Durant, Okla., RN Case Manager Tammy Richard has been named Winner of the In-Home Care category in the Oklahoman’s 2020 Recognizing Nurses program. Richard and her fellow honorees were recognized during a virtual awards ceremony on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

“Nurses are the backbone of patient care — they’re ordinary people doing the extraordinary,” said Jane Nelson, CAE, chief executive officer at the Oklahoma Nurses Association. “Being nominated and recognized by their peers for an accolade like this is an affirmation that what they’re doing makes a difference.”

Richard said she was “extremely blessed” to have been nominated and “so excited” to receive the award.

Richard earned her associate’s degree in nursing from San Juan College in Farmington, N.M., in 1996. She has spent 22 of her 24 years in the nursing profession as a home health nurse. 

“We have the opportunity to develop a different relationship with our patients that turns more into being part of the family,” said Richard, “so they know as much about me as my own family and friends do ... this helps to build a trust so I can better care for them.”

That mindset is evident to Richard’s colleagues at Carter Healthcare.

“I have worked with Tammy for years here in Ardmore and Durant. She always puts her patients first, including completing her documentation timely and accurately,” said Clinical Specialist Karen Stowers. “Tammy uses her knowledge to improve the lives of her patients and ease caregivers’ concerns.”

Ardmore Clinical Coordinator Janice Graham added, “Tammy goes beyond the call of duty for her patients and co-workers, not only caring about them during work hours but after she returns home and continues to work toward meeting goals. She is one of the most dedicated nurses and patient advocates I have ever worked with.”

The Recognizing Nurses program was introduced in January 2020, when colleagues, patients, friends and family members were invited to nominate extraordinary nursing professionals in 18 categories. A panel of nursing professionals then read and reviewed all nominations, selecting the Top 3 nominees from each category in early March. The public had the opportunity to read about the Top 3 nominees and vote for the winner.

“The nominations ... are testaments to the appreciation Oklahoma residents have for those in the nursing profession,” said Nelson.

The Oklahoman plans to continue this program annually.

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