PRH names 2023 excellence awards

PULLMAN — The Pullman Regional Hospital recognized Nadia Rivas, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Emergency Department, as the outstanding Employee for 2023. Stephanie Knewbow, Registered Nurse and Director of the Emergency Department, with the Nurse Excellence Award 2023.

To be nominated for the Outstanding Employee Award, employees must have two or more years of service and updated licenses and certifications. A committee of past recipients selects the year’s awardee.

Having worked at Pullman Regional Hospital for five years as a CNA in the Emergency Department, four of Rivas’ colleagues nominated her for the annual honor of Outstanding Employee out of ten nominees.

Colleagues described Rivas as cheerful, helpful, proactive, and loved by her patients.

Comments noted her strong work ethic, intelligence, and desire to learn. In addition, Rivas is described as going above and beyond her job by vigilance in anticipating patient needs.

To receive the Nurse Excellence Award, LPN or RNs are recognized for going above and beyond their job requirements to provide patient care, demonstrating consistency concerning the organization’s cultural values.

Working at PRH for eleven years as an RN in the Emergency Department, Knewbow serves as Director, and four of her colleagues nominated her for the yearly Nurse Excellence honor out of nine nominees.

A colleague described Knewbow as responsive, smart, and humble.

“Stephanie is a great nurse leader, walking deftly between the patient, nursing, and physician worlds. She does a great job communicating with patients, making them feel heard, and ensuring they receive the safe care they deserve,” a colleague said.

A third nomination stated that Knewbow is one of the many nurses at PRH who takes a proactive approach to nurse care. They further describe her as an organizational leader, tireless, and never satisfied with the status quo.

“Not only does she continue to improve her areas of responsibility but also continues her journey with formal educational development,” the nomination said.