San Juan Regional Health

Suzanne Smith, right, receiving the Executive Nurse Leadership Award at the Hotel Albuquerque April 2

San Juan Regional Medical Center is proud to announce that Chief Nursing Officer Suzanne Smith was recognized by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence with the 2021 Executive Nurse Leadership Award. The New Mexico Nursing Excellence Awards recognize excellence in nursing practice and honor nurses for the contributions they make to their organizations, communities, and the state. 

“It is an honor to be recognized by the New Mexico nursing community for the contributions I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to make,” Suzanne said.

Suzanne has spent her 38-year nursing career maintaining a long-term commitment dedicated to our community hospital. She serves her patients with compassionate care and mentors nurses with responsive leadership. She exemplifies our Core Value of Sacred Trust, doing the right thing for the patient no matter what. A graduate of University of New Mexico’s College of Nursing, Suzanne came to San Juan Regional Medical Center as a new nurse working on the Pediatric Unit. She later became manager of pediatrics, then Clinical Director with oversight of all in-patient units, before assuming the role of Chief Nursing Officer in 2008.   

Suzanne comes up with creative solutions to address issues, always keeping quality patient care at the center of her decisions. She was instrumental in starting several essential services at San Juan Regional Medical Center that are still going strong today, including the professional resource team, the outpatient nursing clinic and the diabetes education program. She implemented an Alternate Model of Care during the COVID-19 pandemic, reassigning rehabilitation staff to aid nursing staff to ensure that each patient received the care they needed.

Suzanne is a well-respected and trusted leader. She listens to what matters most to her nursing staff and takes action, whether it’s implementing international recognition programs such as the DAISY® Awards or providing individual logistical and emotional support to nurses.

“We are grateful that Suzanne chose to spend her career at San Juan Regional Medical Center. She is an outstanding Executive Nurse Leader, mentor and friend. She has inspired me to work hard and do my best as she role models enthusiasm and passion in her work,” said Cindy Baez, Director of Nursing.

When asked what she loves about being a nurse, Suzanne said, “For me, it’s being a caring, compassionate individual who uses both skills and knowledge to make an impact on people’s lives. I am proud to be a San Juan Regional Medical Center nurse.”

We are also proud to recognize all our 2021 Nursing Excellence Award Nominees:

Vickie Bessey – Nurse Leadership

Margaret Dubick – Ambulatory

Rebekah French- Advanced Practice

McKinsey Peter – Nightingale

Rebecca Stamets – Medical/Surgical