More than 200 UPMC in North Central Pa. nurses gathered at Bald Birds Brewing Company in Jersey Shore on Wednesday, May 6, to celebrate each other at the annual Nurses Recognition and Awards Banquet.

“As I have continued to acclimate to this region, what I see time and time again is dedication. Dedication to one another, to our communities, and to the patients and families we are privileged to serve. I see teams supporting teams, leaders leaning in, and nurses showing up with heart, skill, and resilience,” said Teresa Conyers, chief nursing officer, and vice president, Patient Care Services, UPMC North Central Pa. “This year’s system theme is “Because of You” and I cannot think of a phrase that better reflects what nursing represents. Because of you, patients feel safe. Because of you, families feel heard. Because of you, learning, innovation, and progress are happening right here at UPMC North Central Pa.”

Twenty nurses earned special recognition for their outstanding commitment to patient care. The award-winners included Megan Cox-Light, LPN (Angelina’s Dream Award for an LPN that portrays clinical excellence and is currently enrolled in an LPN to RN program);Ethan Lazorka, BSN (Carol Fry Award for excellence in general nursing); Stephanie Bower, BSN (Ellen Taylor Award for excellence in obstetrical nursing); Chrissy Zimmerman, LPN (Pat Solley Award); Jeweleen Dunkleberger, BSN (Nicole Catino Selleck Award); Keyona Gardner, BSN (Neuroscience Award); Trevor Hiller, BSN (Catino Award for excellence in critical care clinical practice); Adam Zitta, LPN (Dr. Jay Gaunt Oncology Award for excellence in oncology nursing); Niki Waldman, RN (Mindy Goodling Award for excellence in behavioral health nursing); Crystal Flack, BSN (Home Healthcare Nurse Award); Elizabeth Stabley, RN (Hospice Award); Amber Biichle, BSN (Inpatient Heart and Vascular Institute Excellence Award); Kaitlyn Cooney, RN (Outpatient Heart and Vascular Institute Nursing Excellence Award); Sophia Erb, BSN (Nursing Excellence in Trauma Care); Alison Jean, RN (Outpatient Primary Care Nurse Award); Charles Hanley, LPN (Outpatient Specialty Care Nurse Award); Samantha Diehl, BSN (Commitment to Learning Excellence Award); Becky Hess, BSN (Pat Stopper Award for excellence in nurse leadership); Lori Engel, LPN  (Life’s Work Award for her devotion and a life-long commitment to nursing ); and Betsy Trueman, MSN (Sister Jean Mohl Award for excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and community service).

The awards dinner was part of a week-long celebration of nurses that featured giveaways, raffle baskets, and luncheons.

National Nurses Week focuses attention on the dedication, commitment, and tireless effort of nurses nationwide. The week began May 6, falling on Registered Nurse Recognition Day, and ended May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.