MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital named Isabelle Morrill, RN as the MMH 2019 Nurse of Distinction.

Morrill was recognized for her consistent care for patients, her reliability, and her work as a team player and team leader at the hospital. Morrill was presented with a certificate and bouquet of flowers from Chief Financial Officer Pat Facteau and Chief Nursing Executive Ralene North during National Nurses Week.

The annual Nurse of Distinction Award is presented to a member of the nursing staff who puts the needs of the patient first, is reliable, and possesses a positive attitude. Morrill was nominated for her “compassionate and caring” ways, the ability to ensure all team members deliver patients the best care possible, and always going above and beyond for patients and other staff members.

Some of the comments received in Morrill’s nominations include:

• Working with her I have always felt she is really easy to get along with and a total sweetheart. But in the last two months, I’ve seen what the nursing side of her is really like. My father was admitted to the ICU in March and remained there for three weeks. After going home for week, he was readmitted. Over this time Isabelle has been his nurse many times. She is the most caring and dedicated person I have met to this day…She bends over backward to make sure his is comfortable and asks all of the family if she can do anything to help us in any way.

• I truly believe Izzy stands above all with her attitude and positivity. Even on a busy, crazy day, she is smiling and willing to help all of her co-workers. She always asks everyone how they are doing and truly cares.

• For so many reasons but the most important is the compassion she shows her patients and families every day. Isabelle always has a smile and a kind word to cheer up anyone’s day. She often comes in early or stays late to ensure the ICU is staffed appropriately. She is loved by her co-workers and is a true asset to MMH.

• She is kind and caring and willing to help out wherever needed.

During the selection process, head nurse North gets to hear all the great stories of MMH’s nursing staff. “I am fortunate to lead such a special team and I respect all of your efforts and tireless hours,” North said. “Know you are making the world and especially this community better,” she said.

Others nominated as this year’s Nurse of Distinction include Heather Gardner, Peggy Truesdell, Katherine Gibbs, Megan Pouporeand Brandy Thompson.