SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., – Seven nurses and two other Regional West employees were recognized in May for outstanding service to patients and coworkers in celebration of National Nurses Week at Regional West Medical Center.

Nursing award winners were selected in each of eight categories that represent nursing leadership. The award winners were nominated by colleagues and nursing students.

The 2014 Regional West Medical Center Nursing Awards recipients include: Becky Avila, RN, Emergency Department, for Nurse Preceptor; Brooke Dollarhide, RN, ICU/PCU, for Structural Empowerment; Josh Beals, RN, ICU/PCU, for Transformational Leadership; Ellen Otto, RN, Interventional Radiology, for Exemplary Professional Practice; Sandra Schwartz, LPN, Birth and Infant Care Center, Outstanding LPN Award; Melissa Amateis, RN, Emergency Department, for Empirical Outcomes; and Gillian Allen Blaha, RN, ICU/PCU, for New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements. Jeanette Weimer, Unit Secretary, 3rd floor Med/Surg; and Josh Lively, BS, RT (R)(VI), Special Procedures Technologist, Interventional Radiology, were both recognized with the Friend of Nursing Award.

Regional West Health Services, Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company for Regional West Medical Center and Regional West Physicians Clinic. These organizations, with over 1,800 employees, provide comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people and communities of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming. With over 110 active physicians, plus an additional 25 consulting specialists, the Regional West family of health care organizations offers care that spans more than 30 medical specialties.