Each year, Mary Rutan Health celebrates National Nurses Week, which begins May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
Throughout the week, celebrations take place that include treats, gifts and raffles for the many members of the Mary Rutan Health Nursing team. One of the most celebrated traditions is the naming of the Mary Rutan Nurses of the Year.
The 2025 Mary Rutan Hospital Nurse of the Year is Jody Stewart, RN, from the Mary Rutan Emergency Department. The 2025 Mary Rutan Clinic Nurse of the Year is Jessica Marshall, LPN, from Mary Rutan Pediatrics. Nurses of the Year exemplify the mission and vision of Mary Rutan Health by providing progressive quality healthcare with a personal touch.
Award recipients are nominated by their peers. The nominations are sent to the Office of Patient Services, where the final nominee is chosen after all nominations have been submitted.
“We get many Nurse of the Year nominations and it is always a tough decision for our team to make, as we know we have so many great nurses that dedicate themselves to helping our community each day,” said Mary Sebring, Mary Rutan Patient Services vice president.
“Jessica and Jody both had multiple peers that nominated them and sent along heartfelt testimonials to their great work, and we felt that they were a wonderful fit for this year’s Nurse of the Year awards. They truly embody our mission and vision at Mary Rutan Health.”
Stewart spends her time in the Mary Rutan Emergency Department, ensuring that her patients get the best care possible and making sure her teammates have what they need to care for others.
“I have never met a nurse that has been as proud of what she does, and this shows consistently with every shift Jody works,” one of her peer nominators said. “Never once have I seen her have a bad day or underperform. She goes at a constant pace and understands the needs of our patients and their families. She is a rock in our department.”
Another peer noted, “Jody is a shining light for patients and staff. She is always the first to get here and the last to leave. She never leaves anyone needing more, always being the first to ask if you need something. It has been a privilege to work alongside her.”
Though she has worked in a few different departments over the years, Marshall currently spends her days in Mary Rutan Pediatrics, where she makes sure that our smallest community members get top-notch care.
“Jessica always promotes teamwork, professionalism and respect above all else. She lends a hand constantly and her efficiency is the best of any office. We are blessed to have her with the pediatric team and at Mary Rutan Health,” one of her peers said.
Another team member explained, “I worked with Jessica for six months. In that short amount of time, Jessica was able to make a lasting impression on our patients, improve clinic flow, and go above and beyond to make sure everyone received the highest level of care. I wish I could clone her. Jessica embodies a good nurse, a competent employee and a supportive coworker.”
In surprise ceremonies at their respective offices, Stewart and Marshall received their Nurse of the Year plaques along with gifts of gratitude from nursing and administrative staff, who congratulated and thanked the Nurses of the Year for their dedication and compassion.
Marshall and Stewart will also have their names added to the Nurse of the Year Registry at Mary Rutan Health as a lasting reminder of their compassionate, quality care and dedication to their work.