Cherokee Uniforms declare Inspired Comfort Award winners

05 Nov '13

6 min read

Cherokee Uniforms, a leading provider of healthcare apparel, announced the winners of its 11th annual Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award. The award honors five nurses and a volunteer from across the country for their impact on the lives of others through extraordinary patient care, sacrifice and innovation while serving as an inspiration to others.

"Cherokee is thrilled to recognize this year's winners for their dedication, compassion and excellence," said Michael Singer, Chief Executive Officer of Cherokee Uniforms. "Each of these individuals represents our nation's remarkable healthcare heroes who serve their patients and communities every single day."

This year's award honors winners in categories including: Registered Nurses (RNs), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs), students enrolled in nursing school and other Non-Physician Healthcare Professionals. Judges selecting honorees include Cherokee Uniforms professionals, national nurse leaders and former Inspired Comfort Award recipients.

The 2013 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award winners include:

1) Registered Nurses (RNs):

- Grand Prize - Kristin von Thelen, RN, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville, VA

Kristin von Thelen's passion for caring for others extends beyond the walls of the hospital where she serves as a labor and delivery nurse. For the last 20 years, von Thelen has donated time, services and expertise in her community. She serves at the Charlottesville Free Clinic, treating the working uninsured population.

Additionally, she serves on the Women's Committee at Martha Jefferson Hospital, which has raised millions of dollars for women's health initiatives. Since 1991 the veteran nurse has served on six voluntary medical outreaches to India, joining teams of doctors, dentists, physical therapists and other nurses to help children with cleft lip, cleft palate, burns, scars, and other skin malformations. In years that she has not accompanied the team, she has donated more than 250 hours to help plan the outreaches and raise funds.

- National Prize - Laurie Ketterl, RN, Bryan LGH Medical Center, Lincoln, NE

Co-workers describe Laurie Ketterl, a nurse manager in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), as someone who continually challenges her peers to think outside of the box in order to provide excellent patient care. Ketterl jumped into action earlier this year when a premature baby, born at just 29 weeks, and his critically ill mother were in separate Intensive Care Units.

Since the mother had never seen her son and would soon undergo a life-saving surgery, Ketterl arranged for the mother and baby to see each other for the very first time via a video call using two iPads.

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