2023 Nurses Week Awards

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Leader, Adult Critical Care Unit

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: BSN University of Arizona, MSNEd Grand Canyon University, CNRN – Certified Neuro nurse

Professional Affiliations: American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, American Association of Critical Care Nurses

"I knew early on that I would always be a nurse. I was influenced at an early age with grandparents who were medical missionaries in Africa to go into the healthcare field. I have always enjoyed the science of medicine and the altruism that nursing brings to it. Henceforth, I have been able to combine these two by specializing in critical care with a focus in neuroscience nursing.

I have been fortunate in my 35 years at TMC to have mentors guide me along my career path. Therefore, I have taken the challenge as my duty to pass on my knowledge and experience to our future nurses. Nursing is a dynamic profession that requires constant growth and I try to instill this in myself and my peers. I have served in many capacities over the years including education, management and surgical assist with specialty neuro cases. I have enjoyed every aspect of my career but I always seem to come back to bedside nursing. Being a mentor and helping nurses become strong, competent and independent has brought me great joy, satisfaction and accomplishment."

Job Title: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Organization: Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona / University of Arizona, College of Nursing

Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatrics

Professional Affiliations: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, International Association of Forensic Nurses, and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

"My nursing journey began as a new grad in the Emergency Department. There, I first became aware of forensic nursing and I discovered that patient outcomes were improved by educating colleagues and staff on the basic principles of forensic evidence collection. I also realized that providing resources and teaching helped others feel more confident when caring for patients experiencing interpersonal violence. Because of my passion for quality healthcare and precision, I became a forensic nurse caring for adults and pediatric patient populations.

Fifteen years ago, I took a giant leap in my nursing career to provide healthcare to children affected by abuse and neglect. I was unprepared for the profound impact this decision would have on my life as a nurse, a mother, and a colleague. I have learned that I cannot take away the adversity and challenges many of my patients face; therefore, every day, I strive to make a small meaningful difference that will hopefully affect the trajectory of their lives. I see my job in pediatric nursing as an honor and privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously.

Pediatric nursing is truly a calling for me. I specialize in child abuse pediatrics as a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona. In addition to healthcare, I mentor and provide child abuse education to residents, nursing and medical students, multidisciplinary child abuse investigators, and healthcare professionals around the community.

I feel honored and privileged to receive this year’s distinguished Alex’s Angel Award (Alex Stuetze Memorial Pediatric Nursing Award). I want to thank Alex’s parents and family for honoring their daughter’s memory in such a beautiful and special way. Congratulations to all of the Fabulous nurses celebrated this year. Thank you for serving our community."

Job Title: LPN

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Health Care systems

Education: Pima Community College

"My nursing career began in 2007. Over the years I have done L & D, Skilled nursing, med/surg, mental health, Long Term acute care and currently out patient clinical setting at the Southern AZ VA hospital. I began working at the VA in 2018. It has been an absolute blessing serving those that served this great country. To be honored by doing a job which I love is a blessing. I am truly grateful for all the people in my life that have helped shape me into the nurse I am and  I pray I continue to grow and do God’s work.

I am a child of God, wife and a mother of 3 beautiful children. I have a passion to help others and I am truly blessed to be a nurse and honored to be selected as a Top 5 LPN. I attend a non-denominational Christian church here in Tucson where I participate in a women’s study group and mom’s bible study. I enjoy getting to know our Lord and Savior and spending time with my husband, 8 year son, 3 year twins and 4 fur babies. I give all the Glory to God.

Thank you again for this opportunity."

Job Title: Quality Regulatory Compliance Coordinator

Organization: Northwest Healthcare

Education: Associates degree Licensed Practical Nurse

"I embarked on my journey to become an LPN straight out of high school. It has been my pleasure to meet some of the most basic needs of people while in their most vulnerable state. In my career, I have worked as a charge nurse, a wound care and treatment nurse, a clinical nurse and now as a quality regulatory compliance coordinator for over 35 clinics. I have been blessed to work with high caliber professionals along the way that gifted to me their knowledge and showed me by example how to be better and do better. For that I am forever grateful. It has been my honor."

Job Title: LPN, Ambulatory Care, Renal Clinic

Organizations: Tucson VA Medical Center and Sabino Recovery

"I’ve kept an assignment that I wrote in the 4th grade about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be a nurse like my dad, helping people. I began my nursing career 17 years ago. I was working at a Long-Term Care facility in Northfield, MN in staffing and medical records. The Director of Nursing approached me and asked if I wanted to go to nursing school, that they would help pay for my schooling. After graduating, I worked for them for 2 years and then started at the VA medical center in St. Cloud, MN, where I worked in their acute psychiatric unit and in their substance abuse residential treatment program. In 2011 I transferred to the Tucson VA Medical Center, where I still work full-time. I also work part-time at Sabino Recovery helping survivors of trauma and addiction, helping them reach their recovery goals. I’ve worked in mental health, primary care, staffing, and ambulatory care. I love making a difference in someone’s life, offering comfort and hope, sometimes during the worst time in their life. When not working, I have a passion for animal rescue. I’ve worked in dog rescue for 9 years. Fostering animals and finding them loving homes brings my family a lot of joy."

Job Title: LPN Primary Care Saguaro Clinic

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

Education: Licensed Practical Nurse PCC Center for Training and Development, Graduate Pangasinan National High School, Philippines, American Heart Association Basic Life Support and First Aid Instructor, Certified Assisted Living Manager since June 2009

"I have been an LPN since 2004, prior to that I worked as a Behavioral Health Tech and a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. As an LPN I have worked in long term care, rehabilitation, hospice, acute care post-surgery orthopedics, wound care, and Alzheimer dementia care. I have served 3 years active duty in US Army as a 13B Cannon Crewman and 6 years as a 68W combat medic in the US Army reserves."

Job Title: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Organization: El Rio Health

"I became an LPN later in life after raising four wonderful children. In 2016, I made the best decision of my life by pursuing the LPN program. Completing the challenging program was truly a proud moment of my life. Today, I proudly represent El Rio Health’s Special Immunology Associates (SIA) Department and the most amazing team that provides care for patients living with HIV and AIDS. I love my job and I always provide genuine, caring experience for my patients and co-workers.

My entire work career has been in the healthcare field -- as a home health aide, a caregiver, a patient care technician and a phlebotomist. Aside from my nursing career, I am active in animal rescue and have been doing it for over 15 years. Rescuing animals is a 24-hour job with some sad and mostly happy endings. I am grateful for my purpose in life, that is, to care and advocate for people and animals."

Job Title: Director: DNP Program, Clinical Professor

Organization: University of Arizona – College of Nursing

Education: PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP, PhD (Human Development and Family Studies), and MSN Family Nurse Practitioner

Professional Affiliations: AANP -American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NAP - National Academies of Practice, NONPF – National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty, ANA – American Nurse Association, The Southern Arizona Advanced Practice Nurse - Nurse Practitioner Society

"Dr. Allen Prettyman applies his expertise in interdisciplinary preventive healthcare and blends it with his administrative experience to lead healthcare innovations. His educational trajectory has focused on families and applying a holistic model and approach to healthcare. Dr. Prettyman works to provide nursing students with an interdisciplinary telehealth educational platform to learn and apply clinical skills. In addition, he successfully balances the role of expert nurse practitioner providing care to individuals with administration responsibilities (e.g., staffing, clinical outcomes protections, budget). He strives for unsurpassed excellence in clinical outcomes and to this end develops ongoing collaborative relationships with interdisciplinary translational team members.

