CMC Names Employees of the Year
2/20/2023
Carlsbad Medical Center recently named Teresa “Terry” Dean 2022 Employee of the Year, Christine “Chrissy” Nidy as Clinical Director of the Year and Melissa Suggs as Non-Clinical Director of the Year. The awards are the highest honors bestowed on a hospital employee each year.
“Health care requires a special blend of great people skills, tireless energy and the ability to work well under pressure,” says Carlsbad Medical Center CEO Nick Arledge. “People who work in health care share the common desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a pleasure to recognize our employees for their dedication to our patients, and to providing outstanding care.”
Employees are chosen for the awards by the CMC leadership team, with feedback from their peers, based on their commitment to patient care, their professionalism, and their contributions on the job.
Dean is a physical therapy tech who has worked at CMC for 41 years. “Terry is one of the reasons I became a Physical Therapist,” says Wendy Ricer, director of therapy services. “Her care and commitment to her team, to the patients and to our hospital is outstanding.” Dean’s co-workers say she has a way of making every person feel like they are special, always feels empathy towards her patients, and is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone, while delivering excellent care with the utmost compassion.
Nidy has worked for CMC for 10 years, with most of that time spent as a nurse in the emergency department. Most recently she has served as the nurse educator and infection control director for the last 2 1/2 years, taking the role right before the COVID-19 pandemic started. In addition to managing continuously changing pandemic rules and regulations, she oversaw numerous COVID vaccination clinics to ensure that hundreds of our employees, as well as first responders, teachers and other community members, were able to be vaccinated. She has also been able to significantly reduce hospital acquired infections through her one on one education with our nurses, which has resulted in safe, quality care for patients.
Suggs has been with CMC since 2008, and as the director of marketing she is responsible for assisting CMC and Pecos Valley Physician Group to grow in market share, community image and awareness by coordinating and implementing strategic marketing, advertising, social media, public relations and media relations initiatives. She also distributes a weekly employee newsletter to ensure that staff is informed of new technology, services and providers, as well as employee recognition and appreciation activities. Her co-workers have said that she really does not know how to say “no” to anyone, and always goes above and beyond to help with anything that is asked of her. She cares about the community, making sure that CMC staff are involved in community service activities, and is also a member of the Carlsbad Rotary Club and the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Service awards were also recently presented to both CMC and Pecos Valley Physician Group employees at CMC’s annual awards ceremony.
Several employees were recognized for their long-time dedication. Vonda Fitch, R.N., surgical services, was honored for an outstanding 40 years of service and was also presented with the Nursing Excellence Award. Regina Maples and Priscilla Methola were recognized for 25 years of service. Receiving 20 year pins were Lorna Dela Cruz, Jack Volpato and Lisa Hobbs.
Recognized for 15 years of service were Kiki Weston-Shydohub and Sonia Gutierrez. Employees receiving 10 year service pins were Melissa Holly, Elvira Browneller, Chrissy Nidy, Candyce Oliver, Betty Chila, Chariet Matthews, Jason Hernandez, and Vicky Teague.
Recognized for five years of service were Nick Estrada, Monique Ybarra, Reagan Leyva, Patty Landreth, Christina Villareal, Courtney Morales, Rebeca Dominguez, Amada Delgado, Raquel Burkham, and Dr. Gene Prendergast.
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