News Release: October 30, 2008

ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- Presbyterian Healthcare Services is pleased to congratulate all 14 award recipients throughout New Mexico who were honored at the 2008 Nursing Excellence Awards. The awards were hosted by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence on October 25, 2008 at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort. Nurses were recognized in 22 professional categories:

• Diane Muzenjak, RN, received the Advanced Practice Award
• Lisa Hefflefinger, RN, received the Behavioral Health Award
• Jeana King-Beach, RN, received the Charge Nurse Award
• Audrey Travis, RN, received the Critical Care Award
• Johanna K. Stiesmeyer, RN, received the Education/Research Award
• Zandra Johnson, RN, received the Emergency Care Award
• William G. Healey, RN, received the Long Term Care Award
• Tina L. Dages, RN, received the Medical/Surgical Award
• Frank Wehrkamp, RN, received the Nightingale Award
• Lauri Lineweaver, BSN, received the Outstanding Student Award
• Elizabeth "Lisa" Friesen, RN, received the Outstanding Pediatrics Award
• Rhonda Jackson, RN, received the Touch a Life Award
• Kim Adams, RN, received the Ambulatory Care Award
• Brenda Romero, RN, received the Nurse Executive Award

Major event sponsors included:

• New Mexico Business Weekly
• Lovelace Health System
• Presbyterian Healthcare Services
• University of New Mexico Hospitals
• Standard Register

Presbyterian serves to improve the health of individuals, families and communities. Presbyterian Healthcare Services was founded in New Mexico in 1908, and is the state's only private, not-for-profit healthcare system. Presbyterian offers seven hospitals, a statewide health plan, and a growing multi-specialty medical group. Presbyterian employs more than 9,500 people throughout New Mexico.