Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are excited to announce Cheryl Wier, MSN, RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, NYSAFE, emergency room nurse at BRMC, as the third quarter Nightingale Award recipient of 2025. Wier, a registered nurse and board-certified as an adult and pediatric sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), has been with BRMC since 2005.
“Cheryl has been a team member of BRMC for more than 15 years. During her time here, Cheryl has taken significant steps to expand her nursing role by becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). She has been instrumental in launching as well as growing the program while raising awareness of its importance in our community. Her work as a SANE nurse is challenging, but each case is approached with professionalism, dignity, respect and compassion with her goal of serving every patient to achieve the best possible outcome. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients by providing comfort and patient education by explaining each step during her consultations. Cheryl’s caring nature for patients of all ages and brings a sense of skill and empathy to every unique situation,” read her nomination.
“In addition, Cheryl frequently manages complex forensic cases in collaboration with local and state law enforcement. She has a passion for education, eagerly sharing her knowledge with colleagues and encouraging growth within her specialty. She is also remarkably dedicated, taking calls at all hours to answer questions, discuss cases or come to the facility when needed.”
“I cannot think of a more deserving nurse to receive this recognition. Cheryl embodies the spirit of the Nightingale Award through her dedication, compassion and commitment to her patients and her profession. Her leadership and commitment have made her an invaluable asset to our organization.”
The Nightingale Award is a result of nominations from medical providers and other team members throughout BRMC and OGH. The prestigious award is presented quarterly to one nurse who provides exceptional patient care, excels in patient and family teaching, creates an environment of efficient open communication with patients and serves as a role model for peers.
Originally from Cuba, NY, Wier reflected on her journey to becoming a nurse: “If you ask my mother, she’ll tell you she always knew I was meant to be a nurse. When I was young, we had horses, and whenever one was sick or injured, I was right there beside the veterinarian, eager to help however I could,” she shared.
“I entered nursing school planning to work in mental health, but everything changed after a rotation in the emergency department. I fell in love with the unpredictability, the teamwork and the opportunity to connect with patients during some of their most difficult moments. That experience ultimately shaped my career as a forensic nurse.”
Wier earned her associate degree in nursing from Jamestown Community College in Olean, NY, and went on to complete her master’s degree in forensic nursing at Aspen University.
She added, “Nursing and healthcare are ever-changing fields, and a commitment to lifelong learning is essential in order to provide the highest quality care for the patients and families we serve.”
BRMC and OGH named the highly coveted nursing award after Florence Nightingale, who laid the groundwork for the philosophy and underpinnings of modern-day nursing. Throughout Florence Nightingale’s career, she displayed qualities such as integrity, nursing excellence, compassion and service.
Other nominees included: Alyssa McMichael, RN; Andrew Weirich, LPN; Ashley Ameis, RN; Brandy Nolder, RN; Brooke Lipps, RN; Christopher Weiss, BSN, RN; Cynthia Simms, RN; Emily Smith, RN; Holly Lewis, RN; Jay Gleason, BSN, RN; Katie Brockel, LPN; Kristin Phillips, LPN; Kristine Powell, RN; Kristyn Wilber, RN; Laurie Stewart, RN; Meagan Winer, BSN, RN, CCRN; Michele Schultz, RN; Rachel Dennis, BSN, RN; Regina Tkacik, BSN, RN.
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