Area 'Caring Kind' award recipients

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) recognized 78 hospital workers Friday, including those in Southwest Nebraska, for their excellence in service by bestowing them with the NHA's prestigious "The Caring Kind" award.

Caring Kind recipients in the area include:

James Craig, MD, Chase County Community Hospital, Imperial

Carri Hall, LPN, Tri Valley Health System, Cambridge

Karen Metzger, MT(ASCP), Dundy County Hospital, Benkelman

For 36 years, The Caring Kind award has been given to Nebraska's most caring and compassionate hospital employees. The award honors outstanding health care employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities.

"The Caring Kind award recipients demonstrate the kindness, caring, dedication and commitment that exemplifies why health care in Nebraska continues to be among the best in the nation," NHA President Laura J. Redoutey said. "The NHA is proud to recognize these outstanding health care workers who have made a tremendous difference in the lives of their patients, co-workers, hospitals and communities."

Hospitals across the state each select one The Caring Kind award recipient from within their respective institutions to be recognized during the NHA Annual Convention.

More than 2,200 dedicated health care professionals have received this award since its inception in 1979. This year, 78 employees were honored before more than 500 people in attendance at The Caring Kind Awards Luncheon held Oct. 23 at Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center in La Vista.

The event is held to showcase the exemplary work and care hospital employees provide day in and day out throughout the year. Every employee plays a critical role in providing high quality, cost effective treatment and ensuring the safety of themselves, their co-workers and patients each and every day. Every job is important."

"These individuals are the unsung heroes who work to keep our hospitals prepared, safe and operational," Redoutey said. "While we set aside one day to honor these extraordinary individuals for their exemplary efforts, their dedication and commitment touches the lives of the frail, the vulnerable, the injured and sick each and every day."

The Nebraska Hospital Association helps hospitals fulfill their missions to ensure access to high quality, cost effective and comprehensive care to their communities. The Association offers collaborative leadership, assisting its members to improve the health status and emergency preparedness of their communities. Since 1927, the NHA has provided legislative advocacy, educational programming, data information and communication to Nebraska's hospitals. For more information, please visit the NHA website at www.NebraskaHospitals.org.