Last fall, Regional West nurse recruiter and staff development coordinator Anastasia Manley received the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) Caring Kind Award, recognizing her commitment to excellence at Regional West.

The Caring Kind Award, presented annually by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), honors outstanding healthcare employees who have demonstrated compassion for patients, cooperation with co-workers, and dedication to excellence in their job responsibilities. Since 1979, Nebraska hospitals have honored their finest employees with The Caring Kind Awards. NHA member hospitals statewide are eligible to select one award recipient from their respective institutions to receive the honor.

Manley’s journey at Regional West started nine years ago when was a nurse extern and certified nurse assistant (CNA) during nursing school. After she graduated in 2016, she became an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse. Five years in, she was drawn to a nurse recruitment role, and since then she has enjoyed talking to experienced nurses, as well as nursing students, about the exciting opportunities at Regional West.

“I get to go out and talk to students, which is probably one of my favorite things,” she said. “When I was working on the ICU unit, I loved when students would come and we would work side by side. It’s great to see these excited and eager potential employees who are going to be entering the nursing field, and I’m able to talk to them about everything Regional West offers,” she said.

In 2023, Manley recruited 29 new nurse graduates – a notable feat. To date, Manley has added 17 new graduate registered nurses and one licensed practical nurse this year.

In addition to her nurse recruitment duties, Manley also works as a staff developer in the Clinical Education department and picks up shifts in the Emergency Department when needed.

Regional West Chief Human Resources Officer Stacie Kallsen, M.Ed, SHRMP-CP, said Manley’s nursing background provides priceless expertise.

“When Anastaisa came to Human Resources as a nurse recruiter, she showed us the genius of having someone who understands the nursing field recruit great nurses,” Kallsen said. “We are fortunate to have her build relationships with an unprecedented number of new nurse graduates. She truly reflects the mission, vision, and values of Regional West in every way.”

As Manley continues to succeed in her role, she gives credit to her team for their support.

“The team I work with day in and day out are some of the most caring and dedicated people. As a team, we really strive to make sure that we do what we can to give every patient who comes through our doors the best outcome and experience,” she said. “It was such an honor to receive this award, but I know that without my wonderful team and the employees of Regional West, I would not be able to accomplish my goals each day.”