Bothwell recognizes staff during National Nurses Week

Bothwell Regional Health Center celebrated National Nurses Week by recognizing nominees and presenting its Nurse of the Year, Nurse Preceptor of the Year and Nursing Support Staff of the Year awards at its annual award ceremony.

National Nurses Week is celebrated May 6–12 to honor the contributions of nurses across the globe. Bothwell’s 2026 theme is, “The Power of Nurses,” highlighting the strength, expertise and dedication that nurses and support staff demonstrate each day in caring for patients, supporting their peers and lifting the community.

Nominees for Nurse of the Year must be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) who has worked at Bothwell for at least one year. Nominees for Nurse Preceptor of the Year must be an RN or LPN who has served in a preceptor role and demonstrated outstanding commitment to mentoring and developing new nurses. Nominees for Nursing Support Staff of the Year are unlicensed patient support staff who also have at least one year of service and work in any nursing department. Award recipients are nominated by peers for providing care aligned with Bothwell’s four values of community, purpose, integrity and joy. 

Cindy Gail, a registered nurse in Surgery, is Bothwell’s 2026 Nurse of the Year. With 40 years of experience as an operating room nurse, Gail has taken on the majority of precepting responsibilities for the influx of new nurses and scrub techs, ensuring each new team member feels supported, confident and prepared.

“Cindy demonstrates integrity in all that she does,” her nominator said. “Her 40 years of experience are evident in her strong work ethic, clinical excellence and unwavering reliability. Physicians and anesthesia providers consistently rely on Cindy, knowing that when she is in the room, everything will be handled safely, efficiently and with the highest level of professionalism. She leads by example, earning the trust and respect of the entire surgical team.”

Nominees for Nurse of the Year included Luci Manolias, Clinic Leadership; Katelyn Lorenz, Progressive Care Unit; Addison Miesner, Women’s Health and Newborn Care; Susan Lamb, Susan O’Brien Fischer Cancer Center; Sarah Cordes, Women’s Health and Newborn Care; Rebecca Eldenburg, Education; Courtney Price, Susan O’Brien Fischer Cancer Center; and Tory Kroeschen, Nursing Informatics.

Erick DeGuzman, a nurse in the Emergency Department, received the 2026 Nurse Preceptor of the Year award. Known by many as the “silent soldier,” DeGuzman leads with consistent presence, clinical expertise and a deep dedication to those around him.

“Erick demonstrates exceptional excellence in preceptorship through his calm, organized and thoughtful approach to teaching,” his nominator said. “In the fast-paced Emergency Department, he creates a structured and supportive learning environment where orientees feel challenged and encouraged. He doesn’t just teach tasks, he teaches critical thinking, prioritization and confidence, ensuring that each nurse he mentors grows into a competent and independent practitioner.”

Nominees for Nurse Preceptor of the Year included Cassie Kindle, Infusion and Procedure; Robin Bland, Emergency Department; Katelyn Lorenz, Progressive Care Unit; and Sara McLemore, Women’s Health and Newborn Care.

Heidi Rivera, Unit Secretary and Certified Nurse Assistant in Women’s Health and Newborn Care, received the 2026 Nursing Support Staff of the Year award. Known for her servant-hearted approach and proactive dedication to her unit, Rivera plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly.

“Heidi brings joy to our workplace through her positive attitude, friendly demeanor and willingness to help others,” her nominator said. “She is always smiling, approachable and ready to jump in wherever she’s needed. Her encouragement and support create meaningful connections with patients and staff. Heidi’s presence truly makes a difference; we could not run our unit without her.”

Additional nominees for Nursing Support Staff of the Year included Bridget Summers, Progressive Care Unit; Mary Thomas Black, Bothwell Eldenburg Family Practice; and Michelle “Muffy” Potts, Women’s Health and Newborn Care. 

Michele Laas, Bothwell’s chief nursing officer, presented the awards and expressed appreciation for the entire nursing staff.

“Our nurses and support staff embody the true power of nursing every single day,” Laas said. “They empower patients, lift their teammates and strengthen our community through their compassion and commitment. It is an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals and all the nominees who represent the very best of what nursing looks like at Bothwell.”

Bothwell employs nearly 400 nursing professionals across its hospital and clinics, including nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse assistants, constant observers, ED care techs and ward clerks.