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Driven by Compassion

JPS Health Network, Nursing Awards, Nurses Week, Gold Stethoscope

The JPS Health Network nursing team hosted a Nurse Award Celebration on Wednesday, May 7, to celebrate the talented and dedicated nurses at JPS. Each nurse was honored for the exceptional care they provide for patients and the positive impact they have on many lives. This year, the nursing team recognized the recipients of the Gold Stethoscope Award, which honors nurses who are committed to delivering outstanding clinical and compassionate care.

From numerous nominations submitted for this award, 20 nurses from across the organization were selected. In addition to the Gold Stethoscope Awards, the categories of Nurse of the Year, Nurse Leader of the Year, and Rookie of the Year were also announced. These awards recognize outstanding contributions that have significantly impacted patient care, from innovative process improvements to unwavering support for both patients and staff.

This year's Nurse Awards were particularly special as the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council (DFWHC) Special Recognition Award was presented to Rebecca Wilson, RN. Each year, JPS team members have the opportunity to nominate a colleague for an award presented by DFWHC across multiple categories. Wilson is the first recipient of this award since 2019, highlighting the significance of her achievement.

“I want every team member to treat people like they would treat their own mom, dad, child, or spouse. One day, we could all be in that position. I’ve been on both sides of it, and I know how much it matters.”

The atmosphere at the ceremony was filled with gratitude and admiration as everyone gathered to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our JPS nurses. From heartfelt nominations to moving recognitions, the event highlighted the critical role nurses play in delivering compassionate care every day. Reflecting on the achievements and spirit of the nursing team, Chief Nursing Officer Phyllis Chambers-Berry shared a message of appreciation and encouragement.

“I just want to congratulate our nurses on these prestigious achievements. I am so excited, and it is an honor to walk alongside you all,” Chambers-Berry said.

Receiving the title of Nurse Leader, Nurse, or Rookie of the year is such a significant accomplishment and a testament to the care each person provides. The recipients of each of these awards were nominated by their peers. These individuals come in each day to not only fulfill their job duties, but they go above and beyond to ensure that their patients and team members have what they need to feel supported.

Angela Barkley, RN, Clinical Manager, OR was named Nurse Leader of the Year for her transformational leadership, which has inspired her team to grow professionally and personally. Her peers have described her as a leader who motivates her staff to pursue education and certifications, and these efforts have led her team to achieve “strong status” in national registered nurse certifications for the first time.

“Encouraging staff to invest in educational and certification opportunities empowers team growth, boosts confidence and commitment, and reinforces their value to our collective success, driving engagement and motivation,” Barkley said. “My own career trajectory, starting in high school, obtaining my CNA and progressing through LVN, ADN, and finally BSN, underscores this belief.”

Barkley is recognized as a leader who prioritizes safety and innovation while aligning patient care practices with evidence-based standards. Her team notes that her support extends well beyond her job description; she actively steps in during shifts to help team members facing challenges. Barkley leads with empathy and authenticity, and her commitment to the JPS mission is evident through her years of service to underserved communities.

“My leadership style is fundamentally driven by a deep care for each individual on my team,” Barkley said. “ I invest time in getting to know them on a personal level because I believe that understanding their unique perspectives and aspirations is essential to fostering their growth and well-being.”

Jason Lu, RN, Critical Care, exemplifies the rewarding nature of nursing through his dedication to the JPS community. As the Rookie of the Year, his rapid growth as a nurse resident reflects the quality of care he provides. His leaders commend him for embracing learning opportunities, leading a committee to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries, and chairing the unit's Journal Club to promote evidence-based practice.

“I didn’t always know if nursing was the right path for me, but after nearly four years as a tech, I realized how much compassion drives me,” Lu said. “My journey with JPS started when I volunteered here in college, and I quickly built a strong connection. Now, I can’t imagine working anywhere else. What motivates me most is knowing I can make a difference in someone’s life, even if it’s just through a simple ‘thank you.’ That means everything to me.”

Lu educates his peers on the best clinical practices through in-services and leads multiple initiatives across their unit. The improvements he has made have had a significant impact on his unit. He serves with heart because he loves JPS and its patient population.

Being a nurse is a true calling, and Shelly Cochran, RN, Program Coordinator, Wound Care, is an example of this through her compassionate care. Named the 2025 Nurse of the Year, Cochran has dedicated 37 years to nursing and continues to bring her best every day. Her team describes her as someone with unmatched knowledge who mentors new staff and providers, encourages excellence, and fosters a positive team culture. She is a passionate leader who models professionalism and care in her daily practice.

“I expect greatness from everyone because that’s our job: to care for our patients,” Cochran said. “I want every team member to treat people like they would treat their own mom, dad, child, or spouse. One day, we could all be in that position. I’ve been on both sides of it, and I know how much it matters.”

For Cochran, her service extends far beyond the walls of the clinic. She is a passionate advocate for community members with wound care and ostomy needs and donates essential supplies, including wound dressings, ostomy products, and hygiene items, to individuals in need. Through partnerships with organizations like Kindred Care and collaboration with the JPS Street Medicine team, she ensures that under-resourced patients have access to critical care materials. Cochran is known as the person who always goes the extra mile for her patients.

“It didn’t hit me until I got to JPS and saw the reality of our patients; so many don’t have much,” Cochran said. “We can’t give them riches, but we can give them kindness. If someone hasn’t eaten in days, I’ll give them my lunch. The very least we can do is show compassion to the people we care for.”

The Nurse Award Celebration not only recognized individual achievements but also served as a powerful reminder of the heart behind JPS Health Network. Each story reflects the passion, resilience, and selflessness that define JPS nurses.

As we celebrate these extraordinary caregivers, we also look ahead with pride, knowing that our nurses will continue to lead with compassion, innovate in care, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.