Samaritan Nurses Recognized for Excellence

Photo of the 2024 Nurse Recognition Award class.

Watertown, NY – On May 29, a select group of Samaritan nurses were recognized for their contributions to the organization, patients, and residents throughout their time of employment. The exclusive celebratory event, held at Samaritan Summit Village, was a testament to their exceptional service. Qualified medical providers were invited to nominate a Samaritan Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) by submitting an essay, highlighting the relationships between nurses and providers. 

Samaritan’s Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer John Green said, “I feel honored to be part of the first Nursing Awards event to be held since 2019, pre-pandemic. These incredible caregivers shine brightly day after day, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our community.”

Samaritan Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Carman welcomed the esteemed attendees, and Dr. Marylene Duah, infectious disease specialist, served as the master of ceremonies.

The following individuals were honored in their respective categories:

Education:
Recipient: Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Medical Center):
Recipient: John Gahler, RN, Intensive Care / Progressive Care Units
Nominated by: Aaliya Burza, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Long Term Care):
Recipient: Emily Bachmann, LPN, Samaritan Keep Home
Nominated by: Collins Kellogg, MD

Excellence in Nursing Practice (Clinics):
Recipient: Heather LaRose, LPN, Samaritan Family Health Center, Adams
Nominated by: Joe Wetterhahn, MD

Innovation:
Recipient: Kristy Graveline, LPN, Samaritan Home Health
Nominated by: Mario Victoria, MD

Leadership:
Recipient: Pamela Carter, LPN, Samaritan Dermatology
Nominated by: Nathanial Miletta, MD

Quality and Safety:
Recipient: Stephanie Peters, RN, Quality Improvement
Nominated by: Rory Sears, DO

Rookie of the Year:
Recipient: Kasandra Keene, RN, Emergency Department
Nominated by: Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

Pictured here, in front, from left are Pamela Carter, LPN, Stephanie Peters, RN, John Gahler, RN, Kristy Graveline, LPN, Heather LaRose, LPN, and Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN. In back, from left are Nathanial Miletta, MD, Rory Sears, DO, Aaliya Burza, MD, Mario Victoria, MD, Joe Wetterhahn, MD, and Stephanie Droppelmann, MSN, BSN. Absent from the photo are Kasandra Keene, RN, Emily Bachmann, LPN, and nominators Collins Kellogg, MD, and Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD
Pictured here, in front, from left are Pamela Carter, LPN, Stephanie Peters, RN, John Gahler, RN,  Kristy Graveline, LPN, Heather LaRose, LPN, and Jordain Forney Sullivan, RN. In back, from left are Nathanial Miletta, MD, Rory Sears, DO, Aaliya Burza, MD, Mario Victoria, MD, Joe Wetterhahn, MD, and Stephanie Droppelmann, MSN, BSN. Absent from the photo are Kasandra Keene, RN, Emily Bachmann, LPN, and nominators Collins Kellogg, MD, and Maja Lundborg-Gray, MD

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