In Dr. Prettyman’s is responsible for oversight of the DNP Program curriculum and clinical placement of students. This provides the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and advocate that students are exposed to models of telehealth care delivery in the classroom and in the clinical environment. The DNP Program Director is also responsible to envision, engage with partners and enact direct clinical practice initiatives that are contemporary, innovative and of high quality within the health care delivery marketplace. Such initiatives are meant to advance opportunities for academic clinical practice and provide novel venues or means for integrating teaching and research with practice."

Job Title: Nurse Supervisor

Organization: Easterseals Blake Foundation/Nurse-Family Partnership and Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-Visiting

Education: BA, RN, IBCLC , B.A. Psychology at the University of Arizona 2001, A.D.N. Pima Community College 2010, IBCLC 2020

"I began my career in 2001 and have been working with parents, infants, and toddlers in the Tucson community ever since. I first worked as a Developmental Specialist with the Arizona Early Intervention Program. I recently obtained my certification as an internationally board-certified lactation consultant. I think my greatest gift is collaborating with the professionals I have met along the way, to best support the health and access to care for those I have the privilege to serve.

I began working with Spanish speaking families over 23 years ago and developed my bilingualism over the years. As a nurse supervisor I have the platform to elevate the stories of local families to highlight needs in our community. I am fulfilled and inspired to speak, write, and use mentoring opportunities to tell of the realities, resiliency, strengths, and the dedication of new families through navigating increasingly complex circumstances. Along the way, at Easterseals Blake Foundation, I have had humble and wise mentors to reflect and grow with as a professional. I consider the service of nursing to be a unique journey that has taught me to truly walk alongside others with humility."

Job title: Cardiovascular Team Circulating Nurse

Organization: Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association

"From the time I was 5 years old, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse. My sister played "teacher" and I played "nurse" and those are the careers we each chose. After 33 years of nursing, I am still glad I followed my dream. Most of my work has been in cardiac nursing in acute care settings, telemetry, ICU, and now OR. I love the heart! It is such a resilient organ, it inspires me. Collateral circulation, there's a life lesson there. I have also enjoyed doing some nursing for an urgent care center and have been a Clinical Nurse Instructor. I love nursing! I love educating my patients as well as new nurses. I have always tried to be a fierce patient advocate. My brightest and best contribution to nursing, however, has been my daughter, Kelly, who is an excellent nurse who gives 110% to her patients and is also an advocate for her fellow nurses. There is also another young woman who I hope to see graduate from nursing school someday. She is from Afghanistan and was almost done with her education when she and her husband had to flee their country a little over a year ago. They came here with nothing and yet, they are already productive members of our Tucson Society. If each of us nurses can encourage and support a few younger ones, we may just have someone to take care of us when WE need a nurse. Nurses make the world better and I am proud to be called "Nurse"."

Job Title: Manager Patient Care Services TMC Wound Care Center

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN BSN WCC

Professional Affiliations: Arizona Association of Nurses, Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Society, and National Alliance of Wound Care.

"I am a third generation nurse. I knew from an early age my passion always included caring for those who could not care for themselves. I have a soft spot in my heart for our furry friends. I am activate in various animal sanctuaries and help gather donations. I started my wound care journey when a good friend and mentor took me under her wing to work with her in wound care. I started at the TMC wound care center as a PRN and then grew into management. I love my wound care team and everything they do for our patients! For my patients in wound care it is fulling for me to watch their wounds heal and gain back their independence."

Job title: Pediatric Oncology / Hematology / Bone Marrow Transplant Registered Nurse

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson | Diamond Children’s Medical Center

Education: ADN/RN

Professional Affiliations: Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nursing

"In 1974, my beautiful mother lost her battle from Pancreatic cancer. I vividly remember the nurses coming to our home, caring for my weak, frail mother as she battled this disease. I was 10 years old and not quite able to understand or know the ramifications of cancer, but I began to develop a sense of purpose and sort of order in the chaos of that time, doing my best to help my mom just like the nurses did. This care left a lasting impression on me, one that without a doubt continues to drive the way I practice and care for my patients and families today.

I began my professional life in a completely different field, but never felt as though I was fulfilling my true calling. This led me to pursue a career change, and I went back to school and began my nursing career in February 2000 on an adult Ortho/Med/Surg unit at St Mary’s. I am forever grateful for the firm foundation this position gave me that I have since carried with me throughout my career. At the time, there were eight beds for pediatric patients, and this is where I met nurse Sherri Ann. She tried to get me to follow her to UMC for an adult/pediatric RN position on the Bone Marrow Transplant floor. I didn’t feel quite ready for that intense role just yet, but little did she know, she planted the seed to which my love and passion for Peds Hem/Onc/BMT would continue to grow. I am about to embark on my 23rd year of nursing, with seventeen of those years in my current role and specialty. I am now an experienced pediatric hematology, oncology, bone marrow transplant nurse with a passion and gift for providing palliative care and inpatient hospice. Caring for my patients and their families is by far, the most rewarding aspect of my career. It has given me countless experiences filled with hope, love, laughter, encouragement, and integrity, as well as ones that are inevitably filled with immense heartache. Through the care I provide, I never stray from having sincere compassion for my patients and their families during their journey, as my own pain in losing my mother to this terrible disease has given me an empathy I tap into each time I interact and care for them.

I am passionate about keeping our unit safe for our patients, advocating for safe, effective, and efficient care. Staying current with evidence-based practice, education and the everchanging treatment for our patients is extremely important to me. I am grateful for ongoing challenges and continued growth from my manager.

Throughout the years, all of my experiences in each nursing role have nurtured the wisdom and passion I have for this amazing career. I owe much of this to the guidance and mentorship of my colleagues and fellow nurses who share this same passion. I am grateful, I am blessed, and I am incredibly humbled to be a Fab 50 Nurse of 2023."

Job Title: RN, BSN

Organization: Carondelet Health Network, Marana Hospital

Education: ADN, BSN, AMSN

"I began my nursing career in 1997 in the Intensive Care Unit at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital. I was blessed to work with many incredible nurses who taught and guided me. During my years in the ICY, I became a Palliative Care Certified Registered Nurse. I have always felt very strongly about advocating for patients and their families about end-of-life goals/options.

After 12 years in the Intensive Care Unit, I joined the float pool. I worked in the Emergency Department and virtually every other area of the hospital. I enjoyed the diversity each unit had to offer. I learned so much and gained an appreciation for the uniqueness of skills present on each unit.

In addition to working as a staff RN, I was a clinical instructor at Pima Community College. I taught first semester students because I believe that this semester is the most impressionable for new nurses. I wanted to share my knowledge and my love for the nursing profession. Teaching is one of the greatest processional joys.

One of my most memorable nursing experiences was going to Austin, Texas to help with the Hurricane Katrina relief effort in 2005. Being able to provide care for the victims that were sent to Austin and providing relief for the nurses that were working tirelessly, I something that I will never forget.

Practicing nursing has been more than just a career for me. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, no matter how small. I am very grateful to each and every individual that has helped me with my nursing journey. It has truly been my passion and I hope to continue to share my love of nursing for many years to come."

Job Title: RN Systems Analyst

Organization: Oro Valley Hospital, Northwest Medical Center

Education: BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association ANA, Association of periOperative Nurses AORN

"When I became a nurse in 2014, I was fortunate to go straight into the operating room. Not only did I find my niche in the nursing world, but I also met my mentor and dear friend who challenged me to become a better nurse. With my role model at my side, I was able to achieve a higher education and explore other roles within the nursing world including charge nurse, manager, and nursing informatics within the perioperative environment.

