Watertown, NY– Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the June 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Gina Richards was nominated by a co-worker for taking a lead role in the conversion to a new electronic medical records system and for providing exceptional care to co-workers, residents, and visitors.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Unit Clerk Bryanna Mono was nominated by two co-workers who recognized her willingness to go the extra mile for residents, visitors, and fellow staff. They said she is very dedicated to her job and is always asking if others need help.
The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: OWL awardees Gina Richards, LPN, and Bryanna Mono, Unit Clerk.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for June 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Matt Sheldon, a Registered Nurse at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the June DAISY Award. Sheldon was recognized by a patient for his compassionate care while floating in the Progressive Care Unit. The patient noted Sheldon’s commitment to keeping them involved in their plan of care, thoroughly explaining medications and treatments provided. These acts helped the patient feel well cared for.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Sheldon received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant, received the June BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Teske has been recognized for helping people every day. One nominator said, “Colleagues know they can rely on Suellen for guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Suellen’s positive attitude, commitment to helping others, and dedication to Samaritan’s staff make a meaningful difference every day.”
Teske received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: Samaritan’s June 2026 DAISY Award recipient Matt Sheldon, RN, and June 2026 BEE Award recipient Suellen Teske, Human Resources Assistant.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
The American Heart Association presents Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus award for demonstrating commitment to delivering evidence-based, life-saving stroke care
Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center has once again received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely, appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately helping to save lives and reduce disability.
Get With The Guidelines brings the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association into hospitals nationwide, ensuring patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program designed to improve stroke care through consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize long-term effects of stroke and help prevent death.
Stroke is the number four cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or ruptures, preventing blood and oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When this happens, brain cells begin to die. Early detection and rapid treatment are critical to improving survival, minimizing disability and supporting faster recovery.
“At Samaritan Medical Center, we are committed to providing the highest quality stroke care by ensuring every patient receives timely, evidence-based treatment when every minute matters,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “Receiving this recognition from the American Heart Association reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, EMS partners and clinical teams, who put proven science into practice every day. By adhering to the latest treatment guidelines, we’re helping improve outcomes, reduce disability and give more patients the opportunity to recover and return home to their families.”
Each year, participating hospitals qualify for this award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality stroke care. In addition to following clinical treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also provide education to help people manage their recovery and ongoing health at home.
This year, Samaritan also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
“We are proud to recognize Samaritan Medical Center for its commitment to caring for people experiencing stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, including greater likelihood of being discharged home, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a meaningful benefit for health care systems, families and communities.”
Watertown, NY– Samaritan is proud to recognize two exceptional team members as the May 2026 recipients of its Outstanding Workers in Long Term Care (OWL) Award.
At Samaritan Summit Village, Skilled Nursing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Jessie Spencer was nominated by the family of a resident in recognition of the exceptional compassion and care she provided to both their loved one and their family. They praised Spencer for her kindness, unwavering support, and attentiveness, noting the meaningful difference she made during their loved one’s care.
At Samaritan Keep Home, Certified Nursing Assistant Rhoda Williams was nominated by a co-worker who recognized her outstanding communication skills and genuine commitment to providing compassionate, resident-centered care. Williams was commended for the empathy and professionalism she consistently demonstrates while supporting residents and their families, helping to create a positive and comforting environment.
The honorees received certificates and tokens of appreciation during special recognition ceremonies held at their respective facilities.
The OWL Award celebrates the everyday heroes who go the extra mile to provide excellent care and support in Samaritan’s long term care communities. Nominations are accepted year-round from patients, residents, families, and colleagues.
To learn more about the OWL Award—and the DAISY and BEE Awards that also recognize extraordinary caregiving across the Samaritan system—visit www.samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: OWL awardees Jessie Spencer, CNA, and Rhoda Williams, CNA.
