Sacred Heart nurse honored with 2019 Nursing Excellence Award
MIRAMAR BEACH — Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (SHHEC) recently honored one of its nurses with the 2019 Nurse Excellence Award in recognition of the exceptional care she provides to patients.
BJ Fontaine, vice president of nursing for Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, recognized Heike Wasden, RN, of the hospital’s IV therapy department with this award. Wasden has been a nurse for almost 40 years and has been with Sacred Heart Hospital since 2004.
Wasden was recognized for her long-time commitment to her nursing career, positive attitude and being an excellent example and mentor to others.
A fellow associate said of Heike, "Her encouragement and support of all her co-workers has created an atmosphere of integrity, sympathy, and respect for each other. She is professional, exudes enthusiasm that is contagious and has deep insight into what it takes to be a compassionate and skillful nurse. She brings happiness, laughter and smiles to everyone she comes in contact with.”
Fontaine also recognized all nominees for their outstanding dedication, patient care and superior performance in their nursing careers.
Luanne Smith, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Blake Ramirez, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Ken Wetherell, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Elizabeth Rodriguez, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Angela Reed, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Tanya Hollingsworth, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Necole Ducati, RN – Intensive Care Unit
Heather Buhl-Henderson, RN – Emergency Department
Christine Collier, RN – Operating Room
“Our nurses exemplify the mission of Sacred Heart Hospital and the Nurse Excellence Award honors their contributions to the nursing profession and the field of health care, and recognizes the positive difference that they have made in the lives of their colleagues, patients, families, as well as the communities in which they live,” Fontaine said.
Each year, fellow employees, physicians and patients submit recommendations of nurses for the Nurse Excellence Awards. Nurses are selected based on their commitment to criteria including leadership, community involvement and educational development.