Even though I am currently helping patients beyond the bedside, I have found great joy as an RN systems analyst. This position allows me to leverage my clinical, management, and technological skillset to influence my team to best serve our community, improve patient satisfaction and safety, and best position our business and patients for success. We within the nursing community must continue to adapt to new technologies and continue to grow so that we can produce better patient outcomes. I am excited and honored to be a part of this ever changing and challenging profession."

Job Title: Registered Nurse- Emergency Department

Organization: Banner University Medical Center- Tucson (BUMCT)

Education: BSN

"I worked hard to achieve my childhood dream of being a nurse. When I finally graduated nursing school in 2019, I started as a new grad in the pediatric emergency department at BUMCT. It was there where I was given a solid foundation by my coworkers that emphasized teamwork, and quality patient care.

After becoming a more rounded nurse throughout the emergency department, I recently decided to step away from the ED and move to the PICU to pursue my passion for caring for our pediatric population. I am proud of all my achievements but recognize that I am the strong, great nurse today because of all that have contributed to my practice and training. I thank my entire ED family at BUMCT for the immense knowledge and skills I have learned that have led me to be the nurse I am today."

Job Title: RN GI

Organization: Oro Valley Hospital

Education: BA in nursing from Luther College

"What a great choice pursuing a career in nursing has been for me. I have had the opportunity to work as a nurse in many different capacities as well as flex my hours up and down to balance life at home. My 28 years of experience has included nursing home care, Emergency Room, interventional radiology, hospice care, Pre/Post day surgery and GI.

My current position at Oro Valley Hospital in the GI department has proved to be a very rewarding experience. First of all, I work with a great team of GI staff, physicians, and anesthesiologists. Additionally, my manager, Marci Bollt, has encouraged me to grow in many ways, one of which was pursuing my clinical ladder advancement. She has also allowed me to “experiment” in some of our processes. Occasionally, these experiments have worked well and resulted in significant changes to our work flow and efficiencies. We strive to give all of our patients a positive experience in our GI lab.

When I am not driving my coworkers crazy at work with new ideas, I enjoy time with our adult children, traveling, working out, hosting family and friends from the Midwest, hiking and golfing. One particular highlight in the last few years was summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world. I was able to achieve this bucket list item with my husband and a team partnered with World Vision. Even in the remote areas of Africa, I could not escape being called upon as a nurse, and I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Job title: Registered Nurse

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Medical Center

Job Title: Program Director Home Based Primary Care

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

Education: BA Anthropology, Art History; BSN

"I have the distinct honor of serving as the program director of Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS). I am privileged to work closely with Dr. Rosemary Browne in leading our remarkable, interdisciplinary team of highly trained staff. The HBPC provides incomparable in-home care, successfully treating the most complex cases for some of the most debilitated Veterans in southern Arizona. My family’s proud history of military service was a key consideration in my election to serve at the VA. I treat each veteran entrusted to my care as if they were my dad, my uncle, or my grandfather.

My first job in the medical field was that of medical assistant when I was fresh out of high school. I began volunteering in the Physical Therapy (PT) and pediatric departments at Tucson Medical Center (TMC) to gauge my interest a healthcare career. Ultimately, I changed course and decided to major in physical anthropology, eventually achieving my goal of becoming an archaeologist. During this time, I elected to volunteer with Odyssey Hospice as well. I worked closely with the in-patient facility nursing staff and joined in home visits as a companion. Following the birth of my son, I decided to return to the University of Arizona for my BSN, then started my nursing career at TMC.

I am fortunate to have enjoyed many extraordinary mentors since embarking upon my nursing career. I strive to provide that same quality of mentoring, both to new nurses as well as those exploring different paths within the nursing field. We are blessed to have to have so many flexibilities and options in nursing. We can work nearly anywhere, at any time, and in multiple capacities. Nurses make change happen, we lean into discomfort, and we change lives in so many positive ways.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful team I work with everyday as we provide consistently outstanding care to our nation’s heroes.

I wish to thank my family as well, for all the love and support they have given throughout my career. Without those around me, I would not be the nurse I am."

Job Title: Flight Commander, Operational Medicine Clinic

Organization: Davis Monthan, AFB

Education: BSN, MAA Healthcare Administration

Professional Affiliations: NCC certification Inpatient Obstetrics

"I began my nursing career in the Air Force in inpatient Labor and Delivery/ post-partum. As Air Force officers, we are expected to learn and lead from day one. I enjoyed working and growing during my Labor and Delivery experiences at 4 different bases in 9 years. Moving to the many different markets and working with so many different people gave me a broad perspective on nursing and leadership that is an invaluable asset.

I am currently filling a leadership position in primary serving the Active Duty population of Davis-Monthan, AFB. I now have the opportunity to mentor healthcare workers of all specialties to include doctors, nurses, and technicians. I ensure that they have the hands-on training that is needed to deliver care that is consistent with the latest Evidence Based Medicine. This new role allows me to guide them through the opportunities that are available for advancement or through pursuing a different nursing path that will better meet their family’s needs as well as their own professional goals."

Job Title: Clinical Applications Coordinator

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System

Education: RN, BSN, CCRN

Professional Affiliations: American Association of Critical Care Nurses

"Becoming a nurse was a goal of mine as a child. I began my work in healthcare at a young age as a volunteer at a local hospital, and after trialing other careers, knew that I was meant to be an RN. After over a decade spent as an ICU RN, I am now fortunate to be a member of our facility’s Electronic Health Record team within our Clinical Informatics Department. I am currently pursuing a Masters in Nursing with a Concentration in Informatics.

My passion in nursing comes from solving problems and improving processes that positively impact patient outcomes. I enjoy informal leadership roles and the diverse opportunities that this profession brings. I am honored to celebrate this award with some of Tucson’s best!"

Job Title: RN Labor & Delivery

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN, BSN

Professional Affiliations: AWHONN Member, NCC Certified

Passionate nurse and advocate for women’s health. Possessing over 48 years of experience dedicated to OB/GYN nursing including antepartum, high risk, labor and delivery, newborn care, postpartum care and credentialed OB Stork Trainer for Epic.

Undertaken a variety of roles during tenured career including staff nurse, relief charge nurse, clinical educator, and Labor & Delivery Manager. Work effectively by supporting multidisciplinary colleagues and actively contributing to team goals. Serve as a simulation team member for an advanced obstetric training and simulation suite utilized by staff, physicians, and midwives. AWHONN Fetal Monitoring and NRP Instructor.

Special Nursing Interests/Comments:

"My mother started but did not finish her nursing degree in 1950 and spoke of her regret despite the rewards she received. This inspired me to pursue and complete my degree in 1975 and inspired my love of nursing. As a nurse, I have appreciated the ability to learn something new each day and be guided by evidenced based practice. Education has been an important aspect of my 48 year career as a nurse. Thank you to my family, friends, colleagues, and mentors who inspire me every day."

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

In memoriam

Friend, Mom, Wife, Mother, Rancher, “Hot Shot” Firefighter, Horse Wrangler, Car Racing Pit Crew Chief, Nurse and a spokesperson for Ovarian Cancer awareness.

She modeled professionalism and compassion in her many roles. She developed meaningful, life changing nurse-patient relationships and nurse-health team relationships.

Whether it was being a nurturing mother, a dedicated wife, running a small farm, precepting new staff and students, saving patient lives or promoting cancer awareness, she was an incredible role model and a memorable, supportive mentor!

Job Title: U of A - Assistant Clinical Professor, MHC Healthcare - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing, MHC Healthcare

Education: Certificate NDP Autism Spectrum Disorder University of Arizona 2022, Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Arizona 2019, Bachelor Science Nursing from Northern Arizona University 2015, Bachelor Science Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona 2003, Bachelor Science Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona 2003.

