CELEBRATING NURSES AND MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH PROVIDERS

Applekamp, Laurie
[email protected] | (405) 415-1262 [email protected] Applekamp, Laurie

Oklahoma Nurse of the Year Awards

DATE: Thursday, November 6, 2025  |  TIME: 6 p.m.
LOCATION: Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre
ADDRESS: 1544 OK-9, Norman, OK 73072
 

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Event description

The chefs, volunteers and guests who make up our Signature Chefs Events community are coming together in new, innovative ways to suport moms and babies this year.

We are following state mandated guidelines in response to COVID-19 and will not have an in-person event this year. So, we are preparing an exciting, new Virtual Gala for your 2020 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction experience!

We need your help now more than ever. Your support funds:

  • COVID-19 interventions and support for moms and babies
  • Programs that promote health equity for moms and babies and directly combat racial disparities in maternal and child health
  • Free virtual NICU support program for families
  • Virtual prenatal programs for moms-to-be
  • Educational programs, including live Facebook panel discussions, to get info into the hands of moms and families
  • Necessary supplies for expectant mothers including blood pressure cuffs and masks and so much more!

Support the mission

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Make a Contribution

Become a sponsor

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Local Contact Person, Region
[email protected] | Phone # Contact Us

EVENT DETAILS

Join us Thursday, November 6th at the Riverwind Casino Showplace Theatre for the 2025 Nurse of the Year Awards Gala. Together we will honor the incredible accomplishments of Oklahoma's most talented nursing professionals.

6:00pm-registration and reception
7:00pm-dinner/program

March of Dimes will be celebrating the 16th year of honoring nursing excellence in our great state. We are honored to pay tribute to nursing excellence and the tireless efforts of nurses throughout the state of Oklahoma while also raising money for the mission of March of Dimes.

    EVENT LEADERSHIP- 2025 Chair

Chair
Kerri Bayer, DNP, MSN, RN is the Regional Chief Nursing Officer for SSM Health Oklahoma. She brings more than 25 years of experience in patient centered and compassionate nursing care. 

We celebrate the nursing profession by recognizing extraordinary nurses throughout our community and honoring those who make a difference in the lives of so many.

Whether serving as educators, researchers or health care providers, nurses are critical to improving the health of families.

For 86 years, March of Dimes has worked to improve the health of mothers and babies. By joining us to honor the outstanding health professionals at the Nurse of the Year Awards gala, you’re helping March of Dimes continue to make a tremendous impact in our community through research, education, advocacy and outreach. 

Thank you for helping us recognize deserving nurses.

 
Selection Committee Chair                 
Melissa Alvillar-Comanche County Memorial Hospital

Leadership Committee                       
Amber McKinzie – Bethany Children's Health Center
Amy Burnett –Norman Regional Health System
Angela Beddor – OCOM 
Angie Kamermayer – INTEGRIS Edmond
Annette Troxell – Norman Regional Health System
Beth Hall - Hillcrest 
Cathy Broome – SSM St. Anthony
Charlotte Meyer - SSM St. Anthony 
Christine McMurray – Norman Regional Health System
Cindy Leathers – Saint Francis Hospital
Donna Delise – Community Hospital
Elaine Banks – Ascension St. John
Erica Woolf - OSU Medical 
Jackie Aguilar - Stillwater Medical Center 
Jackie Lockett – SSM St. Anthony
Jami Reed – Specialty Care Pediatrics
Jamie Barnes Polski – Norman Regional Health System
Jeanne Campbell – Stillwater Medical Center
Jennifer Bramlett - Mercy
Jill Hughes – INTEGRIS Health
Jennifer Renner - Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
Kara Rother –Mercy
Krista Reyna – McBride Hospital
Kristen Webb – Duncan Regional Hospital
Laura Beck - Mercy Ada
Linda Merkey – Nursing Consultant
Lyndsey Smith - Mercy Ada
Margo Carpenter – SSM St. Anthony
Melissa Filter - Mercy Ardmore 
Michelle Welander – OU Health
Myka Oberlechner – OU Health
Paula Griffith – Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Paula Weathers - Choctaw Nation
Penny Ramierez – Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Pidge Lohr - INTEGRIS Health 
Rebecca Shepherd – Cherokee Nation Hospital
Rachelle Criger – Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Sandra Payne - SSM St. Anthony 
Shaun Horton – OU Medical Center Edmond
Shelley Greenhaw - Medtronics 
Stefanie Beavers – OU Health
Tarasina Compagni – Norman Regional Health System
Terra Collie – INTEGRIS Canadian Valley
Vicki Cantrell – OU Health
 
