St. Mary’s is proud to announce the 2013 Excellence in Nursing Award winners:
Bonnie Miller is this year’s “Clinical Practice Award†winner, which recognizes the expert clinician who promotes the professional role of the nurse. Since joining St. Mary’s in 2002, she has dedicated herself to Labor and Delivery, and now serves as a charge nurse and lead RN on the Maternal Transport Team. She obtained her associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech and is currently working to advance her degree.
Jeremy Coomes is the “Nurses as Leaders Award†winner. This award is given to a nurse who is a leader at the bedside and within the unit. As a charge nurse on St. Mary’s Post-Surgical Unit, Coomes is responsible for managing the flow of the department, maintaining customer service, and serving as a resource for patients and staff. Coomes joined St. Mary’s in 2008. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana.
Elizabeth Logan, a trauma and critical care nurse, is the winner of the “Nurses as Teachers Award.†This award recognizes a nurse involved in educational activities at the bedside, in the classroom, or in the community. Logan is chair of the Quality and Patient Safety Council and has served key roles on a number of committees, research projects, and training courses. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from USI and joined St. Mary’s in 2007.
Melanie Lutz is the “Nurses and the Community Award†winner, recognized for her success in improving patient outcomes by developing strong partnerships with community organizations. Lutz is a member of the Emergency Department Practice Council and Safe Kids, among others. She has worked in the St. Mary’s Emergency Department since 2006. Lutz received her bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Evansville and her associate degree in nursing from Ivy Tech Community College.
Lisa Downen is the winner of the “Administrator of Nursing†award, which recognizes nurses in leadership positions. Downen has served many roles since joining St. Mary’s in 1988, most recently as her unit’s Director of Oncology. She serves a number of committees within St. Mary’s and in the community, including the Medical/Surgical Nurses Society. Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana. She maintains her Oncology certification as well as a Health Facility Administrator license.