Professional Affiliations: American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Arizona Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau

"John Sparks, in his professional roles, holds a faculty position at the University of Arizona, in the College of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program. He also serves the broader Pima County community, as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, working at the Federally Qualified Health Center MHC Healthcare. John lives in Sahuarita, Arizona, where he is serving his third term on the Sahuarita Unified School District Governing Board, and he currently holds the role of President of the Board. John considers himself blessed to be partnered in life with Kirsten, his wife of nearly 25 years, that is an ever-supportive presence in his life. John also finds great enjoyment and pride in being the father to his four children, ranging from freshman at the U of A to freshman in High School, that are all sources of kindness, generosity, and positive energy in their many endeavors. John was drawn to a career in nursing after learning through the experiences of life, that he finds his greatest professional fulfillment when he was able to serve others, as they strive to meet their own goals and dreams. This drive to be a source of consistent support is pervasive in all aspects of his life and he feels grateful, lucky, and blessed to be able to drive daily in an energetic effort to better the lives of those around him. He is honored and humbled to be recognized as a Nursing Fabulous Fifty and hopes to continue to be worthy of this recognition in all aspects of his life."

Job title: Patient Relation Specialist

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Job Title: Assistant Clinical Professor, PMHNP Specialty; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing; Tucson Counseling Associates

Education: ADN Pima Community College 2003; BSN Grand Canyon University 2012; DNP FNP & PMHNP from University of Arizona 2017.

Professional Affiliations: American Holistic Nurses Association, The Florence Project

"Janay Young is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. In addition, she also works in a group practice in Tucson, AZ providing ketamine assisted psychotherapy. She began her nursing career in 2004 as a registered nurse and has over 18 years of experience in nursing and health care. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Arizona and obtained certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2017. She completed the Integrative Medicine Fellowship at the U of A Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in 2019, has certification in auricular acupuncture, and has completed advanced training from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

Her philosophy of care and approach to working with individuals is rooted in the belief that one’s biological, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects are all interconnected, and that healing is possible, even if a cure is not. Healing and wellbeing are achieved by supporting balance in all these aspects with the use of all appropriate therapies. Her style is rooted in feminism and social justice, and she views her role as a means to help identify the roots of imbalance or illness which often include systemic oppression, violence, or trauma. Her clinical work in Tucson has predominantly been in communities in which trauma and mental illness rates are considerably higher than the national average, where she provides integrative and holistic modalities in combination with conventional treatment to underserved individuals and populations through her work training future nurse practitioner, in community mental health centers, and as a volunteer to asylum seekers and in rural communities in Mexico. Her areas of clinic focus include integrative psychiatry, health disparities, trauma informed care, auricular acupuncture, and the use of non-ordinary states of consciousness to promote healing."

Job Title: Associate Nursing Director, CVICU

Organization: Banner University Medical Center - Tucson

Education: BSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: AACN

"I was lucky enough to begin my nursing career as a new grad in the Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) at Banner University Medical Center in Tucson 10 years ago – and I’m still there. I had the opportunity to grow into a charge nurse, then clinical leader, and now associate nursing director in the same unit that taught me how to care for patients. While the patient population is what drew me to the CVICU it’s the team I discovered that has kept me there. From the nurses that precepted me as a new grad, to the ones who oriented me to open-heart cases and charge shifts, to the people who grew me into a nursing leader, I’m so grateful for the opportunities and support that my nursing community has given me through the years.

It’s an honor to be able to do the same for the team I help lead. I could not be prouder to be part of the work we do and the way we care for our community. The more time I’ve spent as a nursing leader the more I’ve convinced that the changes that need to happen in health care must be led by nursing. The power we wield when we want to it amazing. This belief is in no small part due to the amazing nursing leadership team I’m lucky enough to be part of in the ICU and BUMCT as a whole. These nurses continue to inspire me.

All my love and gratitude to my friends and family, especially my parents. Without their love and support this journey would have gone very differently."

Job Title: Nurse Practitioner/Nurse Scientist

Organization: SAVAHCS

Education: PhD, GNP-BC, RN

Professional Affiliations: American Medical Informatics Association (Fellow), Arizona Board of Nursing (Advanced Practice Advisory Committee 2020-2022), UA College of Nursing

"I began my nursing career working part-time as a certified nursing assistant in a long term care facility while attending college. I received my BSN, MSN, and PhD in Nursing Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Nursing. I have always loved working with older adults and became a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner prior to pursuing my doctoral degree which focused on patient adherence/engagement to the use of remote patient monitoring technologies for chronic disease management.

I love the diversity of work that our profession has afforded me. Currently, I function as the Nurse Practitioner for the local VA remote patient monitoring program called Home Telehealth; Nurse Scientist where I serve as the Principal Investigator or co-Investigator on a number of research studies and mentor junior staff and students; Chair of my facility’s Institutional Review

Board to facilitate and protect rights and welfare of Veterans participating in research; and as an ad hoc manuscript reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals.

I feel blessed to be part of the Tucson nursing community and give back by participating in the Southern Arizona Nurse Honor Guard (www.soaznhg.org) and sharing my knowledge with others through presentations in local conferences/webinars."

Job Title: ICU Registered Nurse

Organization: Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care Services

Education: Registered Nurse, Lewis and Clark College

Professional Affiliations: Christian Nurses Association

"I started nursing 40 years ago after the death of my father from cancer. His death caused me to switch tracks from school teacher to student nurse, despite having three small children. Today, I have no current colleagues who can relate to wearing a white hat or who experienced nursing before Velcro but that was nursing as I graduated. My four decades of practice have been primarily critical care, with some dabbling in emergency care as well as vascular access device placement. Halfway down the road I had to decide between putting more letters behind the RN and more numbers on my paycheck or continue to experience the satisfaction of being a game-changer in the lives of patients and family members.  I chose to stay at the bedside caring for patients rather than auditing the auditors. I chose the experience of helping a psychotic veteran locate his best life experience that was lost in a scrambled PTSD memory. I preferred the experience of helping a family choke down their tears while singing at the bedside of their loved one as he passed from one life to another; only to see his eyes brighten and expression change to a smile at that final moment. It was an irreplaceable experience.

Nurses are still irreplaceable. Not just for their skills but for their compassion and empathy.

Without demonstrating compassion, I would have missed these treasures in my life. There is no medicine, machine or procedure that can replace it. It would have been unbearable during the pandemic to have witnessed people dying alone, lost in drug-induced hazes, except that I was part of the bravery, empathy and compassion demonstrated by nurses."

'When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it (compassion) to one of the least of these My brothers, you did it to Me.’  Matthew 25:39-40

Job Title: RN/Relief Charge

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: Associates Degree of Science of Nursing

"I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and grew up in the small town of Claremore. At the age of 11, my family moved from the Midwest to beautiful Tucson, Arizona. During my last year of high school, my aunt Jay was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. This diagnosis was a pivotal point in what would do with my life. Up until 11th grade, my dream had been to be a schoolteacher. I loved working with children, and had tutored K-12 as well as being one of the lead teachers in the Sunday school program at my church. However, when my aunt started undergoing chemo I met a fantastic group of nurses who were so loving, uplifting, and supportive. As my aunt left the cancer center for the last time, they celebrated with her, blowing bubbles and dancing. It was at that moment that I knew that nursing was what I wanted to do with my life. The next few years were the hardest in my life. I worked at a charter school and as a nanny to put myself through the nursing program at Pima Community College. It was when I was standing all in white at my pinning ceremony, that I finally felt I was where I belonged. I have now been working at Tucson Medical Center for the last 5 years of my life. There have certainly been ups and downs, but I have never regretted my choice to work in this field. It is my honor to be in the service of others."

