45 nurses attend appreciation brunch at Medina Memorial Hospital

Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, named Daisy Award winner

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Orleans Community Health concluded its observance of Nurses’ Week with a nurses’ brunch on Friday morning. Highlight of the event was naming this year’s Daisy Award winner, Pam Washak. From left are Mary Williams, retired vice president of Human Resources; Karen Irwin, registered nurse; Washak, nursing supervisor in PCU; Jennifer Morgan, nursing supervisor and co-chair of the Daisy Committee; Kim Gray, chief nursing officer; and Christine Kropf, corporate educator and co-chair of the Daisy committee.

MEDINA – An annual tradition and final celebration in observance of Nurses’ Week at Orleans Community Health is a Nurses’ Brunch, to show appreciation for dedicated health care workers, both retired and currently working.

Forty-five nurses attended the brunch on Friday morning in the hospital board room, where in addition to delicious food and camaraderie they witnessed the recognition of one of their own for exceptional compassion and care to patients.

A highlight of the morning was awarding of the Daisy Award, a national program which recognizes nurses who are nominated for going above and beyond in care of their patients. Christine Kropf, corporate educator at Orleans Community Health, and nursing supervisor Jennifer Morgan are co-chairs of the Daisy committee, who chose Pam Washak, nursing supervisor in the Progressive Care Unit, as this year’s winner.

Presenting the award to Washak was Kim Gray, chief nurse manager, who said receiving this award was one of the greatest honors in their profession.

Gray began the recognition brunch by welcoming the 45 nurses who attended.

 “It’s a privilege to stand before you during this special Nurses Week brunch, as we celebrate 100 years of nursing at our rural hospital,” Gray said. “This celebration is more than a look back at the decades we’ve served – it’s a tribute to the resilience that has carried us through. As many of you know being a small rural hospital hasn’t always been easy. And being a nurse in a rural hospital is a calling few truly understand.

“Our nurses have worn many hats – often at the same time. You’ve been caregivers, counselors, emergency responders, case managers and sometimes even janitors or tech support when needed. You’ve worked through snowstorms when roads were impassable, stepped up when resources were thin and provided world-class care, even when the odds were stacked against us.

“We’ve faced staffing shortages, funding challenges, outdated equipment and limited access to specialty care. And yet, through it all, you’ve never let any of it stand in the way of putting patients first. You found a way. You always find a way.

“To our retired nurses, you remember when we had even less – and still gave more. You built this place with grit and heart, and your legacy is alive in every hallway, every patient room and every act of kindness.

“To our current nurses, you are the glue that held this hospital – and this community – together. You met every challenge with creativity, empathy and unmatched dedication. A dedication that is rooted in service, sacrifice and a belief that even the smallest hospital can make the biggest difference.

“Despite our size, we have always delivered big care with a personal touch. That’s what sets us apart. That’s what makes our 100-year legacy so special.

“So today, we don’t just celebrate nurses – we celebrate survival, strength, commitment and love for our patients and for one another. Here’s to 100 years of nursing excellence – and to every nurse who made it possible.”

“Kim was a junior when she said she wanted to be a nurse,” said her mother, retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow. “She really wanted to help people. She wants to do everything she can to keep this hospital going. I’m so proud of her.”

(Left ) Rebecca Mannella, right, director of nurses in the North Wing, greets retired nurse Rosemary Pegelow at the nurses’ recognition brunch. (Center) Sharing a hug are former nurse Joanne Bracey and current chief nurse manager Kim Gray. (Right) Orleans Community Health CEO Marc Shurtz, right, greets former Medina mayor Mike Sidari, who attended with his wife Brenda, a retired nurse.

Another regular attendee of the brunch is Jeanne Crane, who worked for 35 years at the hospital. She was the first nurse manager of the North Wing when it was first built, then became a nursing educator, and worked in risk management. She retired from infection control in 2003.

Mary Lou Tuohey has also attended the brunch every year. She worked as an RN for seven or eight years on the first and second floors, then lead supervisor on the 3-11 shift. She switched careers and run Case-Nic Cookies for 29 years on Main Street.

“It’s nice to come back and see everybody,” Tuohey said. “I loved working here, but once I had the kids it was hard to work that shift.”

Dorothy Casey spent 42 years at the hospital as a licensed practical nurse. She started as a nurse’s aide, then went back to school to become an LPN.

“I’ve been to every brunch so far,” Casey said. “It’s an honor to be recognized with all the changes taking place.”

Christine Kropf, corporate educator, is co-chair of the Daisy Committee with Jen Morgan, nursing supervisor. Kropf said they had 13 nominations this year. This is the second year the program has been in Medina Memorial Hospital.

“It’s a privilege to celebrate the incredible dedication and compassion of our nurses,” Morgan said. “Nurses are the heart of healthcare.”

Of all the nurses nominated for the Daisy Award this year, Washak was the one who really stood out, the committee shared.

“I was very surprised and honored,” Washak said.

Her mom, Vicki Washak said Pam deserved it.

“Pam had been working as an ICU nurse in Geneva Hospital,.” Vicki said. “She came home from Waterloo to take care of the old folks in her home town.”

Orleans Community Health’s CEO Marc Shurtz added congratulatory remarks and greeted guests throughout the room.