Nursing Excellence Awards

Ambulatory Nursing Practice

Natalya Khijniak, RN, BSN, CNOR | Pre-Op Clinic

"I nominate this nurse for her remarkable contributions to the Pre-op Clinic, where she consistently demonstrates the qualities of compassion, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence. Her role in preparing patients for surgery is a testament to her calm demeanor, deep knowledge and exceptional care. She maintains an optimistic and positive attitude that reassures even the most anxious patients, instilling confidence as they prepare for procedures. She effectively uses her resources, takes on extra tasks without hesitation, and always steps up to support her peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. As a charge nurse, she shows incredible initiative, guiding her team with professionalism and inspiring confidence through her leadership.

Compassion: In her work in the Pre-Op clinic, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure patients feel understood and supported. For example, she frequently spends extra time with particularly nervous patients, offering calm reassurances and providing clear explanations about the procedure, enabling the patient to feel secure and prepared.

Collaboration: She seamlessly coordinates care with surgeons, anesthesiologists and fellow nurses to guarantee patients receive comprehensive, well-prepared support. Her willingness to assist her peers, whether helping with an urgent task or mentoring a new nurse, exemplifies her dedication to teamwork.

Excellence: As charge nurse, she leads with integrity and focus, ensuring every shift operates smoothly and efficiently. Her proactive nature and attention to detail have helped the clinic consistently meet and exceed patient care standards.

She has given us 10 years in the OR, Employee Health and now in the Pre-Op clinic. She is dedicated to EvergreenHealth as an organization and is truly a model of our values, beliefs and C.A.R.E model."

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Home Health & Hospice Nursing Practice

Nancy Crutcher, BSN, RN, CWON | Home Health

"From a staff member: I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how wonderful this nurse is. I'm sure you already know she is great at her job, but she has been an absolute lifeline to me. I've felt so overwhelmed with my case load and location and heavy needs of my patients – ostomies and wound vacs among others. Every time I've called for guidance or just support, she has been there immediately! She's FaceTimed me and performed joint visits to ensure quality patient care! I'm so grateful for her! Thank you thank you thank you!!

From a manager: This awardee is a Registered Nurse and a Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse, bringing a wealth of expertise in wound and ostomy care. As a valued member of our team nursing group, she plays a crucial role in mentoring and supporting our younger, less experienced nurses who are eager to learn. She serves as a teacher, colleague, and collaborator, sharing her extensive knowledge to help our team grow.

Each month, we hold case management meetings where nurses bring their questions and concerns to discuss ongoing care plans. She provides valuable guidance and facilitates discussions to ensure patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments. Beyond these meetings, she actively supports our nurses in the field through joint visits. She offers hands-on instruction in applying new dressings, wound vacs, and ostomy care, fostering both confidence and competence among our clinicians. Her approachable nature makes her a true team player rather than an authority figure, creating a comfortable learning environment where nurses feel encouraged to ask questions and refine their skills.

Despite her many patient consultations, she never misses our monthly meetings and always finds time for field visits. Thanks to her dedication and expertise, we achieve excellent patient outcomes, and our nurses continue to develop strong clinical skills. As the manager of this team, I want to express my sincere appreciation for her unwavering commitment to her colleagues. My team of nurses also comment on how much they learn and appreciate her as well. She is not only an outstanding nurse but also an inspiring role model for our entire team. I think she is very deserving of the Home Health Hospice Setting Practice Excellent Award.

This nurse works with a diverse group of nurses with varying backgrounds and experiences. She effortlessly adapts her teaching to each individual, providing both didactic instruction and hands-on guidance. A natural teacher, she combines intelligence with kindness, creating a supportive and effective learning environment.

This nurse has truly made a significant impact on our team. Having worked with us for over two years, she has helped foster a strong, thriving group where discussions remain meaningful and engaging. As a manager, I have seen a noticeable increase in confidence among our young nurses – a direct result of her teaching style and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and the future of nursing."

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Inpatient/Hospital Nursing Practice

Brittany Schaffer, RN | Intensive Care Unit

"Every time someone on the team needs help, she is always right there, ready to lend a hand. Whether it's talking through next-step ideas, facilitating duties, setting lines or pulling labs, she's there to ensure the primary RN has the time and space to think through decisions. She never hesitates to step in, offering support in any way needed, so that others can focus on what's next for the patient. Her advocacy for both patients and staff shines through, especially when difficult decisions need to be made.