Job Title: Assistant Professor

Organization: University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: PhD, RN

Professional Affiliations: Western Institute of Nursing, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Sigma Theta Tau

"I started my nursing career as a licensed practical nurse in 2003, and as a registered nurse in 2004. Most of my professional experience has been in the acute care setting as a staff nurse and in nursing leadership in a variety of settings, including medical surgical and trauma units. I obtained my PhD in 2022, and started as assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing.

My area of research encompasses finding effective biobehavioral interventions to improve the health of Hispanic individuals with type 2 diabetes. One of my passions is health disparities/health equity and I really enjoy working with community partners to promote beneficial changes at the individual and community levels. I think that in order for interventions to be effective and sustainable, we must partner with the community to arrive at these solutions."

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Manager, Medical Sub-Specialty Clinics

Organization: Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System

Education: BSN, DNP- EHSL Student

Professional Affiliations: American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)

"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a nurse to help take care of people. I found my passion for working with Veterans during one of my clinical rotations in school and knew immediately that I wanted to work for the VA. I am honored to have the privilege to care for those that have served our country. Throughout my 13-year career, I have been fortunate to work in various nursing roles at multiple VAs, including Med-Surg, ICU, IV therapy, Cardiology, and Leadership. Currently I work in the Medical Sub-Specialty Clinics at SAVAHCS as the Clinical Nurse Manager.

As a Clinical Nurse Manager, I am grateful to collaborate and support the Medical Sub-Specialty team in providing the best care possible for our Veterans. As a team we have worked hard to improve processes and support new objectives at SAVAHCS. The team I work with is truly the best! I am passionate about leadership and as a leader I try to lead by example. Currently I am getting my DNP specializing in Executive Health Systems Leadership from the University of Arizona and hope to use my education to continue to improve healthcare processes and patient outcomes.

I am incredibly thankful to all of the mentors I have had throughout my career and my coworkers. It is amazing to be surrounded by talented, knowledgeable and compassionate nurses. Also a big thanks to my supportive husband and kids- thank you for always believing in me!"

Job Title: BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Leader

Organization: Northwest, Oro Valley

Education: Bachelor in Psychology (2007) (Bemidji State University), AND (2012) (Lake Superior College), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2022) (Grand Canyon University).

Professional Affiliations: Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing- Nu Upsilon Chapter, American Nurses Association (ANA), Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses (AMSN), Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA)

"As a nurse, I am truly proud of being able to help people in their most vulnerable, and unexpected moments. We often see people at their best and their worst; and I enjoy providing an environment for them to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for in their time of need and impacting someone’s life for the better.

Originally born and raised in Duluth MN, I began my career as a bedside nurse on a Medical/Surgical unit at OVH and am still proud to say I reside there. With some cross training in Telemetry and Phase 2 post-surgical orthopedic same day surgery patients, my joy has been learning and seeing a variety of different diseases and skills. Through growing as a Charge Nurse, I knew I wanted to continue my education by obtaining my BSN and transitioning into Clinical Nurse Leader, and soon hope to tackle my Wound and Ostomy Care Certification (WOCN) as well as eventually going back for my Masters!

Being a nurse is one of the most challenging jobs someone can choose, and yet you can feel amazing satisfaction and pride within your work, and it is unlike any other profession. I owe my success to all of those who didn’t give up on me through my struggles, believed in me and gave me a chance. Nursing is definitely “a work of heart” and I am proud to say my heart is full!"

Job Title: Nursing Program Director

Organization: Pima Medical Institute- Tucson

Education: MSN- ED. RN

Professional Affiliations: Candlelighters of Southern Arizona Parent Advisory Camp Committee

"Kelly Wiebelhaus is the Director for the Associate Degree Nursing Program at Pima Medical Institute. She has served Students and Faculty at PMI for eight years; her mission is academic success through student and faculty support. Effective leadership comes from the Team Perspective. When everyone has a voice and feels heard, everyone feels supported.

Her ten-year-old son is a cancer survivor. He fought Leukemia and received a Bone Marrow Transplant in 2019; Kelly was his donor. After spending days every week for months in the Pediatric Cancer treatment clinic it became apparent there was a dire need for upgrades within the clinic. Kelly and her Husband played a key role in the movement to upgrade the outdated Hematology/Oncology Pediatric clinic at Banner, which serves children from all over southern Arizona. She also sits as a parent advisory for Candlelighters of Southern Arizona. When Kelly is not working, she is spending time with her husband, five children and many farm animals."

Job Title: Nurse Home Visitor/Lactation Consultant

Organization: Casa de los Ninos

Education: BSN, RN, IBCLC

Professional Affiliations: Southern Arizona Lactation Consultant Association, United States Lactation Consultant Association

"My nursing career began 20 years ago in the NICU. That is where I found my love of working with mothers and babies. I have continued to work in the NICU along with home visits for the Nurse Family Partnership Program, and most recently as their lactation consultant. Becoming a parent is such a special moment in my client’s lives. I enjoy being able to provide home visits and helping my clients with their goals. It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of their journey."

Job Title: Program Administrator – Nurse Anesthesiology Specialty

Organization: University of Arizona

Education: DNP, CRNA, MS

Professional Affiliations: American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, Sigma Theta Tau

"As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA), I bring experience and compassion to my caring for people at a vulnerable time in their lives. Being able to ensure their safety and comfort throughout their procedures is tremendously gratifying. As an independent practitioner, I provide anesthesia for people across the lifespan, my youngest patient was an hour old and my eldest 102 years young. I began my career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and when working with CRNAs is Desert Storm, I knew nurse anesthesiology was the career for me. I enrolled in an accelerated nursing program and began my path in advanced practice nursing.

As a lifelong learner, it is energizing to be involved in the education and training of future anesthesia providers as the Program Administrator for the Nurse Anesthesiology specialty at the University of Arizona. I love Nurse Anesthesiology and I hope my passion inspires them. Preparing them for independent practice and to be leaders in their community is an important aspect of the profession. It is rewarding to know they will ensure access to care for people across the state of Arizona." 

Job Title: House Supervisor

Organization: Northwest Medical Center

Education: BS in Education and ADN

Professional Affiliations: ENA

"I have been a nurse since 2002. I started in the emergency department and then transitioned to the float pool where I worked in almost every department at one time or another. Emergency medicine has always been my passion and I still love it two decades later. Nursing has provided me with great learning opportunities and amazing lifelong friendships."

Job Title: RN CVICU

Organization: Banner University Medical Center

Education: ADN, BSN, RN, CCRN-CSC-CMC, CES-A

Professional Affiliations: AACN, ELSO

"In nursing school I worked as a Patient Care Technician on the Cardiac Surgery and Transplant Progressive Care Unit at Banner University Medical Center. I was impressed not only by the marvels of modern medicine, but also the strength of the human spirit. I cared for patients suffering from advanced heart and lung failure who received a new chance at life. Watching them push through their darkest days continues to inspire me.

After graduating nursing school, I transitioned into the Cardiac ICU where I fell in love with critical care. I learned how to care for a variety of mechanical circulatory devices as well as heart and lung transplants. I have transported ECMO patients from all over the state and brought them to our hospital where we offer them advanced therapies. I have also worked for years as a SWAT nurse. In this role I am a critical care resource nurse responding to all emergencies and assisting with challenging bedside skills. I am an active member on the Nurse Peer Review Committee. I also founded an interdisciplinary Journal Club for the CVICU. Strengthening our team through our love of evidence based practice improves collaboration and patient care. I am truly humbled every day by the brilliant and kind people I work alongside."

