Merit Health Wesley Announces Employee Recognition Awards
1/13/2022
Merit Health Wesley has named Betty Alexander, R.N., as 2021 recipient of the Margaret LaFon Employee of the Year Award. This award is the highest honor bestowed on a hospital employee each year. Alexander was chosen from among more than 1,200 employees for the honor.
“We truly felt that so many of our employees deserved an award for their service over the last year,” said Matthew Banks, chief executive officer. “In the midst of another incredibly difficult year to be a healthcare employee, Betty was a continuous source of encouragement and leadership amongst her peers. We’re grateful to have employees like Betty at Merit Health Wesley.”
Alexander has worked for Merit Health Wesley since August of 2015 as a registered nurse, and has been working on the hospital’s COVID-care floor since the start of the pandemic.
“Betty’s energy is infectious. Of all the nurses we interact with daily, she is the most receptive, appreciative, and energetic of all,” says Chief Nursing Officer Phebe McKay. “While many nurses are worthy of an award, Betty stands out. She is quick to ensure her patients' needs are met with compassion and delivers care with energy and a smile.”
The hospital also named Clinical Manager of the Year Pam Miles, PharmD, and Non-clinical Manager of the Year Amanda Strickland.
Miles serves as the pharmacy director, where she establishes and directs the overall policies and goals for the hospital’s pharmacy service to determine needs, resolve problems, improve processes, and promote effective pharmaceutical therapy. She has been with Merit Health Wesley since May of 2002.
“Pam’s work this past year was invaluable, as she and her team helped vaccinate our employees and our community ,” says Banks. “She has spent countless hours educating and her efforts have made a huge impact.”
Strickland is a registered dietitian and serves as the assistant director of nutrition services. She has been with Merit Health Wesley since July of 2002.
“Amanda goes above and beyond and always approaches her job with calmness,” says Rick Kolaczek, chief operating officer. “She always has a smile on her face, and you know you can count on her to get it done.”
“Healthcare organizations require each position equally in order to deliver quality care to our community,” said Banks. “It takes everyone showing up with a spirit of dedication each day, and we want each of them to know how much we appreciate the work that they do.”
Employees are nominated for the award by their hospital peers, administrators and patients based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism, and their contributions on the job.
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