She isn't afraid to voice what needs to be said or offer solutions when others feel stuck at a crossroads. Her knowledge is constantly expanding through EBP, discussing the latest study regarding patient care, and she fully embraces her role as an educator and facilitator, guiding not just her team but also the patients and families she cares for. She has a unique ability to speak to families on a level that builds trust and confidence in both her and her practice, helping them feel heard and supported as they navigate their loved one's healing journey.

I can think of a time when I worked with her and needed an extra set of hands on an already very busy unit. She responded without hesitation, and it never mattered if I felt like I was asking a "stupid" question. She always made it safe to voice my thoughts without any judgment. She encouraged me to ask questions and, together, we used our knowledge to bring stability to the patient's care. There were moments when I overlooked important details, and she helped me see them, gently guiding me to consider aspects that would have impacted the patient's treatment. Even though we shared similar years of experience, we had traveled different paths to get to where we were.

Her presence was a calming force, and in that moment, I felt supported in ways that made the experience unforgettable. It became one of the best moments in my nursing career – a true example of thoughtful, collaborative care that I haven't yet been able to replicate. What truly stands out about her is her courage – not only in asking the challenging questions but in her ability to push others out of their comfort zones. Over time, I've come to realize that this is part of her growth, as she always seeks to learn from others. Her ability to learn, teach and grow is contagious, making her an invaluable presence in our practice."

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Behavioral Health Award

Natasha Schulze, RN | Cardiovascular NeuroSurgery Unit

"This nurse exemplifies excellence in behavioral health through her deep compassion, unwavering advocacy, and holistic approach to patient care. She operates with the unshakable belief that every individual – regardless of their mental or emotional state –deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and humanity. In the fast-paced world of acute care, where physical ailments often take center stage, she never loses sight of her patients' emotional and behavioral health needs. She understands that mental health is just as vital as physical well-being, and she ensures that no patient's internal struggle is minimized or ignored. Her empathy is palpable, and her ability to connect with patients during their most vulnerable moments is something truly special.

Throughout my years at EvergreenHealth, she has been the biggest advocate for behavioral/mental healthcare out of all of the RNs I have met. This nurse consistently advocates for patients who may be confused, agitated, or unable to speak for themselves. She gently reminds her colleagues that behind every behavior is a person who deserves to be heard, understood, and cared for. I've witnessed her step in to center the conversation around dignity when it could have been overlooked, and I've heard directly from patients and families who felt seen and comforted by her attentive, human-centered care.

Her commitment to mental well-being extends beyond her patients. She is also an incredible support to her peers. She recognizes the emotional weight that health care workers carry and offers space to debrief after challenging situations. She understands that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves and our colleagues. Her presence makes our unit stronger, safer and more compassionate. She sets the standard for what it means to integrate behavioral health into everyday practice – and reminds us all that healing is more than physical."

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

Amy Aquino, RN, BSN | Cardiovascular NeuroSurgery Unit

"This nurse embodies the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion in every facet of her work. Her advocacy extends beyond patients. She is a relentless champion for her colleagues, ensuring that every member of 5 Silver feels valued, heard and empowered. She creates a culture of belonging, encouraging open dialogue and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. She treats every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing their unique experiences and perspectives. More than just fostering inclusion, she actively works to dismantle barriers, ensuring that opportunities for growth and development are accessible to all.

Her commitment to justice is unwavering. She does not hesitate to stand up for what is right, even in the face of discomfort or conflict. She understands that true equity requires courage – the willingness to address difficult conversations head-on and push for meaningful change. Recently, when a colleague felt marginalized during a shift, she didn't hesitate to act. Though she wasn't present during the incident, she immediately stepped in to ensure their concerns were acknowledged and addressed. She not only advocated for that staff member but also used the situation as a teaching moment, educating her peers on how to support and stand up for one another. She doesn't just exemplify nursing excellence in diversity. She cultivates it within her team. She leads by example, ensuring that 5 Silver, and EvergreenHealth as a whole, remain a space where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive.

She always spends extra time with people who need more TLC, and her patients always look and feel better after being cared for by her. I would trust her to be my nurse, and I know that I would receive complete, holistic care."

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Guiding Light Award

Mary Beth Menaugh, RN | Intensive Care Unit

"This nurse has become a cornerstone of support, a source of guidance, and an unwavering presence. She is relied upon not only for her expertise but also for her compassionate mentorship of both new and experienced nurses, helping them grow at every stage of their careers. With an immense wealth of experience, this nurse has cared for countless patients and families, facing challenges most could never imagine. She brings a rare and vital skill: the ability to guide others through the most difficult and uncertain moments in life.