Job Title: Chief Nurse

Organization: 355th Medical Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

Education: BSN, MSN, RN, CPN

Professional Affiliations: Society of Air Force Nurses, Tucson Nurses Week Foundation

"I joined the Air Force as a new nursing graduate in 2003. During my career, I’ve worked Inpatient Pediatrics, Flight Nurse, Neonatal ICU, an Assignment Officer, leader in a Family Health Clinic and now Chief Nurse. I’ve been stationed in Texas, Illinois, Japan and Arizona. I’ve deployed three times as a flight nurse in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Stateside I have supported Hurricane KATRINA relief, California Wildfires, and COVID- 19 treatment at a civilian hospital in North Dakota.

As the Chief Nurse at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, I lead the nursing operations for 86 nursing services personnel. In addition, I advise the Executive Staff on Nursing Service operations and deployment skills.  

My passion is Pediatric Nursing (Certified Pediatric Nurse since 2006) and mentoring junior nurses/technicians. It is an honor to continue to serve my country, fellow military members and their families."

Job Title: Professional Development Specialist- Pediatrics

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN, MS

Professional Affiliations: Sigma Theta Tau International, Emergency Nurses Association

"My journey as a Registered Nurse began five years ago after landing my dream job as a pediatric nurse. I have had the pleasure of meeting and caring for the strongest, funniest, and bravest patients at bedside. My pediatric patients quickly taught me the gift of resiliency, to become a better nurse, and instill a greater purpose in my life. I had the honor and privilege to work and support the Pediatric Medical Surgical Unit, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and the Hematology/Oncology Unit. In addition, I worked with an outreach team to immunize nearly 700 Pima County residents experiencing homelessness. I still work with my pediatric population, now as a clinical educator. This role further allowed me to mentor and help my team to grow and succeed to take care of a population very dear to me.

My success is in part to my amazing family and loved ones, Gracias! I cannot thank my fellow nurses enough who have taken the time to nurture and shape me into who I became. Nursing has been one of the most rewarding and fulling accomplishments."

Job Title: RN Care Coordinator

Organization: El Rio Health Care

Education: RN, BSN, ACM

Professional Affiliations: ACMA

"Thirteen years ago, I began my career as a nurse on the cardiac unit at TMC where I had already been employed as a unit clerk and patient care tech for four years. After two years of bedside nursing, I transitioned into case management. This change allowed me to enhance patient outcomes and experiences across the continuum. As a float case manager, I expanded my knowledge of different specialties while rotating throughout the hospital. After settling for some time on the neurology unit, my supervisor approached me about transitioning to work the orthopedic unit where I enjoyed streamlining the efficiency of discharges with everyone on the interdisciplinary team.

My current role is a Nurse Care Coordinator within El Rio Health’s primary care outpatient setting. I support patients with chronic conditions who are high risk for hospitalization or complications. I provide answers, guidance, education and motivation to improve their health and it is the most rewarding role I’ve ever had. I participate on our team as a super user, enjoy orienting new staff to our department and create better standardization of workflows. I’m an active member of population health meetings to further enhance metrics for patients and the organization. Our care coordination department at El Rio is phenomenal and I couldn’t ask for a better place to learn and grow. I’m very honored to earn this recognition. I am grateful for my husband, family, coworkers and friends who have supported my career in nursing."

Job Title: ICU Nurse

Organization: Tucson Medical Center

Education: RN, BSN, CCRN

Professional Affiliations: AACN, Nurse Peer Review Committee

"My nursing career started on a neuro medical-surgical floor at Tucson Medical Center. I always had a passion for the acute care setting, so after my one-year new graduate program, I transition to the ICU at TMC. The fast paced and dynamic work flow of the ICU has been exciting and rewarding.

I am trained on both the neuro-medical ICU as well as the CVICU recovering open hearts. Both sides are different and challenging, but I love that the ICU pushes me to be the best nurse I can be. I have had the opportunity to grow into a number of leadership roles, including relief charge nurse, preceptor, and part of the Rapid Response Team. I am also a member of the Nursing Peer Review committee, which has been an amazing way to lead and help guide other nurses. My career goal is to go back to school so I can further push myself and continue to be part of this advancing profession.

I am so grateful for the amazing staff at TMC for always supporting me in my career. My team in the ICU has always been by my side and I could not have made it this far without them. I want to say a special thanks to my family and to my twin sister, who is a fellow RN. I love being a nurse and am proud to be part of this profession."

Job Title: Patient Care Services Manager-Med Surg Acute Unit

Organization: Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital

Education: BSN

Professional Affiliations: ANA

"I am a proud Pinoy, born and raised in the Philippines. I currently work as a Patient Care Services Manager at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital. My professional journey as a nurse started in the Philippines, then I had the opportunity to work in the United Kingdom and destiny ultimately led me here in the United States. I am a firm believer that patient care should be equitable-no boundaries, no prejudice, nor access or language barriers. As nurses, we are blessed with an immense opportunity to touch people lives and foster unique therapeutic nurse-patient relationships. As a healthcare leader, I do collaborative work addressing patient safety and quality care, fall prevention, safe mobility practices and patient experience."

Job Title: Lecturer

Organization: University of Arizona

Education: MSN-Ed, RN, CNE

Professional Affiliations: American Psychiatric Nurses Association, International Association of Forensic Nurses

"Like so many of us, I wanted to make a difference in the world, and nursing enabled me to do just that. I’ve been privileged to experience many nursing settings, but always return to my true passion, psychiatric nursing. If you aren’t mentally healthy, life is incredibly challenging. I’ve been honored to work with individuals experiencing mental illness and am inspired to witness what a huge difference psychiatric nursing care provides for these individuals. It’s also been a privilege and great honor to share my psychiatric nursing knowledge and experience with undergrad nursing students. What a joy it is to witness the passion of our newest soon-to-be RNs in their studies as they learn how to provide competent and compassionate whole-person care to patients and their families! The profession I love with all my heart is in excellent hands in our next generation of nurses, and I’ve been grateful to participate in their psychiatric nursing training."

Job Title: Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator

Organization: Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

Education: Grand Canyon University, BSN, 2022; Cardinal Stritch University, ADN, 2008.

Professional Affiliations: Society of Trauma Nurses, Emergency Nurses Association, Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association

"After a sixteen-year career as a police officer in Wisconsin, I decided to change career paths and began my journey into healthcare in 2003. While working as an Emergency Department tech, I attended Cardinal Stritch University where I acquired my ADN in 2008. As a new graduate I started in the Medical Respiratory ICU at St Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. I quickly transitioned back into the Emergency Department and stayed in the ED until 2013. After taking a travel assignment here in Tucson, I signed on as an ED staff nurse at University Medical Center and advanced into Trauma. In 2015, I was fortunate enough to become a flight nurse with Arizona Lifeline, working out of Douglas, AZ, where I continued to work intermittently until 2022. At the age of 59, I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my BSN. I became the Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Banner University Medical Center in 2022 where I continue to grow professionally every day. I am humbled to be recognized among my amazing peers as one of Tucson’s Fabulous Fifty. I want to thank all those who supported me on my successful healthcare journey."

Job Title: Director of Nursing, Adult Health and Comprehensive Stroke Center

Organization: Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

Education: Masters in Nursing with an Emphasis in Public Health

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association

"In my nursing journey, I have been fortunate to experience different levels of care. My career began in the long-term care setting where I was fortunate to build relationships with the residents and truly find my passion for nursing overall. Of course, as a young nurse, pediatrics was where I thought I wanted to be. Yet this path I was put on, shaped me to who I am as a nurse today and even a person.

