Registered nurse Maureen McCurry was named by Calvert Memorial Hospital as Nurse of the Year for 2011. McCurry, who joined CMH in 1988, is noted for her teamwork, positive attitude and her dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

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โ€œHer professional demeanor, positive attitude and caring shine like a ray of light through the sky on a cloudy day,โ€ said co-worker Caroline Combs. โ€œShe is the example of what I someday hope to become.โ€

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McCurry, who is the mother of seven from ages one to 21, works the weekend night shift on the Level 2 medical/surgical unit. She also cross-trained for the ER, serves as a clinical coordinator, is a safety coach and is active in the shared governance council. Recently, she earned her national board certification as a progressive care nurse.

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โ€œCMH is fortunate to have so many nurses who are board certified in their specialty,โ€ said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis. โ€œItโ€™s comforting to know that these highly experienced nurses are mentoring our new graduates.โ€

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โ€œOur nursing team plays a critical role in the high quality of care we provide at CMH,โ€ he said. โ€œTheir commitment to caring and dedication to excellence make us all proud to work here.โ€ย 

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According to Bev Heaney, who chaired the selection process, the Nurse of the Year award was established to recognize the many contributions that the hospitalโ€™s nurses make throughout the year. The nurses are nominated by their peers and evaluated based on five key attributes โ€“ initiative, advocacy, team support, empathy and nursing practice.

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The other nominees were Jean Davis, case management; Katie Gott, Level 2; Pam Hurley, Level 2; Chad Lankford, emergency department; Michele Nation, Level 2; Erin Parks, emergency department; Susan Perciasepe,