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Franciscan Health announces Excellence Award recipients

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields presented its annual excellence awards to the 2022 Nurse of the Year, Nurse Leader of the Year and Team Member of the Year. Announced as the hospital celebrated National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, the awards recognize the exceptional contributions made by all Franciscan coworkers to the benefit of Franciscan Health’s patients, the community, and each other. 

Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Nursing Excellence Award winners are, from left, Melissa Zartuche, Nurse Leader of the Year; Norman Lazo, Nurse of the Year; and Kathleen Markus, Team Member of the Year. (Provided photo)

Norman Lazo, patient care coordinator on the 2500 Unit, was named the 2022 Nurse of the Year. He was selected from a distinguished group of nominees who promote patient and coworker safety, mentor nursing coworkers and work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team.

“I have never seen Norman be negative,” his nominator said. “His answer is always, ‘we will figure it out.’ I have seen him help his peers when needed. He explains the plan of care for the telemetry unit and offers help to all unit staff.”

Melissa Zartuche, manager of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, was named 2022’s Nurse Leader of the Year. Her nominator said, “Melissa has built a culture around support and teamwork. She is seen rounding on the unit with staff and has built a sense of trust and coworker engagement, and momentum to provide excellent care.” 

Nurse Leader of the Year nominees support their team, create a sense of trust and togetherness on the unit, lead with confidence and decisiveness, and demonstrate success in moving quality improvement initiatives.

Imaging Services CT technician Kathleen Markus was selected 2022 Team Member of the Year, an award that can be given to any Franciscan Health staff member who fosters teamwork, exhibits a positive attitude and approach, and is focused on patient safety.

“Kathy is a team player,” her nominator said. “She works for the benefit of the whole organization. She is professional, kind, and considerate. She always returns her patients better than they came in.” 

All were nominated by their peers for the exceptional work they do modeling Franciscan Values: Respect for Life, Fidelity to Our Mission, Compassionate Concern, Joyful Service and Christian Stewardship. 

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