Judy Carlson Receives the Northwest Health – Starke Nursing Excellence Award

1/20/2023

Northwest Health – Starke announced that Judy Carlson, R.N., received its Nursing Excellence Award on January 13, 2022.

This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence.

A long-time Knox resident, Carlson was born at Northwest Health – Starke and has worked as a nurse there for 17 years. In her peer nomination, she was described as demonstrating care and compassion to all of her patients. They wrote that she is a dependable and caring team member and added that it is difficult for those around her to not smile, as her kindness and cheerfulness are contagious. Another nurse wrote that Judy recently cared for a hospice patient and made a point to consistently communicate to the family members over the phone so they would be reassured that their loved one was being cared for.

The award and ceremony were a surprise for Carlson as it was held on her day off. Her family, including her husband, Don Carlson; son, Cody Carlson; and her sisters, Sherry Theis and Diana Fletcher, who are also nurses at Northwest Health – Starke were able to attend and celebrate with her. “Thank you all very much for this honor,” said Carlson. “I was pleasantly surprised.”

In addition to receiving the Nursing Excellence Award itself, Carlson received a cash prize and a copy of “Shining the Light on All the Right” by Mark and Bonnie Barnes, co-founders of The DAISY Foundation, an international movement created to recognize and express gratitude for extraordinary nursing.

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