Cape Resident Named BWMC Nurse of the Year

Despite her longtime service and dedication to her profession, Cape St. Claire resident Juanita “Nita” Hastings was still shocked when she heard the news.

Yesterday, Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC) named Hastings, an R.N., as its Nurse of the Year for 2011.

“I’m speechless. I had no idea I was going to win and feel there are so many other deserving nurses who could have won this award,” said Hastings who has worked at BWMC for her entire career. “I can’t believe this is happening to me. 

Hastings is a registered nurse in the medical center’s Critical Care West (CCW) department. She has worked at BWMC since 1974. She has lived in the Cape since 1976 with husband Chuck and her daughters Valerie and Heather. 

The Georgia native has wanted to be a nurse as long as she can remember.

“I always wanted to be a nurse,” said Hastings. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people.”

Many of Hasting’s colleagues believe she has a strong passion for her job.

“It seems like she is always here working,” said Diane Clodfelter, R.N., nurse manager of CCW. “She provides care to each of her patients as if they are the only ones in the unit.”

Hastings said her recognition was a credit to her fellow nurses. 

“I thank my co-workers because no one does this most difficult job alone, it is a team that provides excellent care,” she said. “I have also had some awesome managers who have encouraged me and the doctors we work with are great teachers who help us strive to go the extra mile. And the hospital administrators very encouraging.”