Nurses are the patient protectors, the promoters of quality care and well-being. In celebration of their contributions to our patients’ lives, Erlanger Health System is proud to honor these heroes of health during National Nurses Week.
National Nurses Week is celebrated May 6-12 each year – with the final day falling on the birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. It was established by The American Nurses Association (ANA) as a full week of recognition for the contributions that nurses make to the community.
During breakfast events that took place May 5-7, Erlanger Chief Nursing Officer Jan Keys recognized six recipients of the 2015 Nurse Excellence Award.
The Nurse Excellence Award is an annual program that honors the “ultimate nurse.” Award recipients are chosen based on their demonstration of the highest levels of caring, compassion, competency, commitment, and service excellence
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- Roy Cairns is an RN at Erlanger’s North hospital. A very caring individual, Roy regularly embraces his patients’ families as his own. He is always looking for creative ways to improve a patient’s experience such as decorating the patio with flowers and a birdfeeder. Evident in his kindness and conduct, Roy gives his all every day.
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- Lisa Coker is an RN at Erlanger’s Baroness Hospital. Even under the most challenging circumstances, Lisa remains cool, calm, and collected. Her compassion consistently shines through in her work. For example, she recruited the help of other staff members to sing to a patient upon learning of his birthday. She never backs down and serves as a highly dependable member of the team.
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- Kris Merritt is an RN at Erlanger East Hospital. A leader in evidence-based practice, Kris is always trying to stay at the top of her game by proactively researching various topics. She advocates for her patient’s best interest while still maintaining proper chain of command. Kris serves as a role model for other nurses and is always eager to help.
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- Dawn Morrow is an RN at Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. Dawn is devoted to finding creative ways to build morale. She started a newsletter to recognize department accomplishments, rallied community donations, and even organized an Easter egg hunt for fellow staff members. Not a day goes by without Dawn praising her co-workers, giving pep talks, and exuding 110% effort in her work.
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- Christy Lewis is an LPN at Erlanger’s Bledsoe hospital. Christy’s patient-focused approach drives her to stay on top of nursing’s best practices through consistent research. While maintaining a positive attitude, she holds herself to the highest standard. It’s no wonder fellow nurses are comfortable leaning on her for guidance.
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- Sheri Carter is an RN at Erlanger’s Physician’s Offices. With more than 20 years of experience, Sheri serves as a guide to residents and other nurses. She is the kind of nurse that will run to the parking lot to assist a patient with blankets during a cold day (even without a coat for herself). Trustworthy and always smiling, Sheri is determined to deliver the best customer service experience.
To learn more about nursing opportunities with Erlanger Health System, visit www.erlanger.org/nursing.
I can’t say enough great things about Erlanger. I have a terminal illness and have been to Erlanger east a few times and was treated promptly with professionalism an competency by the physicians, nurses, PA’s, nurse practitioners and the secretarial staff. Hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Jan Keys is a great role model for you all at Erlanger and are fortunate to have her as your CNO. I worked with her for many years and she became a true friend in addition to being a great leader. I wish I were able to work at Erlanger as a nurse under Jan but unfortunately I am performing critical care nursing on myself 24/7 with severe tracheobroncheomalasia with treatment ruled out. My daughter Tierra is nursing at Erlanger East and following her mom’s footsteps.
Thank you for your kind words, Karen. We will certainly pass them on to Jan. We’re so glad you had a good experience at Erlanger both working and as a patient. We hope your daughter enjoys her time with us just as much.