SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Annie Manley, RN, BSN, Regional West’s nursing recruiter and staff development coordinator, is the facility’s 2023 Caring Kind Award recipient.

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 Caring Kind Award honor.

Manley’s nomination praised her recruitment efforts and her ability to connect with local nursing students.

“She is the driving force with communications and events for local nursing students at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC). She is bridging the gap between students and leadership at those events,” her nomination read. “I enjoy working recruitment events with her to see and hear the joy in her voice that she gets from being such a big piece of the puzzle that makes working at Regional West great.”

Regional West Chief Human Resources Officer Stacie Kallsen, M.Ed, SHRM-CP, reflected on Manley’s journey and expressed admiration for her leadership abilities.

“Annie started with Regional West as a certified nurse assistant (CNA), worked as a nurse extern, and then became a registered nurse in the ICU where she cared for our most critical patients. In the past few months Annie has added additional duties as a staff developer in the Clinical Education Department, all while continuing as a full-time recruiter and working in the Emergency Department when needed,” said Kallsen. “When Annie came to Human Resources as a nursing recruiter, she showed us the genius of having someone who understands the nursing field recruit the best nurses. We are fortunate to have Annie build relationships with an unprecedented number of new nurse grads this year.”

“She truly reflects the mission, vision, and values of Regional West in every way. Annie leads by example and is a great coworker and consummate professional. She inspires all of us to tap into our skills and do what is in the best interest of our patients each day.”

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. Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.