<\/p>\n
The Southwest Colorado Area Health Education Center recognized two local health professionals for their leadership skills during an awards banquet in Durango on March 17.<\/p>\n
Montezuma County Health Department Director and nurse Bobbi Lock earned the Shining Star Nursing Award, \u201cfor exceptional nurses with more than 10 years experience who inspire compassionate healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
Martha Anchando, a nurse with Hospice of Montezuma, was awarded the Rising Star Award for nurses with less than 10 years experience who show exceptional leadership.<\/p>\n
The event also raised $1,000 for nursing scholarships.<\/p>\n
Second-year nursing students Roger Youngs and Tracey Beanland, from Southwest Colorado Community College, were awarded nursing scholarships this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryday, nurses work tremendously hard, selflessly giving and helping others,\u201d said Kathleen McInnis, executive director for the Health Education Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a celebration to acknowledge all that they do and we hope that our fundraiser will encourage more young nursing professionals to strive for excellence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lock\u2019s entire staff supported her nomination for the award, said assistant health director Allison Duran.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is a great team leader, and her passion for health care motivates the department to do the best job we can serving the community,\u201d Duran said.<\/p>\n
Anchando, who is also a trained social worker, came to nursing later in life, and found her calling helping Hospice clients.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis award is confirmation that I made the right career choice,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m doing work that feels useful, and the recognition makes me feel appreciated. I love the supportive team at Hospice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wendy Waygandt, executive director at Hospice of Montezuma, praised Anchando\u2019s innovative approach to patient care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call her our own MacGyver because of the tools she pulls out of her nursing bag to assist clients,\u201d Waygandt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe knows how to think on her feet, and is very dedicated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Besides a medical bag, Anchando brings a tool kit with clamps, chords, tubing, shin guards, straps and more.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s adept at fixing things to make her clients comfortable, allowing them to continue living safely and independently.<\/p>\n
In one case, she rigged a strap system that gave a woman the leverage to easily turn on her oxygen tank so she could remain at home.<\/p>\n
Dove Creek physician assistant Martin Neubert, who nominated Anchando, said in another case her care inspired a Hospice patient to find a renewed spirit.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatience, an easy unassuming manner, and grace made a difference to this patient,\u201d he wrote. \u201cAnchando gave this patient life value.\u201d<\/p>\n
The client improved to the point she was able to be discharged from Hospice to continue living on her own.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was remarkable to see that change in her.<\/p>\n
She started up her painting again and regained her independence,\u201d Anchando said.<\/p>\n