CHI Health Gives Awards During National APP Week
Sarah Saldi Award
This award represents the CHI Core Value of Compassion. This is exemplified by showing care with listening, empathy, love, and comfort to those in need of healing. This award is in honor of our friend and colleague Sarah Saldi, NP, who we tragically lost in May of 2023.
Janeen Gass, PA, Family Medicine, Omaha
Janeen consistently exemplifies this value through her unwavering dedication to the well-being of her patients… She possesses a remarkable ability to listen with empathy, making each patient feel valued and understood. Her kindness and commitment to care are evident in the way she never turns a patient in need away…
Runner Up: Mary Cecilia Thomas, NP, Orthopedics, Omaha
Cecilia is always willing to take the extra time to listen to her patients and be a shoulder for them to lean on. She has gotten meals for patients who were homeless and hungry before and has even given one patient a ride to a shelter. She is always willing to adjust her schedule to come in early or stay late to ensure that patients have options that work for them when in need.
Tenured Award
This award is for an APP with 10 years or more of experience who represents the CHI Core Value of Integrity. This is exemplified by inspiring trust through honesty and demonstrating courage in the face of inequity.
John McFayden, CRNA, Anesthesia, Omaha
Beginning as a janitor and soon to retire as a CRNA, John goes above and beyond not just for his patient's, but also for his teammates. He will help anyone in need, stand up for what is right and continually goes above and beyond without question. He prays with his patients and he prays for our group before we begin our day.
Runner Up: Jennifer Sterner, NP, Cardiology, North Platte
Jennifer has a very kind, calm, and compassionate approach to patients. She takes the time to listen to their concerns, reassure them, and educate them. Patients consistently provide positive feedback on their surveys and often comment on the fact that she listens to them…
Preceptor Award
This award represents the CHI Core Value of Excellence. This is exemplified by serving with fullest passion, creativity, and stewardship, and exceeding expectations of others and ourselves.
Meghan Farquhar, NP, Neonatology, Omaha
Meghan’s dedication to mentoring and guiding new practitioners is evident in her ability to create a supportive and challenging learning environment. Meghan goes above and beyond to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in the NICU.
Runner Up: Anthony Mann, PA, Orthopedics, Omaha
Anthony is an amazing preceptor to all the PA students who come through. He takes the time to not only allow them to shadow in clinic, but also ensures to explain and teach throughout the day in a way that is interesting and beneficial… The students who train with Anthony leave with such an amazing education. …
Rising Star Award
This award is for an APP with 2 years or less of experience who represents the CHI Core Value of Inclusion. This is exemplified by celebrating each person’s gifts and voice and respecting the dignity of all.
Maggie Arnett, NP, Neurology, Grand Island
Maggie's dedication to empathetic patient care is truly exemplary. We had a clinic patient under her care who required elevated care. Through this process, Maggie demonstrated that she is genuinely invested in their well-being and healing…Her growth in knowledge has been phenomenal.
Runner Up: Jona Kerschner, NP, Internal Medicine, Omaha
Jona joined our clinic 2 years ago and in this short time has gained the respect of her colleagues and patients with her empathic care and positive attitude. I especially admire her work at Lasting Hope who deals with patients with mental health problems. It takes a special provider to establish rapport and gain the trust of this population.
Mentor Award
This award is for an APP who is either formally or informally a mentor to other APPs, and represents the CHI Core Value of Collaboration. This is exemplified by those who commit to the power of working together while building and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Kirsten Boedeker, NP, Hospital Medicine, Omaha
Kirsten creates a safe and supportive environment where mentees feel comfortable asking questions, exploring new ideas, and taking risks. She is a patient and encouraging guide, offering constructive feedback and celebrating successes. Kirsten's mentorship has helped APPs develop their skills, build their confidence, and achieve their professional goals.
Runner Up: Carrie Dahl, NP, ENT, Omaha
I have had the privilege of learning from Carrie and having her as a mentor first, as a student with Carrie as my preceptor; and now as a colleague. Carrie always takes the time to teach, to work together, and to encourage and empower her students and coworkers. She is always helpful and willing to take an extra step to ensure any learner has a great experience.
APP Champion Award
This award represents a CHI non-APP employee who serves as a support and champion for APPs.
Judy Wiggins, RN, Market Director, Cardiovascular Service Line, Lincoln
Judy takes time to listen to her providers and really sits and listens to what they are saying in a way that lets them know that she is working towards the best outcome for the APP, patient, AND organization. She handles difficult conversations with grace and respect.
Beth Ernst, Physician, Family Medicine, Kearney
Beth allows and encourages collaboration between the APPs and herself.She provides a safe place to ask questions.She is a stalwart supporter of APP's across the organization. She makes you feel as if APPs are equal partners in her practice and sees us as an extension of her care team.