Sacred Heart Nurse Lara Cooper Honored with 2018 Nursing Excellence Award

Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (SHHEC) recently honored one of its nurses with the 2018 Nurse Excellence Award in recognition of the exceptional care she provides to patients. Nina Jeffords, chief nursing officer for Sacred Heart Health System, recognized Lara Cooper, RN, the hospital’s spine center coordinator with this award. Cooper has been with Sacred Heart Hospital for 10 years and was recognized for her positive attitude, being an excellent mentor to others, taking exceptional care of her patients and her commitment to the safety of patients. A fellow associate said of Cooper, “She doesn’t hesitate to aid the nurses, therapists, techs and other ancillary departments during the day, making it an even better work environment. Her energy level and joyfulness here is infectious.”

“Preoperative education and her peri and postoperative communication has shown to be instrumental in the successful outcomes of our patients and will be more broadly adopted throughout the Ascension system due to her initiatives,” said Dr. Kornelis Poelstra, medical director of the spine center. Jeffords also recognized all nominees for their outstanding dedication, patient care and superior performance in their nursing careers.

• Jennifer Foreman, Intensive Care Unit
• Casey Posada Medical/Surgical Unit
• Travis Martin, Intensive Care Unit
• Amee Ketelsen, Pre-Surgery Department

“I am extremely proud of our nurses,” said Jeffords. “They are instrumental to creating a culture of high quality and safety for our patients and staff. The support and commitment of nurses who lead the charge to build healthy communities, advocating for the poor to have access to health care exemplifies the mission of Sacred Heart Hospital and I am thankful for the positive impact they bring to our ministry.”

Each year, fellow employees, physicians and patients submit nurse recommendations for the Nurse Excellence Awards. Nurses are selected based on their commitment to criteria including leadership, community involvement and educational development.