 

2025 NURSE OF THE YEAR
AWARD CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS

Registered and Licensed Practical nurses in Oklahoma that are in good standing with the OK State Board of Nursing are eligible. 
Nominee must exemplify an extraordinary level of caring and compassion in the delivery of patient care services. Nominee is perceived as a leader among peers and affects positive change in the profession, workplace and community. 


ADVANCED PRACTICE
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse Psychotherapist. 
 
CHARGE NURSE
Includes nurses in all clinical areas who function in the Charge, Lead or Shift role (Does not include Relief Charge)
 
CRITICAL CARE
Includes adult ICU/CCU, IMC, Cath lab and special procedures, PTCA Interventional Radiology, Cardiology, with intermediate care units.  
 
EDUCATION
Includes University / Junior College, Hospital and Community (schools etc.) Research  

EMERGENCY
ER, flight, ambulance, pre-hospital, telephone triage and Peds ER. 
 
GENERAL MEDICAL / SURGICAL
Medical, surgical, orthopedics, neurological, renal respiratory, cardiovascular, nursing dependent upon specialty for either category 

HOUSE SUPERVISOR
A registered, competent, professional nurse who supervises, directs, and supports the nursing staff on all shifts. Has strong clinical and problems solving skills and acts as administrative representative of the hospital in the absence when the administrative team is not on site 

INFECTION CONTROL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH,
QUALITY & RISK MANAGEMENT
Nursing in IC/EH and Occupational Health Settings, Performance Improvement, Quality Management, Risk Management, Informatics, Patient Advocate, Patient Safety in Community and/or Hospital. 

 

NURSING INNOVATION IN CLINICAL ADVANCEMENT AND/OR HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
Recognizes an individual (nurse, doctor, researcher or other clinical provider) whose innovation has improved patient safety, quality of care and patient outcomes in the healthcare environment or healthcare technology. Innovation can be in the form of products, programs, projects, or interventions. 
 
LPNs
LPN’s serving in roles to assist the registered nurses and doctors in a patient setting.  

NURSING EXECUTIVE
Includes Consultants, CNE’s, CNO’s, VP’s, System Service Line Directors   

NURSING ADMINISTRATOR
Administrative Directors, Clinical Directors of 3 or more units, Single Hospital Service Line Directors  
 
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Clinical Director/Nursing Manager/Unit Manager of 2 or less departments/Unit Supervisor 

NEONATAL/PEDIATRIC
Nursery, general pediatric units, pediatric clinics, PICU and NICU 
 
PUBLIC HEALTH, AMBULATORY CARE, & OTHER NURSING SPECIALTIES
Public health, clinic, office and other ambulatory care settings and/or school, government agencies, Indian health facilities, reservations, Parish, prison nursing and/or transplant coordinator, nursing caring for patients in Behavioral Health, Hospice, Home Health, Long Term Acute, Rehabilitation, etc.  
 
RISING STAR
Nurse within the first 2 years of practice who exemplifies outstanding caring, leadership, and professionalism. 

SURGICAL SERVICES
Perioperative, Preoperative, PACU, Day Surgery, and/or Endoscopy. 

WOMEN'S HEALTH
Antepartum, Intrapartum, Maternal/Baby Care, Postpartum and Gynecology. 

 

 

Nominations for the 2024 awards are now closed

NOMINATE

BECOME A SPONSOR

The March of Dimes in Oklahoma is celebrating the 15th anniversary of nursing excellence in the most meaningful way, through partnerships with hospitals, health care facilities, organizations, vendors and individuals.

Sponsorship activation opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our Oklahoma Heroes in Action (formerly Nurse of the Year), and this is a great way to provide integration and civic engagement while paying tribute to nurses. Partnerships can be customized for this special event based on your company's marketing needs and objectives. Sponsorship opportunities

Let's connect!  For more information on how to become involved or activate your brand with the Oklahoma Nurse of the Year 15th anniversary campaign, contact Laurie Applekamp, Executive Director, (405) 415-1262 or [email protected]. 

