06.10.2008

Nurses of the Year Named

Kathy Wagner, RN, Valley West Community Hospital Day Surgery, and Cynthia Trutt, RN, Kishwaukee Community Hospital Emergency Department, have been named Nurses of the Year by KishHealth System.

Wagner received the Pamela Lewis Nurse of the Year award. Lewis was manager of the Valley West Medical/Surgical and Intensive Care Unit when she died in  2006. The Lewis family created the Pamela Lewis Nursing Fund which provides the recipient of the Valley West Nurse of the Year monetary support for continuing education.

Trutt received the KishHealth System Nurse of the Year Award, which is open to nurses who work elsewhere in the health system including KCH, Hauser-Ross Eye Institute and DeKalb County Hospice. 

Wagner exemplifies nursing excellence in every aspect, said Cheryl Fisher, Director of Nursing for VWCH and KCH, who presented the Lewis award at the May 15, Employee Recognition Dinner.

“Her professional knowledge and clinical judgment are expert.  She is a mentor and preceptor to new employees.  Whether with co-workers, physicians, patients or visitors, she role models service excellence,” Fisher said.

 “Wagner demonstrates pride and leadership in the nursing profession,” Fisher said  

 Wagner joined Sandwich Community Hospital in 1976, as a nurse’s aide.  She completed her nursing degree and has been an RN in Med/Surg, ICU, ED, education, supervision and the OR.  For the last seven years, she has been a key member of the recovery room and day surgery nursing team.  She is certified in both advanced and pediatric life support. 

Trutt is a resource for KCH staff and new employees, said Pamela Duffy, Vice President, Patient Care Services and Medical Staff Office. Her instinct for customer service and calming presence are noted by patients and co-workers.

She recently completed the Illinois State SANE course, “an example of her willingness to pursue clinical excellence, evidence-based practice and patient-centered care,” Duffy said.

“Trutt has a quiet demeanor, always has a great attitude, and is always willing to go the extra mile for her fellow team members and the Emergency Department patients who are fortunate enough to have her as their caregiver,” Duffy said.

Trutt started her patient care career in 1974, as a nursing assistant at the DeKalb County Nursing Home.  In 1976, she received her LPN licensure and in 1979, her RN licensure.  She worked at the nursing home until 1981, when she joined the KCH Medical Unit staff.  She worked as an RN on the Medical Unit until 1987, and then moved to the Emergency Department.