Lexington, May 8, 2025 — From a nurse legend who began her ARH career in 1971 to a recent graduate whose professionalism and leadership have already made her a standout, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) celebrated outstanding nursing professionals from across the healthcare system at its first annual Nursing Excellence Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, in Paintsville, KY.

The celebration comes as part of ARH’s broader recognition of National Nurses Week, honoring the vital role of nurses in advancing healthcare excellence. The awards honor the exemplary dedication and performance of team members who go above and beyond in patient care and nursing.

These distinguished individuals, nominated by their peers, have been selected for consistently demonstrating exceptional performance, unwavering commitment to patient care, and meaningful contributions to the nursing profession at ARH.

The awards span multiple roles across the healthcare system, with six individuals receiving five awards, highlighting excellence at bedside care, underscoring ARH’s focus on compassionate, excellent care. Nurse leaders, educators, and patient support staff also received awards.

“Our nurses and support staff are the heart of our organization, comments ARH System Chief Nursing Officer Jeneen Carmen, DNP, RN, NEA-BC. “This event is our opportunity to recognize those who embody the values of our mission every day, making a lasting impression on the patients and communities we serve.”

Nurses are the foundation of healthcare, providing comfort, advocacy, hope, and clinical care. Whether at the bedside, in clinics, or in patients’ homes, their presence often marks the beginning of healing. Nurses lead with skill and heart, forming deep connections with patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. The impact of nurses is immeasurable.

The 2025 Nursing Excellence Awards winners are:

Sara Pennington, Morgan County ARH Hospital, RN-Inpatient

Amy Holderby, Morgan County ARH Hospital, RN-Outpatient

Michele Amburgey, Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, Home Health Services

Melissa Morgan, Beckley ARH Hospital, Care Coordination

Brittney Reid, Beckley ARH Hospital, Nurse-Led Team Excellence

Stacey Pittman, Beckley ARH Hospital, Nurse-Led Team Excellence

Alta Darlene Kirk, Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, Preceptor/Mentor

Myra Rose, Beckley ARH Hospital, Nurse Educator

Loretta Trivett, Summers County ARH Hospital, Licensed Practical Nurse

Emma Lambert, Beckley ARH Hospital, Licensed Practical Nurse

Felicia Meador, Beckley ARH Hospital, Emerging Nurse Leader

Charley Brock, Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital, Rising Star

Wendy Martin, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, Nurse Director

Linda Craft, Mary Breckinridge ARH Hospital, Nurse Executive

Michelle Justice, Our Lady of the Way ARH Hospital, Patient Care Support – Hospital

Leeda Music, Our Lady of the Way ARH Hospital, Nurse Legend

Back row: Sara Pennington, Amy Holderby, Michelle Justice, Myra Rose, Melissa Morgan, Brittney Reid, Emma Lambert.  

Front row: Hollie Harris (ARH President and CEO), Michele Amburgey, Darlene Kirk, Leeda Music, Felicia Meador, Jeneen Carmen (ARH System Chief Nursing Officer), Stacey Pittman, Linda Craft, Wendy Martin, and Charley Brock. Not pictured: Loretta Trivett.