When families and patients are overwhelmed by the unknown, this nurse meets them with empathy, humor, and the kind of care that is felt deeply through their every action. The commitment to excellence in caring for patients is evident in the selflessness she shows during life's most critical moments. When a nurse's ability to recognize even the smallest issue can change the course of a patient's life, this nurse stands at the frontlines, alert and devoted. She gives tirelessly, not just in moments of crisis but every day, offering knowledge and experience to those around her. Through her mentorship, she helps new nurses become not just good but great, ensuring that experienced nurses continue to grow in their skills and expertise, fostering a team environment where excellence is the standard.

She embodies MANY of the Carative factors, but what stands out most in this example is her ability to develop truly helpful and trusting relationships with patients, families, and colleagues. Her approach fosters a sense of hope and security, making everyone involved feel valued and supported. Her actions not only demonstrate her deep commitment to the values of nursing but also her unique ability to make others feel confident in the care they're receiving. Whether it's her interactions with patients in the most vulnerable times or her collaboration with team members, she instills a sense of trust that is essential for healing.

Although she has never been officially recognized by a large group of her peers, she is, and always will be, a cornerstone of our unit. The day she retires will be a profoundly sad day for our staff, our patients, their families, and this entire organization. Her contributions are immeasurable; they go far beyond what I could ever capture in words. Every day, she gives of herself through her presence, her exceptional skills, and the way she embodies everything this organization stands for. Her impact is felt in every interaction, and her legacy will remain a part of this unit long after she's gone."

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Nursing Leadership Excellence Award

Melissa Jordan, BSN, RN | Intensive Care Unit

"The nurse nominated for this award has an incredible ability to instill hope and trust in everyone she works with through her unwavering commitment to effective communication and her talent for problem-solving. Whether it's checking in with nurses on the floor to identify potential issues or offering support in real time, she's always present, always listening, and always ready to help.

This nurse exemplifies the true essence of transformational leadership. She consistently follows her inner compass, inspiring, coaching and guiding those around her with compassion, clarity and purpose. Every time she is in charge on the unit, she commands respect and trust, not just from the nursing team but also from house supervisors and physicians. There is a genuine appreciation for her presence, as she brings a sense of consistency and stability to the unit that everyone values. She fully understands the vision and goals that EvergreenHealth strives to achieve with every patient encounter, and she never fails to align her actions with those values. Her leadership is evident not only in her words but in her actions.

She is always ready to step in and support, whether that's teaching patients, guiding staff or assisting families. Her ability to remain calm in high-stress situations and her unwavering commitment to patient care set an example for others to follow. What truly sets her apart is her courage and willingness to speak up when it matters most. Whether it's advocating for a nurse or approaching a physician with a request, she always ensures that the voices of those she leads are heard. Her dedication to achieving and sustaining excellent outcomes is reflected in her ability to foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, always striving for the best possible care for each patient."

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Nursing Mentor Award

Beth Volk, BSN, RN | Ortho, Spine, Neuro Unit

"This nurse was one of my preceptors during my residency and she was the true embodiment of what a mentor should be – a knowledgeable and experienced nurse herself who provides patient-centered care with great compassion. But what makes her a great mentor is her love for knowledge and teaching and her inspiring and enthusiastic attitude. Learning with her was not a uni-dimensional experience where she pumped in all her knowledge to me with verbiage. She encouraged me to look for answers by asking thought-provoking questions and discussing different options to solve problems. Even though the floor could get hectic at times, she never got annoyed with questions and always took time to ensure that I had all my answers.

On my second day on the floor, I felt mortified because I could not get enough blood from the patient to check their glucose level. Feeling defeated, I was going back when I ran into this nurse mentor. When I worked up the courage to ask for help, she asked about techniques I used and about the patient and offered a few pieces of advice such as lowering the patient’s finger to let gravity help with circulation.

Her advice was simple but effective and I was able to get the job done. But more important than learning the tricks was how she made me feel about the whole experience. She was quick to reassure me that this happens often and was enthusiastic about an opportunity to share the knowledge with me. Her attitude made the situation feel like a learning opportunity and not my failure. Even when I was done with my preceptorship, she supported me by often checking up on me, discussing clinical situations and even coaching me on my next steps as a nurse by inviting me to join the unit-based practice council. Having her as my preceptor helped me survive the transition to bedside nursing and made me feel confident about providing safe care to patients. I hope she can be recognized for the great mentor that she is so she can continue to leave a positive impact on the future nurses who join EvergreenHealth."