As I moved into acute care nursing, I discovered my love for challenges. In the acute care setting, each shift was a new opportunity to connect with a patient and as I use to tell my patients, I was their number one cheerleader. Some days were great and some days had their challenges. What helped me grow as a nurse and individual is not allowing the challenges to get the better of me and asking myself what can I learn from it to help me in the future and in turn my colleagues.

I was fortunate grow into a leadership role. I am thankful to have taken the leap as it has been an absolute honor to lead and develop team members to lead. As a leader my goal is to help my team understand that healthcare is unique not only to the patients, we care for but to our teams that we lead. In my current role, I encourage my team to build the relationships with their team; they are the reason we are here. We need to be honest, admit when we are wrong, understand our job is not always business, we need to laugh and we need our staff to give us the ideas on how to make things better. As a nursing profession, we give our all to those we care for, its crucial we take a moment for ourselves to connect with our team and for them to be able to connect with us. In my career, it has been a pleasure to watch a new leader take their team to the next level, not solely focused on metrics yet the engagement they capture from their team and the culture that is built."

Job Title: Director of Nursing

Organization: Northwest, Oro Valley

Education: 2009 ASN –Crowder College, 2015 BSN – Western Governor’s University, 2016 MSN – Western Governor’s University.

Professional Affiliations: AACN – CCRN

"I was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma on August 30, 1983, to Richard Lee Lawson, Jr. and Joy Leona Lawson. My father was an over-the-road truck driver and my mother was a homemaker.

I became an RN in 2009 and started my nursing career in a level II trauma center in North West Arkansas. Under the guidance of expert critical care RNs, I grew from a staff nurse to the Director of the unit in 2016 after receiving my Master’s Degree. I went on to become a Director in New Mexico and am now a Director of Nursing in Tucson at Oro Valley Hospital. 

I owe my nursing career to three remarkable individuals who offered me overwhelming support and awe-inspiring guidance. These individuals are Dan and Vicki Lazure and Carissa Lawson. Without these three incredible people, I would not have become a nurse."

Job Title: Abdominal Transplant Coordinator

Organization: Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

Education: Master of Nursing emphasis in Clinical Systems Leadership

University of Arizona

Certified Coordinator of Transplant Care

North American Transplant Coordinators Organization, American Board for Transplant Certification

"I am Sam, and I am a Tucsonan born and raised.  My husband and I have 4 adventures little girls who like to keep our day full of their own pursuits and interests. I am currently a Transplant Coordinator at Banner Tucson and have worked in this role for 4 years. To make life even more fun, I am pursing my dream of attaining my NP."

Job Title: Pediatric ICU Nurse

Organization: Banner University Medical Center Tucson

Education: Master of Science Nursing - Clinical Systems Leadership Emphasis, Bachelor of Public Health, Associates of Nursing

Professional Affiliations: Certified Medically Fragile Foster Parent

"In 2011, I started in the Operating Room at University Medical Center as a new graduate RN. I joined the cardiac team, and quickly fell in love with pediatric and adult cardiac and thoracic surgery. Over the years in the OR, I successfully completed my Master's degree and took over the role as educator for the department. After exhausting all avenues in the OR, I slowly transitioned to bedside care in the Pediatric ICU. For months, I worked in both departments, working both nightshift and dayshift. I have now been in the PICU for 6 years and work as a cardiac, ECMO and charge nurse for our unit. I work with the most genuine, dedicated and compassionate group of nurses, and I am truly blessed and love my job."

Job Title: Registered Nurse, SANE-A

Organization: Independent Contractor, SACASA - Southern AZ Center Against Sexual Assault

Education: RN, SANE-A, FNE

Professional Affiliations: International Association of Forensic Nurses

"I have always known I did not choose nursing, I was blessed that nursing chose me as a calling. My patients have enriched my life beyond words. I have been in healthcare for over 40 years; starting as a PCT to a fire department EMT-I and working my way up to becoming an RN. Most of the positions I've held (Retired Air Force RN, ER, Level 1 Trauma, Inpatient psychiatric /Chemical Dependency, and Medical Forensic Nurse Examiner) have always involved acute crisis management. For the last 27 years of my nursing career my focus, in addition to ER/Trauma, has been providing care and services as a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and expert witness.

I enjoy the opportunities I have to provide training and working with our many state and local community team partners regarding medical and forensic aspects of patient evaluation and care. I thrive working in high acuity, fast paced situations, serving the underserved and vulnerable populations. I am a true believer in patient advocacy, efficient and effective continuity of care, and treating all patients holistically . I am constantly awed by the dynamics, discoveries and developments in healthcare which afford me the opportunity to keep learning and improving my care practices on a daily basis. I am humbled to be nominated and chosen to receive this honor alongside my fellow nurses and give praise to all of the nurses in the world who choose to dedicate their lives to caring for others."

Job Title: Associate Professor

Organization: The University of Arizona College of Nursing

Education: Ph.D., Ms., RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN

Professional Affiliations: American Academy of Nursing, American Nurses Association, Director of Translational Health Sciences, Center to Stream Health in Place (C2SHIP), Sarver Heart Center, BIO5 Institute

"I am a nurse scientist with extensive experience in physiologic monitoring and my program of research is focused on the timely detection of health changes using technology to support “precision health monitoring” to achieve quality and safety of care.

The context of my program of research is health technology across care settings and the subject is older adults with complex and acute care needs. My research was the first to report that the posterior electrocardiographic leads contributed significant additional diagnostic value above and beyond the standard 12-lead ECG only when a new ischemic criterion was applied to posterior leads. I subsequently led an interdisciplinary team to conduct the first clinical research to validate the use of extra posterior leads with the new ischemic criterion for the identification of acute posterior wall myocardial infarction in > 1,000 patients who presented to emergency departments with suspected acute myocardial infarction. My research is not limited to advanced patient monitoring technology and its analysis, I am also investigating human factors to develop user-centered clinical applications. The nursing research I led has been recognized nationally and internationally. I have published over 50 peer-reviewed manuscripts in top-tiered nursing and interprofessional journals, and 4 book chapters, and delivered over 160 presentations to regional, national, and international audiences. My research findings have been extensively cited by international cardiology and emergency medicine journals as well as several medical textbooks, including ECG in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care, Chou’s Electrocardiography in Clinical Practice, and Critical Decisions in Emergency and Acute Care Electrocardiography. My work has been featured by the American Heart Association (AHA). I was selected as a fellow of the internationally recognized American Academy of Nursing for my contributions to nursing research.

Mentoring students and junior faculty in their research and clinical practice for the past 20 years has kept me in the academic setting. I am passionate about teaching the next generation of nurse scientists and advanced practice nurses so they can change the world of health care. I am a board-certified acute care nurse practitioner and was instrumental in the development and launching of the first acute care nurse practitioner program in the State of Arizona in 2005. This program has trained significant numbers of acute care nurse practitioners to serve the Tucson community, the state of Arizona, and nationally. I have mentored over 100 doctoral and master’s students. My teaching philosophy is to make learning an engaging experience for the students and to cultivate competent, curious, confident, and compassionate next generation of scientists and clinicians. In the last 19 years, I have practiced in the community providing compassionate care to serve older adults with multiple chronic conditions and/or acute health issues.

In my 35-year nursing career, I am grateful to spend 22 years serving the Tucson community in my role as an educator to train advanced practice nurses and researchers, lead interdisciplinary research to advance science in personalized health monitoring across different care settings and provide care to older adults with acute and multiple chronic conditions. It is my honor and privilege along with my outstanding colleagues to be recognized for this award. I send my deepest appreciation to my mentors, mentees, colleagues, family, and friends who believe in me and support me so I can make meaningful contributions to this great community."

