In recognition of nurses whose extraordinary efforts stand out, the March of Dimes Washington Chapter held its tenth annual Western Washington Nurse of the Year Awards honoring local nurses. The event, which took place at the Meydenbauer Conference Center today, was presented by Premera Blue Cross. Chair of the event was Jennifer Graves, RN, MS, Chief Executive and Nurse Executive with Swedish Medical Center in Ballard. 

RNs working at all staff levels in Western Washington were honored in 13 categories surrounded by their peers; nursing professionals who every day set the standards of outstanding patient care. That’s exactly what the Nurse of the Year award celebration is about. The atmosphere is always charged with anticipation and joy as the honorees are announced. This year the winners included:

·         Patient/Clinical Care – Tammy Rondorf, Seattle Children’s

·         Leadership – Vanessa Makarewicz, University of Washington Medical Center

·         Innovation/Creativity – Heather Bissmeyer, Swedish Medical Center

·         Education – Reiko Torgeson, University of Washington Medical Center

·         Research/Advancing the Profession – Karen G Schepp, University of Washington School of Nursing

·         Advocacy for Patients – Therese Vafaeezadeh, Seattle Children’s

·         Community Service – Angela Lee, Group Health Cooperative

·         Mentoring – Mary Jo Selg, Overlake Hospital Medical Center

·         School Nurse – Chris Cordell, Seattle Public Schools

·         Rising Star – Valerie Cady, Group Health Cooperative

·         New Generation – Susan Johnson, University of Washington School of Nursing

·         Perinatal/Pediatric – Jayne Blackburn, Swedish Medical Center

·         Distinguished Nurse of the Year – Patricia Cochrell, Harrison Medical Center

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