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Nursing Professional Development Award

Amy Dickau, MSN, BSN | Professional Practice & Education Department

"She is the embodiment of professional development excellence in nursing. From the moment she joined the team, she demonstrated unwavering dedication to both her role and the growth of our team. Her presence in the department is constant and reassuring, making staff feel supported and valued. She actively encourages the staff to advance their careers, whether through pursuing certifications, joining professional organizations, joining committees, or brainstorming new ways to overcome challenges. Her ability to foster an environment of learning, growth and innovation sets her apart as a true leader in her role. Additionally, her deep knowledge of the field and focus on patient safety ensure that her team is always striving to provide the highest standard of care, even within resource constraints. She is a forward-thinker who continually seeks ways to improve processes and make the most of available resources.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and a positive, encouraging attitude that inspires those around her. One of her standout qualities is her ability to adjust her teaching style to match the unique learning preferences of each individual. This personalized approach ensures that everyone feels supported and empowered to grow in their roles. Her expertise, combined with her dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment, has made a significant impact on the team. She is always approachable, offering encouragement and guidance when needed, and her ability to adapt her teaching to the diverse needs of the staff is truly remarkable.

Whether guiding new nurses through the complexities of patient care, encouraging experienced colleagues to pursue certification, or advocating for professional organization involvement, she is a true catalyst for lifelong learning. Her mentorship is not passive; it is dynamic, personal, and deeply impactful, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the classroom.

Her leadership is evident in the remarkable progress of those she mentors. Under her guidance, nurses have not only advanced their knowledge but have gained the confidence to take on leadership roles, achieve specialty certifications, and contribute meaningfully to improved patient outcomes. Her approach to professional development is not one-size-fits-all, she meets every nurse where they are and provides the tools, encouragement, and expertise needed to elevate them to the next level. She leads by example, continuously advancing her own education and setting the standard for excellence. Her ability to inspire, innovate, and instill a passion for learning makes her an irreplaceable asset to our team. She is not just an educator, she is a visionary, shaping the future of nursing one professional at a time."

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Rising Star Award

Clay Barbieri, BSN, RN | Surgery

"This honoree was initially a student nurse who was doing an OR rotation here at EvergreenHealth main OR. From the start, he showed interest, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn how to become a perioperative nurse. We hired him immediately and he showed really great progress at becoming a circulating nurse and has become an integral part of our team. He is our ray of sunshine, always willing to help and support the team.

He is compassionate, cares about his patients and knows how to ask for help when needed. He has pride and passion for lifelong learning and improvement, professionalism and embracing challenges, while exceeding expectations through teamwork and innovation. As a brand-new nurse, he continues to amaze his coworkers in the OR.

He also has shown a high degree of excellence as a new member to the nursing profession, fully immersing himself into his nurse residency and showing a tremendous desire to learn and to integrate himself as a staff member here. His primary preceptor has helped shape him into not only a competent nurse, but a leader here at EvergreenHealth.

Of Jean Watson's carative factors, he most exemplifies the factor of developing helpful and trusting relationships, as he is such a kind and easy-going person that works well with others.

This is not his first role in health care. He has previous experience as an EMT which has helped him be resilient in his role as a new grad/resident nurse.

He is professional, compassionate, and smart—truly a great addition to our team. He brings joy to the workplace with his positive attitude and great sense of humor. His enthusiasm and energy make him a pleasure to work with, and I am incredibly proud of his strong work ethic. He consistently demonstrates commitment to excellence and makes a lasting positive impact on everyone around him."

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Ambulatory Nursing Practice

Amy Allen, BSN, RN

"Amy has taken a new role and developed into an essential requirement to take care of our total joint patients. Her commitment to ensuring that patients are prepared for the entirety of their journey from pre op testing, education, and advice to rounding, calling on them on their first post op day, and then continuing to support them throughout the healing process. Her role continues to expand and develop to include supporting the work of the new preop clinic for our Monroe patients, attending our total joint committee, and working with our partners at Kirkland. "

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Inpatient/Hospital Nursing Practice

Dustyn Jossy, MSN, RN

"Dustyn is a fantastic nurse! She takes care of our sickest patients and always with a smile and an excellent attitude. Dustyn always makes sure that she is giving the best care possible and is quick to seek answers to any questions that come up during their day. She is an excellent patient advocate and always speaks up for the things that the patient needs during interdisciplinary meetings. She is a wonderful team player and is always available to help out. During a super busy day taking care of sick PCU patients it is common to not see Dustyn most of the shift as she spends all of her time with her patients, but when she gets a moment to come back to the nurses station I know that she will have a smile on her face and a great attitude that is a wonderful influence on the rest of the team.

