Northwest Health – La Porte Names Employees of the Year

5/29/2024

Words like dedication, compassion, competence, skill, and excellence – among many others – were used to describe the three individuals recognized as employees of the year at Northwest Health – La Porte this year.

“It’s rewarding to honor the team members from Northwest Health – La Porte who exemplify all the qualities of exceptional professionals. Healthcare is a strenuous, stressful calling, but these team members see it as a privilege. That quality shines through in the work they do and the care they provide. I’m proud of these award winners and am grateful for the care they provide to their patients and support they show their colleagues” said Simon Ratliff, CEO, Northwest Health – La Porte.

The awards were given at a surprise ceremony on May 29. Honored were:

Team Member of the Year
Paula Wilkey, RN
Intensive Care Unit

Paula has been a nurse with Northwest Health for 16 years. She was selected for her outstanding nursing skills and her willingness to go above and beyond to serve her patients. All through the year the hospital receives accolades from her patients and their families describing how Paula ensures their needs are met and they are getting the best care possible.

Paula is also an informal leader in the ICU. She works to find solutions to problems that arise and is willing to assist her teammates whenever possible.

Clinical Leader of the Year
Katie Kawacin, MSN, RN, CNL, PCCN
Director, Critical Care

Katie oversees the hospital’s intensive care unit, intermediate care unit and emergency room. She was chosen for her professionalism, caring and compassion towards all staff, physicians, patients and family members. She is an advocate for her teams, making sure they have the resources to do their jobs. She comes to work with a positive attitude, ready to engage, encourage and assist her staff however needed.

Non-clinical Leader of the Year
Cheryl Gross
Director, Patient Access

Cheryl, who has served at Northwest Health for 44 years, is responsible for the Patient Access services at Northwest Health – La Porte and Northwest Health – Starke. She is dedicated not only to the organization, but to the patients the hospitals serve. On a daily basis, Cheryl works to ensure community members are scheduled and registered for their care in a timely manner. The passion for her patients and staff that she displays every day is admirable.

For information about a career at Northwest Health visit NWHealthIN.com/career-opportunities.

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