The 2024 National Nurses Week theme, “Nurses Make the Difference,” honors the incredible nurses who embody the spirit of compassion and care in every health care setting. While Johnson Memorial Hospital and Mercy Medical Center celebrated the vital role nurses play in delivering safe, high-quality care to patients with a full slate of activities, nursing award presentations were the focal point.

Mercy President Dr. Robert Roose and Sue Pettorini-D'Amico, Chief Nursing Officer, with Nursing Excellence Award recipients. 

At Johnson Memorial Hospital, the week’s highlight was a gathering of colleagues to recognize the nurse who was selected as a recipient of the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing. This prestigious award program was created in 2001 to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession by honoring nurses who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and/or education. Amanda Barrepski, BSN, RN, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, was selected for this honor. Additionally, Alexis Grey, LPN, Adult Behavioral Health Unit, was honored as a recipient of the DAISY Award. The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

At Mercy Medical Center, nurses gathered for the presentation of the annual Nursing Excellence Awards during a special luncheon in the Deliso Conference Center. These awards are particularly meaningful because the recipients are nominated by their colleagues for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to their patients and to Mercy Medical Center. The recipients of the Mercy Nursing Excellence Awards are Sandra Asiamah, RN, IMCB; Hope Connaughton, RN, ED; Kiara Rivera, RN, IMBC, “Rookie of the Year;” Trisha Arsenault, RN, IMCB; Karen Tetrault, RN, ED; Gianna Gomes, RN, FLC; Katie Williams, RN, ANM, Med/Surg; Marisa Fenn, RN, ED; Lynn Maciolek, RN, Urology; and Brittany Gagne, RN, IMCB.

“Our nurses are compassionate professionals who are committed to providing outstanding care with every patient encounter. Their hard work and dedication to their patients and their colleagues exemplify our Mission to serve as a transforming, healing presence in the local community,” said Susan Pettorini-D'Amico, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy Medical Center and Johnson Memorial Hospital.