SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Melissa Rupp, RN, lead occupational health nurse at Regional West’s Scottsbluff campus, was recently named the facility’s 2022 Caring Kind Award recipient.

The Caring Kind Award, presented annually by the Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), honors outstanding healthcare staff members 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 staff members with The Caring Kind Awards.

Regional West Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Margo Ferguson, MT, MSOM, CPHQ, praised Rupp’s leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as she navigated uncharted territory.

“Melissa is very passionate about occupational health and truly cares about the health of Regional West’s staff members,” said Ferguson. “She has led the Occupational Health department through unprecedented changes brought on by COVID-19, including staff testing programs, education, screening, vaccination programs, and ever-changing regulations. Melissa has a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to her field that is evident every day.”

NHA member hospitals statewide are eligible to select one award recipient from their respective institutions to receive The Caring Kind Award honor.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 in-network providers and approximately 2,000 staff members, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.