TFHS Announces its 2018 Nurses of Excellence

Tahoe Forest Health System announced its 2018 Nurses of Excellence in a special ceremony on Monday, May 7. Nurses of Excellence exhibit exceptional qualities in areas of clinical competence, leadership, and commitment to the nursing profession.

In recognition of National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, each year since 1990, Tahoe Forest Health system gives special thanks to all nurses and honors exceptional nurses with the Nurses of Excellence award.

Top honors went to the following five nurses, were also specially recognized for their exceptional skill and outstanding service, and also for demonstrating the Tahoe Forest values of quality, understanding, excellence, service and teamwork.

Arlette Tormey, Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center – Quality

Christy Jordan, Surgery – Understanding

Heather Hiller, Intensive Care Unit/Epic- Excellence

Natalie de Ryk, Nursing Information – Stewardship

Sarah Jane Stull, Case Management – Teamwork

These nurses were recognized for excellence in their profession, knowledge, teamwork, and high quality care for their patients.

“Our mission at Tahoe Forest,” said Harry Weis, President & CEO, Tahoe Forest Health System, “is to serve our community through excellence and compassion every day. During National Nurses Week, we honor our Nurses of Excellence, but we’re also honoring all nurses for their commitment and service throughout the year.” “

Your dedication to our patients and your fellow staff has not gone unnoticed,” said Karen Baffone, Chief Nursing Officer, Tahoe Forest Health System, as she addressed the assembled group. “Thank you to all of our nurses for all you do—every day!”

The other 2018 Nurses of Excellence Nominees were:

Heidi Blide, Home Health and Hospice; Sally Caruthers, Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center; Ellie Cruz, Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care; Mike Davis, Surgical Services; Natasha Dierks, Medical/Surgical Unit; Kristen Henderson, Home Health and Hospice; Sandy Jones, Joseph Family Center for Women and Newborn Care; Sue McMullen, Occupational Health; Julie Morgan, Emergency Department; Sam Read, Medical/Surgical Unit; Jamie Sadeg, Surgical Services; Gerg Tarter, Intensive Care Unit; Sue Train, Wellness Neighborhood; Beth Teitelbaum, IVCH Medical/Surgical Unit; Cindy Woythal, Ambulatory Surgery.  

Nominees were selected by their peers and are considered to be dedicated role models valued by staff and the community they serve. Nurses are highly dedicated with varied interests, strengths and passions, and work in various facilities like emergency rooms, maternity wards and pediatric offices, to name a few. A nurse has many roles—from staff nurse, educator, nurse practitioner, to nurse researcher, striving to serve with passion for their profession and a strong commitment to patient care and safety.