Millie Beard, R.N.
Operating Recovery Room/ACU, CSJH

Described by a coworker as "fearless when it comes to standing up for patient rights," Millie got into nursing because she saw great opportunities in a field she knew she would like. Her nursing career has spanned 25 years, eight of them with Carilion.

Millie speaks enthusiastically about her job and her patients. "They are so wonderful," she says. Asked how she feels about receiving the Healthcare with a Human Touch Award, she replies, "Very humble and emotional."

A fellow nurse describes Millie this way: "She is very in tune with her patients' emotional and spiritual needs and regards them as just as important as physical needs. She always has time to listen to patient concerns and take them seriously, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem."

Venus Bigham, R.N.
Hospice, CNRV

"What makes hospice case management different from other areas is that it provides continuity of care for the patient," says Venus about her love for hospice care. "I am able to be one-on-one with the patient and give her my undivided time and attention. We see the patient from start to finish. It's an incredible honor to be welcomed into someone's home. By the end, you feel like family."

Whether it's taking the time to bathe a patient or visiting a patient's doctor's office to talk to the physician, Venus will not stop until her patient receives the medical attention she feels is deserved.

Venus's gift of connecting with patients and families is invaluable. She says, "You develop a level of trust with the patient, caregiver and family. People are at different places, so I have to assess and meet people where they are in terms of spirituality, education and denial or acceptance of a situation. I have to be like a chameleon."

Tammy Blankenship, R.N.
Clinical Effectiveness, CGMH

In addition to her efforts in the community, Tammy also works with medical students from the Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine and ensures her colleagues are well prepared for emergency situations through the education and guidance she provides.

Although Tammy is exceptionally busy, colleagues note how she always has time for them and treats everyone with respect. One colleague remarks, "I wish more people could be like Tammy." Despite all she does, Tammy never expected to receive an award. "I'm so honored to be chosen. It blows me away."

Ann Marie Hutchens, R.N.
CCU, CRMH

Ann is responsible for various activities as nurse manager in CCU. She has developed and implemented a retention plan to establish teamwork and increase employee morale and patient satisfaction. She also serves as a mentor and is proactive with resolving patient issues. Ann still enjoys working with the patients and the clinical nurses in the "CCU Gang." She says, "I am very proud to work with such a great group of nurses." The best part of her job is that she "still can play in the sandbox."

Ann likes to be involved and sits on numerous committees, such as the Week of the Nurse committee, within our organization. When she's not at CRMH, Ann is either on a ball field or leading a Cub Scout meeting. She attributes her accomplishments to her husband, mother and kids.

Karen King, L.P.N.
Urgent Care, CRCH

Karen humbly credits her successful 23-year career with Carilion to wonderful coworkers and patients. Her positive attitude is expressed in one sentiment, "Life has been good to me." According to coworkers, "Being good to her patients comes natural to Karen. It is who she is." Karen explains her patient-care philosophy: "To me, it's the small things that make patients feel important. It could be an extra pillow, blankets, raising their heads or even just a smile. If I go the extra mile, it really makes the patients feel like we care." Her compassion is consistently delivered with excellent nursing skills.

Karen treats everyone with respect. She makes other people's needs her priority, regardless of whether they are coworkers, patients, physicians, new staff members or students. A natural educator, Karen takes the time to patiently explain what she is doing and the rationale behind it. Her gifts of communication and active listening have lifted many a spirit. Coworkers witness her contagious attitude on a regular basis and Karen has received letters from patients recognizing how special she was during a critical time when they needed an advocate. 

Kevin Kissner, R.N.
Carilion Clinic Life-Guard

Kevin is no stranger to teamwork, improving critical situations and good communication skills. As a Life-Guard nurse, Kevin draws upon his past experiences as a paramedic and firefighter. He says, "Bringing calmness into chaos is something I'm proud of."

"I like the balance of autonomy and teamwork, as well as arriving in bad situations and knowing I’m able to make it better," explains Kevin about his role's benefits. As an educator and the public relations representative for Life-Guard, Kevin teaches at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences, provides one-on-one shadowing experiences and shares safety and educational presentations with the community. 

