On May 7, in honor of National Nurses Week, Keck Medical Center of USC and USC Care and Ambulatory Services recognized the organization’s nursing staff at its annual Nurses Week Recognition and Scholarship Awards ceremony.
Over the course of an hour, nurse, physician and executive leadership thanked nursing staff for their contributions to the enterprise and their continued efforts in strengthening the patient experience.
“As protectors of health, it can be said that our nurses are responsible for upholding society’s greatest treasure, which is the collective well-being and health of the people,” said Annette Sy, DNP, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing executive for Keck Medical Center. “All of you gathered here today have proven that no matter the challenge, you are fully capable of conquering any obstacle with courage, resilience and strength.”
The awards began two decades ago, with the aim of celebrating care partners and nurse humanitarians. Besides recognizing individuals in a variety of categories including “Nurse Rookie of the Year” and “Nurse of the Year,” the ceremony is also a time when select nurses are awarded scholarships to support their present and future educational endeavors.
“Your commitment to improving the lives of our community members has inspired countless individuals and allowed us to continue to provide a limitless approach to care to all those in need,” said Ceonne Houston, DNP, RN, CSSBB, NEA-BC, CPHQ, chief nursing officer for Keck Hospital of USC. “Time and again, you have shown your compassion and selflessness, and I look forward to continuing to innovate in the ways we dispense care together.”
Nurses were nominated by their peers and nursing leadership for qualities such as collaboration, communication, knowledge of protocols and continued compassion for their patients.
“The actions of our nurses stay with our patients even after leaving our facilities,” said Awa Jones, RN, BSN, MSHCM, chief nursing officer for USC Norris Cancer Hospital. “That is because more than just medicines and treatments, our patients require the comfort of human connection, something that our nurses provide day in and day out.”
Besides their dedication to patient wellness, the executives also acknowledged how the close relationship between nurses and physicians has allowed the health system to thrive.
“It is only through close collaboration between physicians and nurses that we can hope to strengthen and maintain a health system built upon compassionate, cutting-edge patient care,” said Stephanie Hall, MD, MHA, chief medical officer for Keck Medical Center. “Whether during periods of calm or national upheaval, our partnership has allowed one another to thrive so that we may serve our communities to the fullest.”
As the program unfolded, the 2025 Nurse Scholarship Winners were announced first:
- Alicia Godinez, RN
- Rachel Settani, RN
- Meewah Kim, RN
Next, the 2025 Nurse Week Recognition Award-winners were announced:
- Advance Practice Nurse of the Year – Richard Fogel Jr., RN
- Nurse Leader of the Year – David Reynoso, RN
- Nurse Rookie of the Year – Dustin Chan, RN
- Nurse Humanitarian of the Year – Christine Foster, RN
- Nurse Advocate of the Year – Donya Amundson, RN
- Nurse Preceptor of the Year – Stephanie Tang, RN
- Care Partner of the Year – Amir Ali, Pharmacy
- Nurse of the Year – Deanna Viernes, RN
National Nurses Week occurs annually beginning May 6 and ending on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. As a British social reformer, Nightingale implemented the highest standards for the nursing profession and is considered the founder of modern nursing. This year featured a variety of celebratory programs across the health system, including raffles as well as catered breakfasts and lunches.
“I am privileged and humbled to work alongside the best of the very best the nursing world has to offer,” Sy reiterated as the program came to a close. “Although we continue to face new challenges each and every day, the bravery of our nurses has made our enterprise a success. I know the lives of our patients will be influenced by your heroic efforts for years to come.”
— Matthew Vasiliauskas