Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Winter 2020

Two of Bartlett Regional Hospital’s newest nurses received one of the most prestigious awards for their profession at the statewide March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards on Nov. 16 in Anchorage. Sarah Roemeling received the award for Women’s Health and Claire Geldhof for Case Management and Managed Care. An impressive 11 Bartlett nurses were nominated in 10 categories. Both Sarah and Claire were surprised and overwhelmed by the honor, and were quick to credit their co-workers and mentors. “I am the nurse that I am because of the people who taught me,” says Sarah, who works in the Bartlett Beginnings Obstetrics Department. “All of the nurses here value our patients so much. I feel really lucky to support women in their role as they become mothers and learn what their bodies are capable of.” “I cannot think of another nurse who routinely goes above and beyond in terms of patient care and professional performance,” wrote Shayna Rower, the colleague who nominated Sarah. “She easily connects with a variety of different patients—from mothers who struggle with substance abuse to individuals who are gender fluid—she establishes a quick rapport and trust with almost anyone, regardless of their background.” Sarah’s career choice was decided in high school, inspired by her mother’s work as a labor and delivery nurse at Bartlett. Laura McDermott now works with family practice doctor Donald Schneider, MD, at Valley Medical Care. “You always want the best for your kids,” Laura says. “And when they exceed your expectations, it’s a proud moment. She has a bright future ahead of her.” Claire’s office is in the Emergency Department, where she often helps at-risk patients navigate their health care needs. “I accept this award on behalf of our amazing team and the collaboration between our hospital, community and state,” Claire says. “Nursing inspires and motivates me to help people, and for that I am grateful.” A patient who credits Claire with helping her get over a 20- year opioid addiction says her guidance made all the difference. “She had a way of taking something bigger than I could manage and making it something I could handle.” Her supervisor, Jeanette Lacey, notes Claire’s strong ability to connect with patients, viewing them holistically. “I am incredibly proud of her hard work and efforts as she expands the nursing role, services and care provided in the Emergency Department from Case Management. This is the first time this award has been given to a case manager at Bartlett since the department was organized in 2006.” “These exemplary nurses have shown a high degree of professionalism, collegiality and dedication here at Bartlett, and their colleagues wished to honor them,” says Bartlett Chief Nursing Officer Rose Lawhorne. “Each year, the March of Dimes provides an opportunity for nurses to be recognized for their outstanding work in health care. Patients, families and friends nominate individuals for Nurse of the Year Awards in 16 categories. Many of our Bartlett nurses were nominated in multiple categories.” All told, 18 caregivers were honored from a pool of 200 nominations and 135 finalists at the 15th annual event. Approximately 450 guests attended the gala event at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown. Congratulations to all the Bartlett Regional Hospital March of Dimes Nurse of the Year finalists! Alyssa Fitzgerald Rising Star Claire Geldhof Case Management and Managed Care James Andreas Emergency Care Joan Janes Surgical Services Kim McDowell Emergency Care Kanani Montalto Women’s Health Lori Higgins Surgical Services Megan Blair Rising Star Nancy Kniivila Public Health & Ambulatory Care Salud Elizarde General Medical/Surgical Sarah Roemeling Women’s Health Bartlett nurses recognized at 2019 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Bartlett Regional Hospital March of Dimes Nurse of the Year 2019 Finalists. From left to right: Claire Geldhof, Case Management and Managed Care; Salud Elizarde, General Medical/Surgical; Sarah Roemeling, Women’s Health; Lori Higgins, Surgical Services; Joan Janes; and Kim McDowell, Emergency Care NURSING 10 House Calls Winter 2020