Kerrville, TX – Taylor Markwordt, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse at Peterson Health, has been awarded Peterson’s 2023 Florence Nightingale Award, the highest distinction a nurse can receive for their exceptional courage, devotion, and service in the areas of public health and education. Out of 13 candidates nominated from all departments throughout the hospital, Markwordt was introduced by her supervisor, Stacie Foster, Assistant Director of Surgical Services, and was awarded by Lori Michel, Nursing Clinical Coordinator and Nursing Administration at Peterson Health.

“I can’t thank everyone at Peterson Health enough for this award,” Markwordt said. “It means so much to me to be recognized by my peers, and the hospital as a whole, with such a prestigious award for something I am so passionate to do every day.”

Nominees for Nurse of the Year included Bailey Mikulencak, Cardiac Cath Lab, Aimee Quarles, Hospice, Melinda Hunley, Acute Rehab Unit, Taylor Markwordt, Main Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Mary Bartlet Ambulatory Surgery Center Prep/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Tammy Breuel, Emergency Department, Gio Sirianni, 3 West, Mariza Orola, Clinical Decision Unit, Selene Vega, Women’s Services, Julie Huffman, 2 West, Nicole Gerlich, Intensive Care Unit, Callie Gonzales, Primary Health Care-Health Behavior Healthcare Safety, and Kay Lonsway, Primary Health Care-Home Health.

Nominees were chosen based on their ability to go above and beyond the CALLING values of Peterson Health. Those values of caring, accountability, learning, leadership, integrity, nurturing, and going the extra mile fulfill Peterson Health’s mission of providing exceptional, compassionate, patient-centered care.

“All of the nurses nominated for Peterson Health’s Nurse of the Year represent the very best of our profession, embodying our CALLING values and inspiring us all to strive for excellence in our practice,” said Kaeli Dressler, Chief Nursing Officer at Peterson Health. “The nurse selected this year, Taylor Markwordt, sets a high standard for all nurses to follow with her exceptional clinical skills, compassionate patient care, and commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. She serves as an example to us all, and we are proud to recognize Taylor as 2023 Peterson Health Nurse of the Year.”