About Samaritan’s Long Term Care Services
Caregivers at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care and significant assistance with the activities of daily life. Nursing homes have nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day to help individuals meet their daily physical, social and psychological needs. A licensed physician supervises each resident’s care and therapy, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy are available to provide rehabilitation services. Samaritan Summit Village also offers Assisted Living with six neighborhoods and apartments that are comfortable, functional, and safe. This facility is for those who need a little extra help while continuing an independent lifestyle.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for May 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Chastity Davis, an RN in Interventional Radiology at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the May DAISY Award. Nominated by Dr. Russell Reeves, Davis was recognized for her extraordinary compassion, exceptional care, and unwavering dedication to ensuring every patient receives safe, high-quality care. Her commitment to honoring each person’s cultural background and individual needs exemplifies the compassion and excellence that define Samaritan’s nursing team.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Davis received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst, received the May BEE Award. Nominated by multiple coworkers, Collins was recognized for his outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence during and after the transition to a new Human Resources Information System. His colleagues praised his attention to detail, responsiveness and positive attitude, noting that he approaches every question with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to help. His exceptional support and teamwork have made a lasting impact on caregivers across the organization.
Collins received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Above: Samaritan’s May 2026 DAISY Award recipient Chastity Davis, RN, and May 2026 BEE Award recipient Douglas Collins II, Information Technology Systems Analyst.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY — Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has awarded Samaritan Medical Center a Health and Wellness Award to launch the North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative, expanding access to potentially lifesaving lung cancer screenings for individuals who are at elevated risk but do not meet current insurance eligibility requirements.
Through the initiative, Samaritan Medical Center will partner with the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Mobile Lung Screening Unit to host free low-dose CT lung cancer screening events throughout the North Country. By bringing the mobile screening unit directly into North Country communities, the program will reduce travel barriers often faced by rural residents while expanding access to preventive care.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in New York State, with approximately 14,000 new cases and nearly 7,000 deaths each year according to the New York State Department of Health. Yet only about 22% of high-risk individuals receive recommended screening. While recent legislation has expanded insurance coverage for many screenings, eligibility is still largely based on age and smoking history, leaving some individuals with significant occupational or environmental exposures without access to covered screening.
“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against lung cancer,” said Samaritan President and CEO Thomas Carman. “We are grateful to Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for investing in the health of our community. This initiative will help remove financial and geographic barriers to screening, ensuring more North Country residents have access to early detection and the opportunity for better health outcomes.”
Evidence shows that annual low-dose CT screening for individuals at high risk can reduce lung cancer mortality by up to 20% through earlier detection and treatment. In Jefferson County and the surrounding North Country region, community health data highlights additional risk factors and disparities. According to the Jefferson County Community Health Assessment, approximately 18% of adults report cigarette use—higher than the New York State average—and nicotine use is more common among lower-income residents and those experiencing financial insecurity.
This grant will fund approximately 58 free screenings for individuals whose risk factors fall outside current insurance criteria, including first responders, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, factory workers, and others with exposure to smoke, hazardous materials, or other carcinogens. Funding will also support community education and outreach efforts to raise awareness of lung cancer risk factors, screening opportunities, and available follow-up resources.
Samaritan will promote the initiative through healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, local media, and its digital platforms to reach eligible individuals throughout the region. The North Country Lung Health Equity Initiative reflects Samaritan Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to improving access to preventive healthcare and reducing health disparities across the communities it serves.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center celebrated the achievements of its Graduate Medical Education (GME) program during its annual Resident Physician Graduation Ceremony on June 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The event honored three graduating resident physicians and recognized the continued success of the health system’s physician training programs.
The evening included a social hour, dinner, awards presentation, and recognition of the graduating residents who have completed rigorous training while serving patients throughout the North Country. Graduating this year are Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine; Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine; and Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine.
“Graduation is one of the most meaningful milestones we celebrate each year because it represents the dedication, perseverance, and compassion these physicians have demonstrated throughout their training,” said Samaritan President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas Carman. “Dr. Efem, Dr. Yi, and Dr. Zahoor have made a lasting impact on our patients, our medical staff, and our community. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited to see the difference they will make as they continue their careers.”
The health system’s Graduate Medical Education program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the same accrediting body that oversees residency programs at nationally recognized institutions including Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Since its inception, the GME program has graduated physicians who have gone on to advanced fellowship training in specialties and subspecialties including anesthesia, cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, family medicine, infectious disease, nephrology, obstetrics, pulmonary medicine, sleep medicine, and sports medicine. Resident physicians also actively participate in clinical research, contributing to scientific publications, national conference presentations, and educational lectures.
Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine Dr. Richard Ibi Efem was born and raised in Staten Island, New York, and completed the International Baccalaureate program at Curtis High School before studying Biology at Dartmouth College. He later earned an MBA from Stony Brook University and received his medical degree from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. Prior to residency, Dr. Efem served as an Empire Clinical Research Investigator Program (ECRIP) Clinical Fellow at Stony Brook and contributed to surgical oncology research and traumatic brain injury studies at NYU Winthrop University Hospital. Upon completing residency, Dr. Efem will begin a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale, IL, followed by Obesity Medicine board certification.
Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine A native New Yorker, Dr. Jin Ju Yi grew up in Brooklyn and on Long Island. After completing undergraduate studies at New York University, she pursued post-baccalaureate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before attending Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Yi graduated from medical school in 2023 and began her Internal Medicine Residency at Samaritan Medical Center. Shortly before beginning residency, she was married in Watertown. Dr. Yi has been accepted into the Infectious Disease fellowship program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where she will spend the next two years focusing on clinical infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS care, immunocompromised patients, and other vulnerable populations.
Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine Originally from Kashmir, India, Dr. Faiqa Zahoor completed medical school in her home country before relocating to the United States after her marriage. Her journey to residency required overcoming the challenges of building a new life in a new country while preparing for and completing the United States Medical Licensing Examination process. During that journey, she also became a mother, an experience she credits with strengthening her resilience and determination. Dr. Zahoor expressed gratitude to her family, particularly her parents and husband, for their unwavering support throughout her medical career. She also recognizes the mentors, colleagues, friends, and patients who helped shape her professional journey. Dr. Zahoor will be going to Valley Health Winchester in Virginia and working as a Hospitalist.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mario Victoria praised the graduates for their commitment to excellence and lifelong learning. “These physicians have embraced the challenges of residency training with professionalism, curiosity, and a deep commitment to patient care,” said Dr. Victoria. “Their success reflects not only their individual talents, but also the strength of our Graduate Medical Education program and the collaborative learning environment we strive to provide every day.”
The health system also recognized a group of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine students who completed the majority of their Oxford Medical Simulation (OMS)-III clinical training at Samaritan Medical Center and have now been promoted to OMS-IV: Samuel Calkins, Valeria Gromova, Sydney MacGregor, Alexander Maiorana, Sydney Mai, German Martyn, Natalie Matis, Ryan Mickelson, and Kaitlyn Santos.
“Training the next generation of physicians is central to our mission,” said Carman. “We congratulate our graduates and promoted students and thank them for choosing to learn and serve alongside our team.”
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From left: 2026 Samaritan Medical Center Medical Resident Graduates Dr. Jin Ju Yi, Internal Medicine; Dr. Faiqa Zahoor, Internal Medicine; and Dr. Richard Efem, Family Medicine.
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center has once again earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Center Certification.
Samaritan Medical Center underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review on March 13, 2026. During the visit, a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance with related certification standards including program management and delivering clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
This certification was initially obtained in 2020 and is re-certified every two years. Since the last recertification in early 2024, Samaritan Medical Center treated 245 stroke patients that year and 151 in 2025.
“Primary Stroke Center Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. “We commend Samaritan Medical Center for using The Joint Commission certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”
“We congratulate Samaritan Medical Center for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”
“Maintaining our stroke certification reflects the dedication of our entire care team and our commitment to providing timely, high-quality stroke care,” says Dr. Mario Victoria, MD, chief medical officer, Samaritan Medical Center. “This recertification recognizes the work we do every day to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment close to home.”
Watertown, NY – Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce its DAISY and BEE Award recipients for April 2026. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® honors exceptional nursing staff, while the BEE Award recognizes other outstanding team members who demonstrate excellence every day, both at the hospital and in outpatient clinics.
Deserie Van Note, a Registered Nurse from the Float Pool at Samaritan Medical Center, was honored with the April DAISY Award. Nominated by a recent patient, Van Note was championed for her caring nature, quick response, and kind attention given during a difficult and painful time; helping the patient feel comfortable and more at ease when things were uncertain.
