to help others, including organizing numerous health events to support underserved people.
Medical Center
Miami, Fla.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Volunteer Category
Denise Widzgowski
Mended Heart Volunteer
JFK Medical Center
Miami, Fla.
A heart transplant survivor, Denise is passionate about supporting cardiac patients, their families and surrounding communities.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Volunteer Category
Cliff Cuff
LewisGale Medical Center
Salem, Va.
Inspired by an unwavering desire to help, Cliff has logged more than 1,500 volunteer hours over 3 ½ years.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Physician Category
Serah Gertruida
Corné Hurter, M.D.
Resident Medical Officer
The Portland Hospital
London, England
Dr. Hurter has co-authored and illustrated several children’s books. All proceeds aid children with fetal alcohol syndrome in rural South Africa.
Frist Humanitarian Award Finalist
Physician Category
Antoinne Able, M.D.
TriStar Southern Hills
Medical Center
Nashville, Tenn.
Since 2016, Dr. Able has participated in medical missions to Belize, providing education and medical services.
Excellence in Nursing Award Finalist
Professional Mentorship Category
Kellie Beasley
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
TriStar Centennial
Medical Center
Nashville, Tenn.
Mentoring has never had a stronger advocate. Kellie was instrumental in developing the facility’s mentorship program for nurse residents.
Excellence in Nursing Award Finalist
Professional Mentorship Category
Lynette Walker, RN
The Wellington Hospital
London, England
Lynette has spent 20 years at the
hospital, mentoring, teaching and
developing fellow nurses.
Excellence in Nursing Award Finalist
Compassionate Care Category
Jamie Jensen, RN
Eastern Idaho Regional
Medical Center
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Jamie always finds time to help others. She provides meals for elderly neighbors and mentors local nursing students.
Excellence in Nursing Award Finalist
Compassionate Care Category
Canaan Stage
NICU Director
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital
Richmond, Va.
Canaan works hard so that every parent also feels supported. He is especially empathetic with mothers affected by substance abuse.
