Excellence in nursing: hospital awards outstanding nurses for Nurses Week 2025
Elena W., RN always wanted to be a mental health nurse. She was inspired by her mother who is a licensed mental health counselor. Elena was nominated by her colleagues at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital as Nurse of the Year. She was highlighted for her calm demeanor, how she brings peace to patients in distress, and leading with compassion. “Growing up and hearing my mom talk about mental health issues and seeing the way she cares for others is inspiring to me. I keep in mind the patient I am working with could be having the worst day, so I always have compassion and bring that into my care,” said Elena. Her passion for being a nurse has now inspired her younger sister to go into nursing and she is working on becoming a registered nurse as well. Elena received her award during a special ceremony to honor all nurses and nursing support colleagues during National Nurses Week at the hospital.
The hospital also honored, Peyton, RN as New Nurse of the Year. She has served on the progressive care unit for more than two years. She was nominated by her colleagues for her determined attitude, working to train student nurses, and her leadership. One student nurse said, “…watching Peyton with her patients reminded me why I chose this career.” Peyton says she pursed a career in nursing because she wanted to work in a field where she could make a difference in the lives of people every day. “My advice to younger nurses is that it’s okay not to be the smartest person in the room, but you always want to be the person who cares the most,” said Peyton. As a new nurse, her goal now is to earn her Master’s degree and one day work as a nurse educator.
Cynthia, LPN Extern, was named Support Person the Year. She works on the orthopedic unit and was highlighted by her colleagues for her calm, organized and positive demeanor. One patient said, “Cynthia made me feel seen. Not just cared for- seen. She treated me like I mattered.” Cynthia started her nursing journey late in life after raising her children and making sure they graduated from college. Now she is going to college to earn her nursing degree. “I want to treat people like family and make sure they are safe. That’s my joy,” said Cynthia.