Wednesday, May 6, 2026
San Juan Regional Medical Center Nurses Honored At New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards
Pictured (left to right): Jaecee Acosta and Mandy Segotta
Photo by Ray Mares
San Juan Regional Medical Center is proud to recognize our exceptional nurses as we kick off National Nurses Week. Several of our nurses were recently honored as nominees at the New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards in Albuquerque, and two won in their respective categories. This annual gala recognizes excellence in nursing practice and celebrates nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities and our state.
Jaecee Acosta, a nurse on the Medical Unit, received the Excellence in Nursing Practice award in the Medical/Surgical category. Mandy Segotta, a nurse leader at San Juan Health Partners Orthopedics and former nursing professional development practitioner, received the Excellence in Nursing Practice award in the Perioperative category.
Acosta is described as compassionate, patient and dedicated. She has received two DAISY? awards in her two years of nursing for the exceptional care she provides for her patients. One family nominated her for the award after she cared for their loved one several times over the course of several months. Acosta took the time to familiarize herself with the patient’s neurodegenerative disease and tailored her care accordingly. She not only cared for the patient whole-heartedly, but she also took the time to sit with the family and educate them, answering questions and providing support.
“Jaecee delivers care with a steady hand and heart full of compassion. She makes both patients and her peers feel like they aren’t alone,” nurse Connie Grijalva said in her nomination.
Segotta demonstrates an exceptional commitment to patient care. During her time as a Nursing Professional Development Practitioner working with teams in perioperative services, she also worked shifts in the operating room and cared for patients at the bedside. Serving regularly as both a charge nurse and a preceptor, she provided expert hands-on support while developing customized, evidence-based plans of care that respect diverse patient needs and ensure smooth perioperative experiences. Segotta is also a catalyst for quality improvement and team cohesiveness, consistently identifying opportunities to strengthen patient safety and streamline interdisciplinary collaboration. Above all, she is a caring, committed team member.
“Mandy is a trusted mentor and preceptor, frequently supporting new team members and building confidence and competence in others,” Nursing Professional Development Director Blaire Chatterton said.
“We are honored to recognize Jaecee Acosta and Mandy Segotta. These dedicated nurses from San Juan Regional Medical Center play a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of our communities every day,” said Rachael Frija, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, President of the Board of Directors for the New Mexico Center For Nursing Excellence. “Our annual Nursing Excellence Awards are a time when we can come together and honor the incredible work of our exceptional nurses like Jaecee and Mandy.”
The Nursing Excellence Awards were created by nurses for nurses, making this state-wide recognition especially meaningful and prestigious within the nursing profession. Since 2005, over 4,000 nurses throughout the state have been nominated for Nursing Excellence Awards. Being nominated for an award is in and of itself an incredible honor. San Juan Regional Medical Center would like to congratulate all our outstanding nurses nominated for New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards.
