ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — Cayuga Health proudly announces Amy Blanden of Cayuga Medical Associates as the recipient of their inaugural Outstanding Nurse of the Year Award. The award was announced at the first Florence NightinGathering, held on May 3rd at the Stratton Inn in Newfield. Named after Florence Nightingale, the award celebrates the hard work and excellence exhibited by Cayuga Health nurses.

Amy Blanden stood out among the top nominees for the award as a result of her dedication to her patients and peers, as well as her eagerness to go the extra mile for others. Below is an excerpt from her nomination:

“Amy is without a doubt one of the kindest souls and is an excellent nurse. She demonstrates person-centered care in our office every day with colleagues and patients. She recently stepped into the Clinical Coordinator role for Cayuga Orthopedics, and I couldn’t think of a better nurse for this [leadership] role. Before becoming manager, she was always jumping in to help other staff members and patients to provide the best care possible. This has not changed since stepping into her new position… She will always round on clinics and help wherever it is needed.”

The other nominees for the award were Rachel Lambert and Jennifer Hatch. Lambert was recognized for her diligence and attentiveness, part of her nomination reading: “Her patients are always well cared for, and this is universally known…Working with Rachel creates a sense of calm on the unit because she is such an exemplary nurse.”

Hatch’s nomination attests to her tenacity, reading: “I cannot think of a better example than Jennifer as a dedicated, determined nurse who embodies the spirit of Florence Nightingale in her everyday nursing practice. She advocates for all patients to receive high-quality, equitable treatment regardless of social determinants of health factors, and goes above and beyond to improve the equity of care delivery.”

Several other awards were given to exemplary Cayuga Health employees, including:

  • The Structural Empowerment Award, presented to Marisa Foehr of Cayuga Medical Center (CMC).
  • The Exemplary Professional Practice Award, given to Casey Gallagher of Cayuga Health System (Schuyler Hospital and CMC).
  • The New Knowledge and Innovation Award, bestowed upon Jill Buratto of CMC.
  • The Quality Improvement and Clinical Outcomes Award, awarded to Kylie Spooner of Cayuga Health System.
  • The Transformational Leadership Award, received by Clara LaBarr of Schuyler Hospital.

Cayuga Health expresses their deepest gratitude to the award nominees and winners for their devotion to providing the utmost care for all.