Community Hospital staff celebrates top nurse/caregiver

Community Hospital staff celebrates top nurse/caregiver

Community Hospital’s celebration of Nurses Week culminated with a ceremony to recognize the most outstanding nurse and top patient caregiver, as voted by their co-workers. Karen Schneider, nurse from 5 West, an oncology floor, has received the “2019 Nursing Excellence Award,” and Lori Cloud, a patient care technician from 3 Ortho, is recipient of the “2019 Patient Caregiver Excellence Award.”

“Our nurses place the care of our patients first and foremost before anything else we do,” said CEO Lou Molina. “We are proud to have such a dedicated group of outstanding nurses and caregivers making a difference in the lives of our patients.”

Cloud and Schneider were nominated by their peers at the hospital for going above and beyond in their respective patient care areas and in the community.

To meet the criteria for the awards, staff members must demonstrate excellence in the areas of Dignity, Compassionate Care, Community, Quality and Stewardship. These standards and values set the foundation for the hospital’s mission to bring quality care to everyone in need.

A Highland resident, Cloud has worked at Community Hospital for more than seven years on the Ortho unit.

3 Ortho Nurse Manager Diane Formoso said Cloud is a valuable team player who offers a positive attitude and encourages and motivates patients, many who are suffering from severe pain.

“Lori is the ideal team member who coordinates with her peers to meet the needs of our patients,” she said. “Lori is the kind of CNA that anyone would want taking care of their loved ones. She is patient, kind, compassionate and highly competent and we are so proud to have her represent the Ortho unit.”

A St. John resident, Schneider has been working at Community Hospital for nearly 18 years on the Oncology floor. Assistant nurse manager Kelli Clements said Schneider’s care and compassion extend well beyond her daily work into the lives of everyone she touches.

“Not only does Karen lead by example here at Community Hospital, she does so as well in her personal life,” Clements said. “Since becoming a nurse, she has accompanied Dr. Kevin on two mission trips to Ghana, Africa in 2007 and 2018. She believes in giving and caring for those who are less fortunate which she incorporates into her daily life. She embodies the true nursing spirit of knowledge, mentoring, giving and compassionate care.”

“I am proud of all the nurses, certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians and nurse externs who are committed to excellence at Community Hospital,” said Chief Nursing Officer Ronda McKay, DNP, RN, CNS. “Karen and Lori are two wonderful examples of an entire staff that provides compassionate care to our patients, day in and day out.”