 

2025 NURSE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

Hundreds of applications across the defined categories ranging from Advanced Practice to Women's Health are reviewed and scored by high-ranking nurse leaders. Through this competitive process, finalists within each category are then determined. The March of Dimes is proud to announce and honor the 2025 Nurse of the Year finalists.

2025 Nurse of the Year Awards Finalists 

Advanced Practice
Susan Bedwell, OU Health
Blayne Bordwine, Oklahoma Children's Hospital
Brandy Burgess, Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing
Dallas England, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Jessica Kennedy, Stillwater Medical Center


Charge Nurse
Susan Allen, Oklahoma Children's Hospital
Jessica Caldwell, Comanche Country Memorial Hospital
Tonya Carver, Integris Canadian Valley Hospital
Kent Kinzer, Comanche Country Memorial Hospital
Stacey Purintun, Integris Canadian Valley Hospital


Critical Care
Victoria Fletcher, Integris Baptist Medical Center
Mehgan Hand, Ascension St John
Bailey Johnson, OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center
Jess Mathews, INTEGRIS Canadian Valley Hospital
Shawn Svob, Integris Health Enid


Education
Dustin Brown, Oklahoma Children's Hospital
Lauri Jones, Tulsa Community College
Jenny Pinkerton, Metro Technology Centers
Katie Vaughan, OCOM Hospital
Kellie Westfahl, Integris Health Woodward Hospital


Emergency 
Kendra Alverson, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Latrecia (Nicci) Armstrong, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Amber Cotton, Integris Health Edmond
Shirley Font, Integris Health
Danielle Horgan, Comanche County Memorial Hospital


General Medical/Surgical
Aleyna Wise, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Amanda Avey, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Melissa Phillips, SSM Health
Kacey Price, Integris Edmond
Sarah Schram, Stillwater Medical Center


House Supervisor
Pam Caldwell, SSM St. Anthony Hospital
Matthew Newcomb, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
Mikayla Gathers, Oklahoma Children's Hospital
Anne Quinn, Integris Health Southwest Medical Center
Jodi Wilson, INTEGRIS Health


Infection Control, Occupational Health, Quality & Risk Management
Felicia Kofoed, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Rebecca Lewis, INTEGRIS Health
Dianna Marin, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Jon Oppel, INTEGRIS Health
Brenda Southwell, INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center


LPN
Nikki Martinez, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Lauren McBride, Norman Regional Hospital
Amanda Howze, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Tammy Parr, Stillwater Medical Blackwell and Stillwater Medical Perry
Jayme Ernest-Marshall, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Donna Jean Tarver, Mercy Hospital Ada


Neonatal/Pediatric
Melissa Hayes, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Ashley Hunsucker, Ascension St. John
Brittany Mullens, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital
Laura Sweeney, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital
Christine Washington, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital


Nursing Administration 
Jessica Golub, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Paula Griffith, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Monica Kraft, OU Health
Jamie Rankin, Mercy Hospital Ardmore
Melissa Rice, Oklahoma Children's Hospital


Nursing Executive
Stefanie Beavers, OU Health
Terra Collie, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
Tina Edwards, INTEGRIS Health Woodward
Kara Rother, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Michelle Welander, Oklahoma Children's Hospital


Nursing Management
Michele Bradshaw, INTEGRIS Health Edmond
Jennifer Edwards, Comanche County Memorial
Heather Lamb, INTEGRIS Canadian Valley
Jessica Ray, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Misty Rhea, INTEGRIS Canadian Valley


Nursing Innovation in Clinical Advancement and/or Healthcare Technology Partner
Shulawn Akanmu, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Kristinia Delozier, Choctaw Nation Health Services
Sarah Kitchen, INTEGRIS Health
Angela Lilienthal, INTEGRIS Health
Rachel Talley, Comanche County Memorial Hospital


Public Health, Ambulatory Care, & Other Nursing Specialties
Kristina Kriz, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Christi Jackson, Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Krystal Springfield, Mercy Hospital Ada
Brandi Watts, The Saville Center for Child Advocacy
Betty Wharton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma


