WMC honors nursing excellence

WEIRTON -- Serving our patients and our community always comes first at Weirton Medical Center.

We couldn't do it without those hard-working professionals working right there on the front lines: Nurses. So each year WMC finds a way to observe National Nurses' Week. That observance always turns into a celebration of our nurses and how they truly make a difference every day in the lives of so many. This year, fellow nurses selected recipients of the WMC Nursing Excellence Award. Each department chose a nurse who they feel best exemplifies what it means to be in that profession.

Award winners this year are Heather Mihellis, emergency department; Denise Elliott, pediatrics; Marla Ferguson, labor and delivery; Samantha Martin, cath lab; Jacqueline VanDyne, intermediate care; Stacey Strawn, skilled care; Michaelene Larch, Level 7; Angela Emery, Level 8; Dawn Smith, nursing office; Chris Trice, radiology; Natalie Farnsworth, critical care unit; Lacie Liberatore, endoscopy/outpatient; Joy Rhoads, home health.

These nurses were voted on by their colleagues because of the excellent and compassionate care they exhibit daily.

"At the core of what we do are our nurses and patient care staff who work so closely with our phenomenal staff of doctors, fellow employees and volunteers all for the betterment of our beloved patients," said Kelli McCoy, director of communications.

Nurses will be celebrated throughout Nurses' Week with a week of events, including early morning doughnuts, a spa day, continuing education opportunities for the staff and culminating with a celebration on May 12 at Williams Country Club, where WMC nurses will be honored at the annual nurses' dinner.

WMC says thank you to its dedicated nurses who have been a large part of its unprecedented growth in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio.