Parkridge Health System, comprised of Parkridge Medical Center, Parkridge East Hospital, Parkridge West Hospital, Parkridge Valley Adult and Senior Campus and Parkridge Valley Child and Adolescent Campus, announced the 2015 Excellence in Nursing Award as well as well as Innovator Award recipients during a May 5 ceremony at the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga.

The Excellence in Nursing Awards honor nurses for their exceptional work in a more direct and formal capacity relating to patient care and the nursing profession.

Parkridge Health System 2015 Excellence in Nursing Award Recipients

Al Menard, RN

Professional Mentoring Parkridge Health System and TriStar Division Winner: As the top requested preceptor for nursing students, Al is a trusted voice for his dedication to the nursing profession and his commitment to sharing his knowledge at a practical level. He models excellent patient care from a clinical perspective and in his professional demeanor with patients and their families. Al was also named the TriStar Division winner in this category.

Jennifer Martinez, RN

Jennifer provides orientation and is a preceptor to the system’s new employees, taking student nurses “under her wing”. She takes the role seriously and is always available as a resource to newer nurses.

Erica Hamilton, RN

Erin’s leadership as a nurse supervisor sets a professional example to new and seasoned nurses alike.

Sarah Henke, RN

Sarah is dedicated to finding ways to make the patient experience better and to help her colleagues. She serves as a preceptor, peer interviewer and on the peer advisory board.

Sophia Brown, RN

Sophia is frequently complimented by her patients as an exceptional nurse for her caring attitude and her innate ability to listen.

Lydia Lewis, RN

Lydia is described as a mentor with a wealth of knowledge who helps make good decisions not only for patients, but for colleagues and physicians as well.

Kim Cummings

Surgery scrub tech Kim Cummings was given special mention in the Compassionate Care category for her work on medical missions to Guatemala.

Winners of the Innovator Award were Kenya Clopton and Shannon DeRogtis with, center, Parkridge Health System Chief Nurse Executive Deborah Deal.

Innovator Award

Shannon DeRogotis, RN

Shannon is recognized for her development and implementation of the Automated Stroke Log that promotes real time data collection to identify opportunities and education needs of stroke patients.

Kenya Clopton, RN

Kenya is recognized for her Respiratory Assess and Treat program idea to decrease length of stay and readmission rates due to respiratory disease.


Pictured Above: Parkridge Health System named the winners of its Excellence in Nursing Awards May 5 at a ceremony at the Tennessee Aquarium. Pictured are Al Menard, who was also named the TriStar Division winner; Jennifer Martinez; Sarah Henke; and Kim Cummings. Unavailable for the photo were winners Erin Hamilton, Sophia Brown and Lydia Lewis.