San Juan Regional Health

San Juan Regional Medical Center is proud to recognize our exceptional nurses, including several who were recently honored at the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards in Albuquerque. This annual gala recognizes excellence in nursing practice and celebrates nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities and our state. 

Lorna Bauer, a nurse on the Behavioral Health Unit, received the Excellence in Nursing Practice in Behavioral Health award. Maranda Marquez, Vascular Access Coordinator and Nurse Residency Coordinator, received the Excellence in Nursing Practice in Case/Quality Management/Managed Care/Informatics/Infection Prevention award. Kati Goldsmith, a nurse on the Medical Unit, received the Excellence in Nursing Practice in Medical/Surgical award.

Bauer recently retired after spending three decades as a psychiatric nurse, demonstrating outstanding delivery of patient care that contributes to positive patient outcomes for our mental health population. She connects with her patients in a manner that allows them the freedom to open up to her, treating each of them as though they are her only patient. One patient said, “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me last night. No one ever took the time to explain things like you did.” 

In addition, Bauer provides necessary education to patients and their families that includes medication information, plan of care and interventions, diagnosis, as well as health promotion activities to enhance a patient’s success once discharged.

Marquez has been a nurse for 24 years. As Vascular Access Coordinator and Nurse Residency Coordinator, she shows remarkable leadership that inspires and engages her team in developing a shared, patient-centered vision. She has transformed the Nurse Residency Program by using the world of Harry Potter to boost engagement and participation. The 'sorting' of nurses into houses promotes team cohesiveness while ensuring everyone feels supported and part of something larger. 

Marquez’s expertise in vascular access has been instrumental in transforming the hospital’s vascular services. Her commitment and thorough data analysis led to the establishment of a dedicated Vascular Access Team. In addition, she has collaborated with local colleges to incorporate hands-on vascular care training into their clinical rotations and has designed and led an ultrasound-guided competency program, equipping nurses with advanced skills to improve patient care.  

Goldsmith excels in patient care that highlights clinical excellence and compassionate communication. She provides her patients with clear, understandable education about their diagnosis and treatment plan, alleviating concerns and fostering trust. This personalized approach empowers families to provide safe, self-directed care at home upon discharge. 

She serves as a professional role model for her peers, actively engaging in various initiatives to optimize quality care through evidence-based projects. She shares her expertise with her team, integrating best practices throughout the unit. Goldsmith continually seeks opportunities to enhance her qualifications and broaden her knowledge and encourages her peers to do the same.

“It’s truly uplifting to see our nurses acknowledged at the state level. Their dedication makes a real difference and leaves a lasting impact on patients and their families. I invite everyone to join me in celebrating these exceptional nurses—and all our RNs at SJRMC—who make a meaningful difference every single day,” said Kammie Monarch, Chief Nursing Executive at San Juan Regional Medical Center.

San Juan Regional Medical Center would like to congratulate all our outstanding nurses nominated for New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards. 

Excellence in Practice

Leigh-Anne Davis

Monica Nagahiro

Nerissa Morales

Beverly Martinez

Allison Bergdoll

Leadership in Nursing

Mia Wiggins

Allison Herrera 

Nightingale 

Leah Neergaard

Two of our retired nurses also received awards at the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards. Click here for the press release on Suzanne Smith and Marlene Betonie’s Nursing Legend accolades.