For Immediate Release
Contact:    Danielle Marie Flores
                 Marketing Director
                 830-769-5276

05/12/2008
April Smith, RN honored at private luncheon

Jourdanton, TX– When South Texas Regional Medical Center (STRMC) asked former patients to nominate nurses who exceeded expectations, the community responded with an incredible number of nominations. The Patient Choice Award recognizes the exceptional care, comfort and compassion offered by the nurses at STRMC, and honors one nurse in particular.

As part of National Nurse's Week, May 6-12, April Suzette Smith, RN, was honored by STR's Administrative Team with a private awards luncheon. Smith's family members, patients and distinguished guests of honor were on hand to witness her achievement.

STR's distinguished guests included, Jim Andrus, Chairman of STR Board of Trustees; Michael McFarland, M.D., Chief of Staff; Chun Wang Tan, Medical Director of STR's Heart and Lung Center; Larry Pryor, cardiac rehab patient and Mayor of The City of Jourdanton; Mary Franz, graduate cardiac rehab patient; Earl Young, cardiac rehab patient Ascencion Moreno, graduate cardiac rehab patient; and Pablo Salazar, cardiac rehab patient.

Gerardo Flores, Chief Nursing and Operating Officer; awarded Smith her framed certificate and bonus check in recognition of her achievement.

Why would STRMC ask former patients to be so involved in spotlighting an exceptional nurse, rather than making the choice internally?

"At STRMC, all of our nurses do an exceptional job at delivering quality care to our community's patients each and everyday. It is impossible for nurse management to single out one nurse when there are so many nurses throughout our distinct departments that our caring for our patients," says Gerardo Flores, Chief Nursing Officer for General Hospital. "That's why we asked patients to help us make the choice. Their feedback and experiences about the things that matter most to them as patients, on a very personal level, are what enables us to honor one of our many great nurses."

Smith is a Cardiopulmonary Rehab Nurse. Her responsibilities include Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, Stress testing and acting liaison for American Heart Association's Get With the Guidelines. She has been with the hospital for 6 years. Smith transferred from the Surgery Department in August of 2007 to the Heart and Lung Center.

Overall, Smith has been a nurse for 10 years. She garnered an Associates Degree in Science prior to her enrollment in nursing school to obtain her degree as a Registered Nurse. She went on to attend Victoria College, where she received an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Nursing. Past employment experience includes working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN) in the areas of Pre-Natal and Post-Partum Care, Pediatrics, Oncology and Family Practice. April Smith lives in Charlotte with her husband Shawn Smith, and their 6 children.

STRMC wishes to congratulate and thank April Suzettte Smith for her contribution towards our medical center.

April Smith surrounded by her dedicated Cardiac Rehab Patients. From left to right: Larry Pryor, Mayor of Jourdanton and patient; Mary Franz, graduate patient; Earl Young, patient; Ascencion Moreno, graduate patient; and Pablo Salazar,patient.

Michael Pierce, CEO, Jim Andrus, Chairman of STR Board of Trustees, Dr. Michael McFarland, and Gerardo Flores, CNO, surround April after her award ceremony.