April Stevens, a Carlsbad resident who has been a nurse at Artesia General Hospital for the past 15 years, received the Excellence in Rural Practice award presented by Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center at the 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards.  With over 800 people in attendance, the awards were hosted by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence and presented by Lovelace Health System Oct. 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort.  
Stevens, who is a staff nurse in the Emergency Department, was nominated for the award by David Marsh, Emergency Department Director of Artesia General Hospital.  The Rural Practice Award recognizes outstanding practice in small communities and rural health systems where access to care and resources provide unique challenges. Marsh cited Steven’s proactive problem-solving skills, explaining that when she noticed a pattern of severe cases of muscle injuries relating to rigorous desert training of students at the community’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, she worked with the Center’s staff to develop education on how to prevent these types of injuries.  That education is now incorporated in the Center’s orientation for new trainees. Stevens has worked at Artesia General Hospital since completing her Associate’s Degree in nursing in 1995 at New Mexico State University (NMSU)-Carlsbad.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NMSU in 2002.  She has completed independent and self-directed practice on the medical/surgical floor, Intensive Care Unit, operating room, and in the emergency department.  She is a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and holds numerous certifications, including TNCC (Trauma Nursing Course Certified), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), NRP (National Resuscitation Program), and BLS (Basic Life Support).

Marsh described Stevens as “fervent about teaching patients at discharge. .  .If the patient needs further understanding, April will research age and patient-specific teaching methods to ensure the patient is safe at discharge.” He also complimented Steven’s clinical expertise and compassionate spirit, citing a woman who 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards Honors Eddy County Nurse—First add arrived in full cardiac arrest, but was stabilized after exhaustive resuscitation efforts in the hospital’s emergency room.  “Every year since, on her ‘new birthday,’ this woman comes to the Emergency Department to see April and to say thank you,” he said. Kenneth W. Randall, Artesia General Hospital Chief Executive Officer, stated that the hospital “was honored to have two of our outstanding nurses chosen for this prestigious award.”  Irma Guillen, the Medical/Surgical Director was also nominated for excellence in Rural Practice.  “These two nurses demonstrate on a daily basis the quality care available in our small, rural communities,” he said.  Artesia General Hospital was the only acute care hospital outside of the Albuquerque/Santa Fe corridor to have an award honoree.  Artesia General Hospital also was the sponsor for the Excellence in Community Service award.  Read More…