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Lead

Organization: Oro Valley Hospital

Education: BSN

Professional Affiliations: Arizona Nurses Association

"I am very fortunate to have been a nurse for over 25 years. My experiences include working on Med-Surg, Telemetry, and the step-down units in Philadelphia, California, Las Vegas, and Arizona. I have been at Oro Valley Hospital for over 17 years and I’m the Clinical Nurse Lead on the Telemetry unit. I really enjoy my work and hope to make a positive impact for my coworkers and our patients. I love to learn and face challenges together with the awesome team we have at Oro Valley.

I was very honored and humbled to have been chosen for the 2022 OVH Nursing Excellence Award. I would like to thank my family and the administration, management team, and my coworkers at Oro Valley Hospital for the support I receive daily. I grew up helping my parents take care of my grandmother and sister who was disabled. The experience has taught me a lot about compassion and empathy towards others. Nursing has been very rewarding for me, I enjoy helping other people and making them happy.

It has been a privilege to be part of this wonderful profession and being able to serve and give back to our community.

Thank you, Tucson Nurses Foundation, for selecting me to be a part of this year’s Tucson Fab 50."

Job Title: RN Operations Support Specialist

Organization: Banner University Medical Center

Education: AND

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association, Arizona Nurses Association

"I started my nursing career at Banner University Medical Center in 2010 as a new graduate on a surgical specialties intermediate/progressive care unit. I have also worked on the same unit as a charge nurse, a preceptor for nursing students and a preceptor for new graduate nurses for many years and I have recently moved into a new position at Banner where I feel I have grown immensely in a professional way. I have always loved being a nurse from day one because I feel I constantly try to make a difference in my patient’s and their family’s life whether it be just for that day I have them, that week or maybe I can make a difference in their life moving forward.

I am very grateful to my family, friends, coworkers and managers for the support that I have received through the years to help me become the nurse I am because without them, I would not be where I am today."

Job Title: Registered Nurse-Disease Management

Organization: 355th Medical Group-Davis Monthan Air Force Base

Education: Pima Community College – ADN; Western Governors University – BSN

"I have been a Registered Nurse for 24 years and have served in many different roles. I have had the privilege of working in Labor and Delivery, Pre-Op/PACU, Family Practice clinic, and most recently Disease Management. I have found all my roles rewarding in different ways. I value the connections I have made and appreciate the opportunities to improving my patient’s lives.

Currently my focus is helping to manage hypertension and hyperlipidemia in our Active-Duty (AD) population. I am part of an Evidence Based Practice team that was recently awarded a grant to provide home blood pressure monitors to help with the management and treatment of hypertension in our AD population. I find my work purposeful and rewarding and plan to continue this journey for a long time."

Job Title: RN Coordinator Gynecology/Oncology

Organization: Arizona Cancer Center

Education: Cochise College Associate’s Degree RN, Northern Arizona University BSN

"I started my career as an LPN at a Nursing home while I completed my Associate Degree RN at Cochise College in Sierra Vista, AZ. From there, I moved to Flagstaff and attended Northern Arizona University RN-BSN program. I worked nights on the Rehab unit at Flagstaff Medical Center so I could attend school full time and pay my way. I had hoped to become an ER nurse or possibly a flight nurse, but that dream never came to fruition. After completion of my BSN, I transitioned over to med/surg oncology by default. I enjoyed the complexity of the science behind the chemotherapy. I enjoyed learning medicine and acute nursing assessment skills with medical surgical/oncology patients. The healing, and relationships with patients that came from cancer treatment was fulfilling. Cancer care became my niche. I came to Tucson as a traveling nurse at UMC on the Bone Marrow Transplant/oncology unit. A truly miraculous revelation with cancer cures. I learned how hard people fight. I learned how a positive outlook and well being can make or break outcomes of cancer treatments. I learned how to care for the dying and their families and how much peace it gave me to be able to comfort them. I spent 5 years in total on the BMT unit.

I took a short travel nurse assignment to Aurora, Colorado and then to El Paso, Texas to be with my grandma while she went through her cancer treatment. I returned to Tucson UMC BMT unit, found the love of my life, got married and had babies. I transitioned to outpatient RN Coordinator with the gynecologic oncology group. I have been with this team for the past 15 years. In Gyn/oncology our care is unique in that our physicians are surgeons and oncologists in one provider. As nurses we support our physicians and patients pre op, post surgical, ostomy care, wound care, and chemotherapy education, side effects and triage. We journey with our patients from diagnosis, through surgery, recovery, and treatment, and sometimes to hospice care. We build relationships with strong amazing women and their families. I truly enjoy what I do and enjoy the team I work with. I am constantly learning new and innovative ways in which we approach and treat gyn cancers through chemotherapy and surgery; as well as prevention and clinical trials."

Job Title: Primary Care Nurse

Organization: SAVAHCS

Education: RN

"I began working at SAVAHCS after completing my nursing degree in 2006. For the first seven years I worked on the Medical-Surgical unit taking care of our amazing Veterans. The knowledge I gained working those years on the floor, provided me with the necessary skills to succeed as a Primary Care Nurse in an outpatient setting. In Primary Care I am assigned to work with a special population of Veterans. Many of the Veterans I work with do not receive regular medical care, are transitioning their care to the Veterans Healthcare System or are wintering in Arizona. We all know them as “Snow Birds.” I work with an amazing team to help get these Veterans the care they need while they await a Provider or their return home. It is a pleasure to work with the many Veterans from all walks of life. Hearing the stories of their time in the service to help us, makes me proud that I am working to help them. I am honored to be working as an RN at SAVAHCS helping OUR VETERANS."

Job Title: Assistant Clinical Professor

Organization: University of Arizona

Education: Doctor of Nursing Practice-Executive, PhD candidate

Professional Affiliations: Arizona Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, American Academy of Nursing

"As a Native American nurse, my lived experience has strengthened an innate responsibility to improve health disparities for underserved minority populations. My mother raised me to center myself around the Navajo wellness philosophy of Hózhó, which promotes the interconnectedness of goodness, beauty, and harmony between a person’s actions and the surrounding world. Also being of Hawaiian descent, my family embraced the concept of Ha, meaning the breath of life. These cultural philosophies guided my pathway into nursing, a profession with a congruent ethos to optimize the health and well-being of others. 

My clinical practice background spans 20 years within the realm of nursing and community health. For over 9 years, my professional practice role has been as a nurse practitioner in emergency healthcare for rural and tribal communities in Arizona. In addition to clinical practice, I am an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing and a PhD candidate in the Nursing and Health Innovation program at Arizona State University where the overarching interest of research is health equity for underrepresented minority groups, specifically Native American communities. The integration of my life experience into my educational and professional journey offers a unique lens to the academic and clinical teams I work with. My strong cultural connection provides an intuitive nature that strives to understand and help underserved populations. In the culmination of the experiences across the spectrum of nursing, these efforts have had a direct impact on nursing education, research, and policy improving health outcomes of historically marginalized communities."

Job Title: Clinical Nurse Manager

Organization: Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System

Education: MSN, RN

Professional Affiliations: American Nurses Association

"I became a CNA in my junior year of high school. I worked in rehab, geriatric psych, long term care, inpatient psych, medical-surgical, and critical care areas. I worked as a CNA for 12 years. Then graduated with my BSN and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a medical-surgical nurse, critical care step-down, and assistant nurse manager of a medical-surgical unit. I graduated again with my Masters in the Science of Nursing: Healthcare Systems Leadership. I am currently the nurse manager of that unit and working on my Doctor of Nursing Practice with an emphasis on healthcare systems leadership. I have been with the VA for 11 years and love serving the Veteran population."