Rising Star
Megan Baldwin, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Alyssa Hamill, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
Kyahna Hicks, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Tallulah Rosalez, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Eryn Smith, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley


Surgical Services
Kyla Davis, Stillwater Medical Center
Haley Kromer, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
Susan Milam, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Barbie Trent, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
Sharon Walker, Comanche County Memorial Hospital


Women’s Health
Courtney Ellis, Comanche County Memorial Hospital
Mariana Gonzalez, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
Stephanie Lowe, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley
Laura Marzano, Cherokee Nation W.W. Hastings Hospital
Robin Osborn, INTEGRIS Health Grove
 

2024 Influencer of the Year

The 2024 Influencer of the Year award brought an exciting new challenge to the Nurse of the Year program. This recognition encouraged nominees to amplify their impact by raising funds for life-saving research. Thanks to their incredible efforts, many nominees raised over $4,000, advancing the mission of healthier moms and babies. Michelle Welander of OU Health earned the distinction of being the inaugural Influencer of the Year, showcasing her dedication and passion for making a difference. This award celebrates the exceptional commitment of nurses who go above and beyond in their profession and advocacy.

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
Susan Gee

The Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious award given to a nurse nominated by their colleagues and peers.To be considered, the nominee must currently be practicing in the field of nursing, have a minimum of 35 years of experience, and be recognized as a nurse who consistently inspires others and demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, and respect in every interaction.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Susan Gee, a nurse whose remarkable 45-year career has been defined by dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to patient care. Over the years, she has made an indelible impact at Grady Memorial Hospital, Caddo Kiowa Technology Center, and currently at Comanche County Memorial Hospital, where she has worked in Labor and Delivery for over 15 years, serving as the Charge Nurse in a unit that welcomes over 120 babies each month.

Susan’s career began with inspiration from her mother, a respected nurse who instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and excellence. Throughout her tenure in labor and delivery, Susan has been a trailblazer, from advocating for best practices to reducing primary c-sections by 50% through her efforts to limit inappropriate inductions. She has seamlessly adapted to evolving healthcare technologies, demonstrating that even after decades of service, one can continue to lead, learn, and inspire others. Her leadership extends beyond the clinical setting, where she has mentored countless nurses, fostering a supportive environment where her humor, warmth, and passion for patient safety shine.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Susan has shaped the next generation of nurses as an instructor at Caddo Kiowa Technology Center, leaving a lasting legacy on her students and colleagues alike. She continues to serve as a mentor, preceptor, and guide for young nurses entering the field. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Susan’s leadership was especially notable as she led the charge in caring for mothers with the virus and organizing immunization clinics.

Beyond her professional achievements, Susan is a devoted wife, mother of three, and grandmother of eight, cherishing her roles in family life as much as in nursing. For her profound contributions to healthcare and her enduring legacy in labor and delivery, Susan Gee is a worthy recipient of the March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award.
 

Congratulations to the 2024 Nurse of the Year Winners

 

Advanced Practice 

Beckett Perkins, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
 

Charge Nurse 

Stacey Purintun, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital  
 

Critical Care 

Jess Mathews, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
 

Education 

Vicki Johnson, Norman Regional Health System
 

Emergency  

Madison Brady, INTEGRIS Health 
 

General Medical/Surgical 

Aaliyah Herron, INTEGRIS Health 
 

House Supervisor 

Emily Watson, Bethany Children's Health Center 
 

Infection Control, Occupational Health, Quality & Risk Management  

Brandon Byrd, Norman Regional Health System 
 

LPN 

Lauren McBride, Norman Regional Health System  
 

Neonatal/Pediatric 

Katherine Bracken, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital 
 

Nursing Administration  

Paula Griffith, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Nursing Executive 

Melissa Alvillar, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Nursing Management 

Tina Edwards, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
 

Nursing Innovation in Clinical Advancement and/or Healthcare Technology Partner 

Amy Hawley, Norman Regional Health System 
 

Public Health, Ambulatory Care, & Other Nursing Specialties  

Michelle Bero, Stillwater Medical Center Cardiology Clinic 
 

Rising Star 

Dakota Clayton, INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital 
 

Surgical Services 

Abbie Hixon, Comanche County Memorial Hospital 
 

Women’s Health 

Jessica Noll, OU Health  

 



 

View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.