BSA Nurses Recognized as Panhandle Great 25 Nurses

“It is humbling and rewarding to lead a division of nurses here at BSA recognized among hundreds of nurses in this way,” shares BSA Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Belinda Gibson, RN, BSN, MAM. She is one of eight BSA nurses recognized in the second annual Panhandle Great 25 Nurses by the Texas Nurse Association for excellence in nursing. “I can only do what I do, because of the incredible nurses I work with every day.” Nominated by their peers in the community, nurses were selected based on five criteria - role model, leadership qualities, makes a significant contribution, is a compassionate caregiver and provides service to the community. Additional BSA nurses recognized include Crystal Ramos, RN, David Williams, RN, BSN, Jesus (Chuey) Hernandez, RN, BSN, Kristina Hudson, RN, BSN, Lisa Touma, RN, MSN, Mary Holcomb, RN, MSN, CPAN and Michele Gorday, RN.

As a nurse for 13 years and a rehabilitation nurse at BSA for six years, David Williams, RN, BSN, says this is first and foremost a recognition for the team of nurses in his department. “They are all deserving,” he says. “Rehabilitation is a real team effort. Some patients need extra time. My co-workers are always willing to help, answering call lights and assisting patients. Our mission statement says to provide quality healthcare in Christian love, service and dignity. That’s what Jesus called us to do and that’s what I’m trying to do every day.”

When Kristina Hudson, RN, BSN, trained to be a nurse in the Army, she was assigned to pediatrics. “Pediatric patients made me fall in love with nursing,” she adds of her 24-year career. “I can’t imagine doing anything else. Our patients get me up every day. Receiving this recognition makes my heart smile. It is pretty cool that people recognize you as being something special and your hard work.”

When Jesus (Chuey) Hernandez, RN, BSN, started his nursing career at BSA 10 years ago as a nurse tech, he wanted to help people like his mother. “Growing up, I was always at doctor appointments with my mom,” he shares. “There wasn't much patient education back then, and especially not if you spoke Spanish. I started out being a translator for my mom at her appointments. I realized then that nurses are important and can make a big impact on people every day.” Receiving recognition for the impact he has on patients, Chuey says, is humbling. “It really means a lot knowing that hard work pays off, but I do my job without expectation of rewards or recognition.”

Mary Holcomb, RN, MSN, CPAN, recently celebrated a significant milestone as BSA – 50 years of service in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. “You have to want to do what you do,” she explains. “It’s not just a profession, it’s a calling. The best part of nursing is the feeling you get in your heart after you’ve done something good and rewarding in a day’s time. Your back may ache and your feet may hurt when you go home, but it’s all worth it.” Learning that she was listed as one of the Panhandle Great 25 Nurses was a testament to answering that calling. “This award gave me an appreciation of what I have done, and what I have accomplished and what still can be accomplished.”

With an undeniable passion for nursing, Cath/EP Lab Supervisor Michele Gorday, RN, says becoming a nurse “is a dream come true” - a path that was laid out in front of her by the influential people in her life. “God put great parents and great leaders in my life, and He gave me wisdom to listen and learn from them,” she says. “This recognition is an opportunity to thank all of those who have influenced me, and my parents for being the first to believe in me. I am grateful for this recognition.” 

A clinical education coordinator and resource educator for nursing services, Lisa Touma, RN, MSN, says she knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a nurse. Today, the desire to help others grow in their nursing careers fuels her passion for the profession. “I love to empower nurses through education and I am very passionate about teaching,” she says. “I love to do that. I try to be a role model for all who I am with and around. I am truly humbled and honored to be among the other 25 nurses receiving this recognition.”

For Crystal Ramos, RN, nursing has provided her a purposeful career to make a difference in the lives of others every day. “There aren't many people whose lives haven't been touched in some form or fashion by the care a nurse provides,” she explains. “I am proud to be a part of a profession with such knowledge, respect and dedication.  I am proud to call myself a nurse! It’s an honor to be recognized by fellow nurses.”

October 12 the Panhandle Great 25 Nurses will be honored at a reception dedicated to recognizing the outstanding care they provide patients and their commitment to the community of Amarillo. It is an evening to give thanks for service that truly changes lives – in small ways and big ways. “Amarillo is a smaller community,” shares Belinda Gibson. “The people we care for are people we know. They are our neighbors and people we see at church. Nurses have such an outreach. It is the fiber of what they do and who they are. However, many nurses don’t recognize what they do every day as extraordinary, but it is.”

BSA is a Great Place to Work for nurses. If you are interested in joining our team, click here to view current opportunities and to apply online.