Yuma nurses honored during “Nurses in the Spotlight” gala ahead of nurses week
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Nurses across Yuma County are being recognized during National Nurses Week for the care, compassion and support they provide to patients every day.
The Yuma County Nurses Foundation hosted its annual gala with this years theme "Nurses in the Spotlight." The event took place last Saturday at Quechan Casino Resort, bringing together healthcare professionals, community members and sponsors to celebrate excellence in nursing.
The gala was held ahead of National Nurses Week, which began Wednesday and runs through May 12.
Over 60 nurses were nominated across several categories recognizing leadership, mentorship and clinical excellence in healthcare.
Among the award winners was Briana Smith, recipient of the Clinical Nurse Excellence Award. She said the recognition reflects the teamwork involved in patient care.
“Being recognized during Nurses Week is incredibly meaningful because nursing truly is a team effort," Smith, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Onvida Health Transitional Care, said. "It’s an honor to receive the award, but I think it speaks to the support of my colleagues, mentors and the patients that trust us to care for them during vulnerable moments in their lives.”
A second award winner, Ha'Ani Patchen, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Mentorship and Nurse of the Year Awards, said some of the most meaningful parts of nursing often come through simple acts of comfort and compassion for patients during difficult moments.
“If you see your patient on the table and they’re shaking because they’re terrified, it’s holding their hand until they fall asleep. So they know they’re not alone," Patchen, a Clinical Educator with Workforce Development at Onvida Health, said. "That’s really part of what nursing is, it’s just being there for your patient. It’s not always the big dramatic things.”
The third and final award winner, Kristin Parra, recipient of the Excellence in Nursing Leadership Award, said simply being nominated alongside other nurses in the community was meaningful.
“It was an honor just to be nominated honestly," Parra, CEO of the Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital, said. "I was shocked and humbled that I won because the list of nominees is truly exceptional, stellar group of nurses and leaders. It means a lot to me. The foundation does great work in recognizing nurses.”
Organizers say the event serves as a way to celebrate the dedication nurses show every day while highlighting the impact they make throughout the Yuma community.
