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.
Montezuma County Health Department Director and nurse Bobbi Lock earned the Shining Star Nursing Award, “for exceptional nurses with more than 10 years experience who inspire compassionate healthcare.”
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.
The event also raised $1,000 for nursing scholarships.
Second-year nursing students Roger Youngs and Tracey Beanland, from Southwest Colorado Community College, were awarded nursing scholarships this year.
“Everyday, nurses work tremendously hard, selflessly giving and helping others,” said Kathleen McInnis, executive director for the Health Education Center.
“This 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.”
Lock’s entire staff supported her nomination for the award, said assistant health director Allison Duran.
“She is a great team leader, and her passion for health care motivates the department to do the best job we can serving the community,” Duran said.
‘Our own MacGyver’Anchando, who is also a trained social worker, came to nursing later in life, and found her calling helping Hospice clients.
“This award is confirmation that I made the right career choice,” she said. “I’m doing work that feels useful, and the recognition makes me feel appreciated. I love the supportive team at Hospice.”
Wendy Waygandt, executive director at Hospice of Montezuma, praised Anchando’s innovative approach to patient care.
“We call her our own MacGyver because of the tools she pulls out of her nursing bag to assist clients,” Waygandt said.
“She knows how to think on her feet, and is very dedicated.”
Besides a medical bag, Anchando brings a tool kit with clamps, chords, tubing, shin guards, straps and more.
She’s adept at fixing things to make her clients comfortable, allowing them to continue living safely and independently.
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.
Dove Creek physician assistant Martin Neubert, who nominated Anchando, said in another case her care inspired a Hospice patient to find a renewed spirit.
“Patience, an easy unassuming manner, and grace made a difference to this patient,” he wrote. “Anchando gave this patient life value.”
The client improved to the point she was able to be discharged from Hospice to continue living on her own.
“It was remarkable to see that change in her.
She started up her painting again and regained her independence,” Anchando said.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com