Kevin has the keen ability to identify, develop and implement positive practice improvements. Last year, Kevin developed a new process for improved shift briefings and general communications. On his own, Kevin also submitted a proposal to the Carilion Clinic Patient Transportation administration for a quarterly newsletter for community hospitals and EMS agencies to highlight patient case presentations and new clinical initiatives.

Johanna Lambert, R.N.
OB, CRMH

Johanna was instrumental in the seamless OB move from CRCH to CRMH. In the pursuit of better practices, Johanna recognized there was an opportunity to reduce the amount of blood drawn for standard labs when the patients were transferred. She effectively identified the opportunity for improvement, and the process was adjusted. 

Johanna recognizes the role she plays in patients' lives. She says, "I love being able to help women through an event that is life altering. I'm part of a happening that changes the way women look at the world. I'm here to help them in this very intense experience." Safeguarding the patient is instinctive to Johanna. She continues, "The patient may never be aware that we really made the outcome better by quick action and coordinated teamwork."

Rose Little, R.N.
10 Mountain PCU, CRMH

A nurse for 36 years, 28 of them with Carilion, Rose has worked in many different areas of nursing but prefers bedside care because of the opportunity to interact with patients and their families.

Some of those families become friends. When one of Rose's patients was dying, his family asked for her address and phone number so they could keep in touch. Although the patient passed away, Rose continues to meet his wife for lunch or a movie.

Jennifer Martin, R.N.
Medical-Surgical Critical Care, CRMH

Jennifer shows this care and concern for others through her work implementing changes to help improve nurse satisfaction, in addition to working constantly to improve patient care and quality. Jennifer approaches all situations following her guiding principle: "What is the right thing to do?" Colleagues know her motto and appreciate how she follows through, no matter the situation. One colleague says, "When Jennifer becomes aware of a problem, she initiates change that reflects this core value," whether interacting with other disciplines, patients, staff or administration.

Despite her full schedule, Jennifer always makes time to help others, whether it's through lending an ear or helping determine the best solution to a problem. She says, "I would want someone to take the time with me. Life is all about building relationships. Spending that time pays off 100-fold."

Pam McGowan, R.N.
Medical Unit, CNRV

Her coworkers remark, "Pam is the glue that holds the weekend night team together. She is the first person we go to for help because of her extensive knowledge and willingness to help." Pam searches for quality safety improvements, encourages the team's education and pitches in for any task at hand, but patient care remains her focus. Her main goals are to meet the patients' and families' needs and make them feel at ease.

Carolyn Milzman, R.N.
10 Mountain PCU, CRMH

Going the extra mile. That's what Carolyn Milzman does for her patients and their families, new employees as their preceptor and her coworkers as their unit's go-to person. Humbled and honored by her nomination, Carolyn says, "It's a mitzvah to be a nurse." Carolyn truly believes that being a nurse is a blessing.

Carolyn's decision to become a nurse was influenced by her personal experiences with nurses who took excellent care of some of her hospitalized family members. She was called to be a nurse, helping patients and their families find comfort and answers. Carolyn gives 100 percent of herself each day, never expecting more from her peers than what she is willing to contribute.

Carolyn demonstrates true patient advocacy on a daily basis. She says, "It's an honor to be the patient's eyes, ears and heart." Countless accounts of Carolyn's kindness include coming in on a day off to be with a family whose loved one was being taken off life support, as well as preparing food and sending cards to her coworkers and neighbors. 

Bobby Putnam Jr., R.N.
Endoscopy - CRCH and CRMH

Bobby is known for being helpful, communicative and friendly to patients and colleagues alike. When asked why he chose nurse monitoring for endoscopy, he says, "I can make a difference in a life. Endoscopy is a valuable service that can provide early detection of cancer, catch early changes, prevent cancer or help stop cancer in its tracks. It can make all the difference in the world to a patient."

His style is methodical and thorough. A coworker says, "His accurate assessment of the patient's problem, coupled with Bobby's ability to acquire in-depth history, enables him to provide excellent sedation to any patient. He evaluates the needs unique to each patient."

