Bradford, PA/Olean, NY – Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are excited to announce Misty Sanders, BS, RRT-LPN, respiratory care, BRMC, with the first Nightingale Award of 2025. Sanders, a respiratory therapist and licensed practical nurse (LPN), has been with the organization since 2013.

            “Misty is the supervisor of the cardiopulmonary department, overseeing the respiratory and sleep lab departments. She’s dedicated to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, whether it’s during a routine visit or in an emergency. No matter the situation, Misty is always there, assuring that respiratory services run smoothly for both inpatient and outpatient care,” said her nomination. “Beyond her incredible work with patients, Misty is a true leader. She supports her staff with kindness and professionalism, always leading by example. Misty is a mentor, a team player, and someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of everyone around her.”

            “Misty’s years of service and dedication to BRMC, its staff, and its patients make her more than deserving of this accolade. Misty is a true role model and an inspiration to those around her, embodying the values of excellence, empathy, and selflessness in health care.”

            The Nightingale Award is a result of nominations from medical providers and other team members throughout BRMC and OGH. The prestigious award is presented quarterly to one nurse who provides exceptional patient care, excels in patient and family teaching, creates an environment of efficient open communication with patients, and serves as a role model for peers.

            Sanders, a native of Lantz Corners, PA, “I grew up here and when I moved out, I moved right across the street from my parents,” she joked. Sanders earned her licensed practical nurse associates from BOCES, her associate degree in respiratory therapy from Independence University, and completed her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

            “After working in a factory for ten years, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So, I decided to attend BOCES and complete the LPN program. I started my nursing career in wound care and really enjoyed it,” she said. “Then, I cared for a patient who needed a special device to help them breathe. Working with that patient and seeing the impact of respiratory care really sparked my interest, and that’s when I decided to go back to school.”

            “BRMC is my home—I love it here. Every day is different, and I get to work with the best people. They’re like family to me. It’s easy to come to work when you love your job, and I truly do.”

            BRMC and OGH named the highly coveted nursing award after Florence Nightingale, who laid the groundwork for the philosophy and underpinnings of modern-day nursing. Throughout Florence Nightingale’s career she displayed qualities such as integrity, nursing excellence, compassion, and service.

            Other nominees included; Diana Brinsky, RN; Carrie Chapman, RN; Michele Cleveland, RN; Nicole Curtis, RN; Rachel Dennis, BSN, RN; Cindy Dushaw, RN; Creation Haines, RN; Jocelyn Huselstein, RN; Nicole Lippert, BSN, RN; Jamie Lorenzo, RN; Danielle Moran, RN; Grace Norton, RN; Ellen Rix, LPN; Taneasha Schaeper, BSN, RN; Gabrielle Schulze, RN; Michele Snyder, LPN; Sharon Walsh, RN; Christopher Weiss, BSN, RN; and Meagan Winer, RN.