ASPEN — Heather Milne was named Aspen Valley Hospital’s Nurse of the Year during a May 12 National Nurses’ Day celebration. She was chosen for the honor by fellow nurses from a slate of 15 nominees.
A resident of Basalt, Milne has worked at AVH since 1996. She started as an EMT-I and Spanish translator in the emergency department and is now a same-day surgery nurse.
Milne holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish linguistics, but her passion for direct patient care led her to nursing school. She graduated in 2005 from Colorado Mountain College with a degree in nursing. During her training, she had a baby and continued to work on a part-time basis.
“A nurse is what I was meant to be,” said Milne in a press release issued by the hospital. “I work in a busy department with a great team. Teamwork is what it’s all about.”
Nominations for Milne came from patients and staff who acknowledged her care and compassion, thoroughness, patience, professionalism and positive energy. “She always puts the patient first and has a wonderful ‘can do’ attitude,” said one nominator.
Others nominated for the recognition included: Siobhan Conway, Katie Flaherty, Cheryl Heffernan, Linda Killian, Marcella Knable, Lori Maloy, Janice Martin, Mary Margaret O’Gara, Mary Fran Powell, Margie Slater, Maureen Wagers, Miles Wagner, P.J. Wallace and Amy Jo Westerman.
This story was reprinted from the May 25 edition of the Aspen Times.