Dustyn gives professional, excellent care every day, backed by her years of experience and her desire to have the correct answers.

Every time I interact with Dustyn she is always professional and patient-focused. She is a calm ray of light in the unit. She is caring, compassionate, and the ultimate bedside nurse. I appreciate her willingness to flex and flow with all the things that the day can bring. She smiles and acknowledges people in the corridor and is always welcoming when you arrive on the unit

She is always willing to help and take on challenges

Dustyn is an Amazing Nurse! She treats her patients with so much compassion! She is smart and funny.

She is a team player, always finding ways to help anyone. She can talk anyone who is upset down very well. She reads the emotions of others and is very intuitive.

She is beautiful inside and out and we are very lucky to have her on our team!"

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Behavioral Health Award

Bridget Scott-Fletcher, ARNP

"Bridget takes excellent care of our diverse group of patients. These patients are usually disregarded in the ER as drug-seeking. Bridget understands these patients and thoroughly looks into their medical history to be able to care for the patient and provide them with the best care. She works with staff and the patient to help them succeed in sobriety.

Working with this group of people that most would pass over, Bridget has so much compassion in each and every patient in their success in being sober.

She is professional and very knowledgeable about helping patients with their road to recovery."

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

Stacie Helm, MSN, RN, CPPS

"Stacie routinely promotes the advancement of equity and inclusion through practice. She consistently demonstrates inclusion through active listening, creating work groups to problem-solve and ensuring every person in the group feels heard. Stacie highlights the value in having different approaches to problem-solving and incorporates these approaches into action plans.

There are so many caritive factors describing Stacie. She instills hope and trust through effective communication. Nurses were asked to discuss an event that had happened with a patient and initially felt uncomfortable doing this. After meeting with this nurse, I received feedback from all the nurses who had spoken with this nurse, raving about how they felt heard and felt they could trust this nurse. They felt Stacie genuinely cared about them and patient care.

After working with Stacie for a couple of years, I can say she is one of the hardest working, most honest, and kindhearted nurses who I have had the pleasure of working with."

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Guiding Light Award

Serena Swarthout, RN

"Serena exemplifies this role as she is truly a guiding light every day she is here. Coordinating between departments and organizations is her role. She is a strong advocate for the staff, patients, and providers. We all know we are in good hands when she is here.

Serena is the epitome of all the values, Compassion, Collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence.

She is an asset to this hospital and the EvergreenHealth organization."

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Nursing Leadership Excellence Award

Lisa Strom, RN

"Lisa is always endlessly patient with others and always eager to help folks. Despite not being a nurse myself, she is eager to teach me things at the skills fair we had earlier this month. She is always kind to patients and genuinely wants others to be ok. When I worked with her briefly as a volunteer for a few months, she was never belittling or impatient when I had questions about the clinical process and flow of the department.

I think the Carative Factor that embodies this candidate the most is Instilling Hope. She always knows how to calm patients down and can navigate a crisis quite handily.

On top of the 10 Carative Factors, Lisa demonstrates mastery in all 5 EvergreenHealth values in the hospital. Compassion, Collaboration, Excellence, Respect, and Accountability. She has proven to keep a level head in times of crisis and can easily de-escalate situations when things get heated. She is happy to answer questions, and when encountered with a question that she doesn't know the answer to, she will help you find the answer.

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Nursing Mentor Award

Serena Swarthout, RN

"Serena is consistently professional, kind, approachable, and trustworthy and is ALWAYS willing to help others with her knowledge, ideas, and coaching skills.

She is trustworthy and mentors others in an approachable and reliable way.

She goes above and beyond in her everyday work and does so much beyond her normal job duties. She volunteers to help, work extra, and recently made a huge impact in education by participating in the skills fair and teaching life-saving skills in a practical, excellent way.

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Nursing Professional Development Award

Sarah Cichon, BSN, RN

"Sarah shows exemplary dedication and passion when contributing to the professional development of nurses. She consistently strives toward providing new opportunities to improve upon nursing practice.

Sarah pays special attention to addressing the individual learning styles of all staff members, making learning new information fun and innovative.

There are many positive things that could be said of Sarah. I feel this candidate has made a big difference in EHM since starting here a short time ago. The success of the Skills Fair is in large part due to her hard work.

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