Holly Snyder is recognized for excellence in nursing

Tahallia "Holly" Snyder, a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital, has been named Western Washington’s 2008 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year for excellence in direct patient and clinical care.

"I am honored to have been nominated for, and chosen to receive, this special award," Snyder says. "Becoming a nurse was a calling for me. I cannot imagine anything more rewarding or fulfilling than being able to support my patients and their families, physically and emotionally, during such a trying time in their lives."

She was presented with the prestigious March of Dimes Nurse of the Year award during a special ceremony Dec. 4 in Bellevue. More than 120 nurses, health care leaders and educators from throughout Western Washington were nominated in 14 separate award categories.

Moreover, Snyder was one of two nurses from Franciscan Health System to receive Nurse of the Year honors. Shelly Pricco, who is director of Patient Care Services at Enumclaw Regional Hospital, was honored in the leadership category.

"Both Holly and Shelly exemplify the high level of skilled, compassionate nursing care that distinguishes our hospitals," says Laurie Brown, chief nurse officer for the Franciscan organization. "We strive to be the best place to work and to be the best place to heal. Our nurses are helping us to achieve both of these goals."

Snyder became a registered nurse about three years ago. She consistently demonstrates excellence and compassion in the delivery of care to patients in the new Critical Care Unit at St. Francis Hospital. She is also a member of the hospital’s Quality Liaison Team that works to further improve patient care.

"It has been such a pleasure to support Holly in her nursing career path," says Pam Cronrath, director of Acute Care Services and chair of the Quality Team. "She is a true shining star and role model on our nursing team."

"Holly personifies excellence in nursing – from the compassionate way she interacts with her patients to the collaborative manner in which she supports her fellow nurses," says Nancy Nichols, clinical manager for critical care at St. Francis. "We are very proud of her."

In addition to her commitment to providing the best patient care possible, Snyder has a heart for service to others that is evident in the workplace and beyond. For example, she serves as a youth group leader and is a member of her church mentorship program.

"I have spent over 30 years in health care, and can say without reservation that Holly Snyder demonstrates excellence in all aspects of direct patient care delivery and would be one of the first nurses that I would entrust to care for me and any of my loved ones," says Zena Fuhrmann, a nurse educator in the Critical Care Unit at St. Francis. She nominated Snyder for the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year.

St. Francis Hospital, which opened in 1987, is part of the Franciscan Health System. Franciscan is affiliated with Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the largest non-profit health systems in the U.S..