Alabama Hospital Association Healthcare Hero

State Hospital Association Honors Local Healthcare Hero

Angela Hurt, RN, staff nurse with Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital , was among 10 West Alabama hospital employees honored recently for their dedication to the health care industry. The Hospital Heroes contest is the seventh annual recognition sponsored by the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA).

BWWMH hosted a reception on Mrs. Hurt's honor in the hospital's classroom on Friday, February 19, 2010. Coworkers, family members and friends all turned out to congratulate her on this award.

Hospital employees in seven other regions of the state were also recognized, and from the total group, 10 individuals will be selected as statewide Hospital Heroes and recognized at the Association’s Leadership Forum in Birmingham next month.

Hurt jokes that her mother made her go into nursing, but claims she stayed in the field because of the joy she’s found in her job.  Co-workers at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital affirm her decision; when nurses or other staff at the hospital need help, they often turn to Mrs. Hurt.

“Angela doesn’t just care for her patients, she is also a cheerleader for the entire hospital’s success,” explained Danny Smith, human resources division director.  “She understands the critical role a nurse plays in the hospital setting, yet respects the roles of other departments.” 

While the hospital is cu rr ently undergoing an IT conversion to all electronic medical records, Ms. Hurt’s supervisors have labeled her as the “go to” person because of her computer skills and willingness to work through any challenge.  Ms. Hurt serves as a mentor for nursing students, gladly sharing her experiences, skills and knowledge of the nursing field in order to help shape the young nurses.  In 2008, Ms. Hurt was recognized by the hospital as the Employee of the Year. 

“If you’ve ever been in a hospital, chances are you’ve had a special caregiver who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure your stay was not only productive, but comfortable,” said J. Michael Horsley, president of the Alabama Hospital Association.  “It is these types of individuals we honor each year as Alabama ’s Hospital Heroes, people who consider their work more than a job, who consider it a calling.”