People come to the hospital with variety of health problems, but they all come for the same reason-to get better. The nurses at Saline Memorial play a significant role in that process. That’s why Saline Memorial like many other organizations throughout the nation celebrated National Nurse’s Day on Thursday, May 6.

National Nurse’s Day focuses on raising awareness of the value of nursing and helps educate the public about the role nurses play in meeting the health care needs of public.

Saline Memorial Hospital (SMH) treated their nurses to a Nurse’s Day Celebration Breakfast on Thursday, May 6. Many nurses attended the breakfast which included a word of thanks from Judge Lanny Fite and Senator Shane Broadway as well as a short devotional and blessing of the hands led by Love Inman. Many Saline County businesses provided door prizes for the event.

“We wanted to recognize our wonderful nurses and highlight the culture and value they bring to SMH,” said Rhonda Lock, SMH Director of Nurses. “They are an indispensable component of patient care.”

Today, SMH employs over 340 nurses. Over 55 nurses have more than 25 years of experience.

“We are fortunate to have such a highly qualified and talented team of nurses at SMH,” said Randy Fortner, SMH President and CEO. “We’re thankful for the passion and dedication they bring to improving the health of our community.”

Each year on Nurse’s Day, SMH recognizes nurses who were chosen from their peers for exemplifying excellence in a variety of categories. Randy Fortner presented the awards to each recipient. The winners were: Clinical Manager Leadership and Excellence, Amy Ashcraft; Outstanding Clinical Support, Alisha Willett; Leadership, Carmen Kinggard; Patient Advocate, Jamie Robinson; Clinical Excellence,  Bill Aronson; Outstanding Attitude, Kristi Kinchen and Physicians Choice, Cresta Bearden.