Bobby also has the ability to evaluate the needs of the department. He assesses sedation practices to ensure patient safety and is a resource that everyone on the unit goes to for information. Bobby also manages the supplies for the unit, streamlining ordering supplies to obtain on-budget, on-time delivery. These practices enable the department to provide the best care at low overhead.

Brenda Rechtman, R.N.
Electrophysiology, CRMH

Brenda became the first nurse of the Electrophysiology Lab over 15 years ago, and she continues to work in that capacity, treating every patient with the utmost compassion and respect. A coworker describes Brenda best: "The nursing care and leadership that Brenda provides is very special, probably resulting from her sincere passion for nursing, her willingness to go the extra mile for her patients and her unwavering support for her peers and coworkers."

A loyal advocate for her patients, Brenda has formed special relationships. One patient's wife writes about her husband’s experience after his cardiac procedures, "He has had several procedures since then, not all cardiac-related, and every time Brenda has made the extra effort to visit with him prior to the procedure just to reassure him and calm his anxiety."

As the founder and heart of Carilion's Defibrillator Support Group, Brenda is committed to providing education and emotional support for her patients and their caregivers long after they leave her lab. Her outreach extends to the community with her support of the American Heart Association. She and her staff have raised significant funds for research and have participated as a team in the annual HeartWalk event.

Robert Stone, R.N.
10 South Oncology, CRMH

Patient teacher. Thoughtful caregiver. Steadfast role model. Robert skillfully and sincerely performs these responsibilities as an oncology nurse. Robert's service-oriented care is exemplified by the quantity and quality of time he spends with each patient.

A coworker explains, "He takes time with all of his patients, discussing their interests with them, getting to know them and their family members. He remembers them from admission to admission and will ask about them on a weekly basis. The patients recognize his personal interest in them and respond very warmly to him, often requesting him on their visits."

Christina Straub, R.N.
Labor and Delivery, BMH

From being raised by her grandparents, to her current role as an advanced practice nurse at BMH, Christina has always had a deep interest in caring for people and being a part of their lives.

One of the most challenging and rewarding caregiving roles for Christina was her four years as an Army nurse. From 1968 to 1969, she served as a surgical nurse in Vietnam. "I am proud of my service there and feel fortunate that I was able to serve my country and take care of the servicemen," explains Christina.

Except for her four years of military service, Christina has worked in the obstetrics field, taking care of families as they welcome new lives into the world. Her skill and enthusiasm are part of what makes her a valued coworker, caregiver and mentor.

"I am glad I have been given the privilege to work with families in Bedford. This really is a privilege, not a job. What a wonderful way to earn a living!"

Karen Tosh, R.N.
Carilion Hospice Services, CFMH

Karen makes a difference in the care of her patients and their families. When out in the community, she is approached with hugs and appreciation by the families she has touched. Karen says, "Some of the most wonderful, amazing people I've met have been through Hospice. The families have stayed a part of my life on different levels."

Receiving personal letters, rave professional reviews and local newspaper recognition, Karen is recognized as a strong, caring nurse who carries a positive image for the CFMH Hospice program. Her manager remarks, "Karen still has the same passion and mission as the day she began. She is a team player and will take on more call time to help a coworker. Her case load is often more challenging or difficult because she has a great knowledge of the dying process and an ability to reach people."

Nancy Webster, R.N.
Medical/Surgical Unit, CFMH

When asked what she enjoys most about caring for patients in the medical and surgical unit at CFMH, Nancy says, "Many days you go home feeling like you made a difference. That's why I'm a nurse."
                                                                                                       
According to her fellow nurses, Nancy changes the lives of her patients and coworkers every day. As a preceptor, Nancy takes an active role in ensuring her fellow caregivers have the education they need to provide quality patient care. She also enjoys helping others learn about nursing careers as she works with students from Virginia Western Community College and Franklin County High School.

Perhaps one of her most treasured talents is putting patients at ease by asking them about their lives.

"I ask them about their lives and interests—it's amazing the things people share with you. And it's nice to see them smile! People like to know you are interested in them."