The DAISY Award is an international award, backed by The DAISY Foundation. As a DAISY Award honoree, Van Note received a certificate of recognition, a DAISY Award pin, and the “A Healer’s Touch” sculpture — hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. A larger version of the sculpture has been installed in Samaritan’s Healing Gardens to honor all current and future DAISY and BEE Award winners, funded by the Samaritan Auxiliary.
Elizabeth Deren, Nursing Assistant, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, received the April BEE Award. Noted as a teammate every unit hopes for, Deren was nominated by a coworker for her ability to always think ahead, her dependability, and taking the time to prepare and organize before patients arrive.
“Whether it’s quickly setting up for an unexpected procedure such as a blood patch or epidural, she responds immediately and with confidence,” Deren’s coworker said in her nomination. “Elizabeth is someone our anesthesia providers seek out by name because they trust her knowledge and efficiency when something is needed. That kind of trust is earned, and she demonstrates it consistently each day through her actions.”
Deren received a certificate, a BEE Award pin, and a gift bag with tokens of appreciation.
These awards are presented year-round, and patients, families, and colleagues are encouraged to submit nominations at any time. To make a nomination or learn more about the DAISY and BEE Awards, visit samaritanhealth.com/daisy-bee.
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Pictured above are Samaritan’s April 2026 DAISY Award recipient Deserie Van Note, RN, and April 2026 BEE Award recipient Elizabeth Deren, NA, PACU.
About Samaritan Medical Center Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services, such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services, Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serves the medical needs of our civilian and military community. Quality, compassion, and safety are the basic principles by which exceptional care is delivered at Samaritan.
About The DAISY Foundation The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. In addition to the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, the Foundation expresses gratitude to the nursing profession internationally in over 3,900 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing with recognition of direct care Nurses, Nurse-led Teams, Nurse Leaders, Nursing Faculty, Nursing Students, through the J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and for nurses participating in medical missions. More information is available at http://www.DAISYfoundation.org.
Watertown, NY — Applications for the eighth annual Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship are being accepted now through July 15, 2026.
Susan Peters, a retired nurse from Samaritan Medical Center established a scholarship through the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers as Nurse Practitioners (NPs). Sadly, Peters passed away in 2020, yet this scholarship remains part of her legacy and commitment to healthcare in the community.
The Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist with the educational costs for an RN continuing their education, specifically to pursue a Nurse Practitioner degree. Two scholarships of $2,000 are awarded each year.
Peters graduated from the former House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing and retired from Samaritan Medical Center as a Certified Oncology Nurse. Prior to that, she served as a staff RN and for more than 20 years as a Nurse Manager of Medical/Surgical, Orthopedic, and alternate level of care units.
Beth Fipps, Vice President of Samaritan Foundation and Community Services, explained, “We are so grateful to Susan for leaving a legacy to a profession she was so committed to. Susan so generously established this scholarship to promote the Nurse Practitioner profession because she felt there is an increasing need for such a role due to the nationwide shortage of healthcare providers.”
Nurse Practitioners provide vital care to patients, including developing treatment plans for their patients, ordering tests, performing minor procedures, and prescribing medication.
The 2025 scholarships awardees were Olivia Marra and Courtney Sartwell. Oliva Marra, an RN in Samaritan’s Interventional Radiology, Progressive Care Unit (PCU), and Infusion Departments, is pursuing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner degree. Courtney Sartwell, also an RN at Samaritan in the PCU, is continuing her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Again, the application period for the Susan Peters Nursing Scholarship is June 1 – July 15, 2026, with the scholarship award announcement scheduled for August 2026.
To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Be an RN with a minimum of two full years’ working experience. RNs currently working for Samaritan Medical Center preferred, but not mandatory.
Medical/Surgical experience preferred but not necessary.
Must be a resident of either Jefferson or Lewis counties in New York.
Eligible to apply after successful completion of the first semester in a Nurse Practitioner program with at least a B average.
As part of the application, RNs must describe why they are pursuing their Nurse Practitioner degree and where, as well as whether they have a financial need. Applicants should submit two letters of recommendation and the two most recent transcripts along with the application to support the RNs pursuit of a Nurse Practitioner degree.
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