Williamsport, Pa., May 16, 2025 – More than 200 UPMC in North Central Pa. nurses gathered at Bald Birds Brewing Company in Jersey Shore on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate each other at the annual Nurses Recognition and Awards Banquet.

“Thank you for showing up each day with compassion, skill, and strength. Thank you for being the heart of this organization and for making a difference in the lives of so many,’ said Sue Duchman, vice president and chief nursing officer, UPMC in North Central Pa. “Nurses Week is about honoring the care you provide — not just in patient rooms or clinics — but in every moment you spend listening, advocating, comforting, and healing. You are the reason patients feel seen and safe. You are the reason our mission comes to life.”

Eighteen nurses earned special recognition for their outstanding commitment to patient care. The award-winners included Kaytie Heisel, LPN (Angelina’s Dream Award for an LPN that portrays clinical excellence and is currently enrolled in an LPN to RN program); Emily Shade, BSN (Carol Fry Award for excellence in general nursing); Hailey Meixel, BSN (Ellen Taylor Award for excellence in obstetrical nursing); Heather Lamper, RN (Pat Solley Award); Tony Phillips, RN (Nicole Catino Selleck Award); Emily Shelley, BSN (Neuroscience Award); Willow Best, RN (Catino Award for excellence in critical care clinical practice); Susan Bennett, CRNP (Dr. Jay Gaunt Oncology Award for excellence in oncology nursing); Jessica Butters, BSN (Mindy Goodling Award for excellence in behavioral health nursing); Sunni Mitchell, RN (Home Healthcare Nurse Award); Brittany Wolfe, BSN (Hospice Award); Sarah Gensel, BSN (Inpatient Heart and Vascular Institute Excellence Award); Tarah Williamson, RN (Outpatient Heart and Vascular Institute Nursing Excellence Award); Shahara Bird, LPN (Outpatient Primary Care Nurse Award); Brittanie Jones, LPN (Outpatient Specialty Care Nurse Award); Elliot Hoy, BSN (Pat Stopper Award for excellence in nurse leadership); Mary Kay Orso, BSN (Life’s Work Award for her devotion and a life-long commitment to nursing ); and Rachal Clark, RN (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.