In celebration of National Nurses’ Week, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital held their annual nurse recognition ceremonies to honor the dedication, compassion and excellence of their nursing teams. Staff members were nominated and recognized in five award categories: Nurse of Distinction, Nurse of Distinction in Education, Outstanding Staff Nurse, Outstanding LPN and Outstanding Supportive Staff Member.
BRMC and OGH joined hospitals across the country in celebrating “The Power of Nurses” from May 5 through May 9. Throughout the week, nursing staff at both facilities enjoyed a variety of appreciation events including a morning of donuts and coffee, a traveling snack cart, a celebratory awards luncheon and a tribute to Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
BRMC held its Nurse Awards Reception on Monday, May 5. The event featured remarks from Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer, BRMC/OGH, and Bradley Chapman, president, BRMC/OGH. Honorees included: Nurse of Distinction, Shirley O’Dell, RN; Nurse of Distinction in Education, Karen Prosser, RN, RAC-CT; Outstanding Staff Nurse, Carol Coppella, RN; Outstanding LPN, Michele Snyder, LPN; and Outstanding Supportive Staff Member, Danielle Switzer. Each award recipient received a certificate of recognition from State Representative Martin Causer, State Senator Cris Dush and Mayor Tom Riel.
Additional nominees at BRMC included Ruth Coast, RN for nurse of distinction; Melissa McAndrew-Ivanich, RN for outstanding staff nurse; Elizabeth Tanner, LPN for outstanding LPN; Becky Moreth, CNA, and Katelyn Dickerson for outstanding supportive staff.
On Wednesday, May 7, OGH hosted its Nurse Awards Reception with members of the board of directors, administration, staff and local elected officials in attendance. Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, CNO, shared remarks reflecting on the continued trust placed in nurses and the strength of the clinical nursing team.
“In 2024, nurses were again voted the most trusted profession in the United States, a title they have held since 1999,” Ruggles said. “This accolade truly reflects this year’s theme: The Power of the Nurse. Nurses remain advocates for the health of their communities through their knowledge, skill and unwavering commitment.”
Ruggles also highlighted recruitment and retention milestones at OGH: “In 2024, we welcomed 20 new graduate nurses, 16 of whom remain with the organization. For 2025, we’ve offered positions to 27 new graduate nurses, the highest number in UAHS history. Our turnover rate is at a record low of 4.02 percent year-to-date.”
Award recipients at OGH included Nurse of Distinction, Ashley Ameis, RN; Nurse of Distinction in Education, Katie Weaver, RN; Outstanding Staff Nurse, Leslie Saleh, RN; Outstanding LPN, Laura Balcerzak, LPN; and Outstanding Supportive Staff Member, Bonnie Lyman. Nominees included Kristen Miller, RN; Kristina Murray, BSN, RN; Brianna Ruffner, RN; Jo Zeh, RN; Katelyn Spears, RN; Nicole Lippert, BSN, RN for the nurse of distinction; Michele Forness, RN for the nurse of distinction in education; Britney Thornton, RN; George Walsh, RN; Jenny Salerno, BSN, RN; Ryan Huver, RN, outstanding staff nurse; Brandy Murray, LPN, outstanding LPN; Brian Delgado; Mindy Music; Jennifer Weaver; and Cherl Prentice for outstanding supportive staff.
BRMC and OGH extend special thanks to Dr. Muhammed Javed for his continued generosity with sponsoring the nurse award receptions at both hospitals.
These ceremonies serve as a heartfelt reminder of the profound impact nurses have on patient care and the broader healthcare community. Their dedication continues to shape lives, inspire others and advance the mission of BRMC and OGH to provide exceptional care every day.
Pictured from left, Nurse of Distinction in Education, Katie Weaver, RN; Outstanding Staff Nurse, Leslie Saleh, RN; Dr. Muhammed Javed, chair of UAHS board of directors; Outstanding Supportive Staff Member, Bonnie Lyman; Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer; Nurse of Distinction, Ashley Ameis, RN; Outstanding LPN, Laura Balcerzak, LPN.
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