The University of Toledo
05/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/12/2026 01:40
UToledo Health Recognizes Outstanding Nurses
UToledo Health Recognizes Outstanding Nurses
UToledo Health hosted its annual Nursing Excellence Awards luncheon last week, recognizing University of Toledo Medical Center nurses for their dedication, compassion and commitment to exceptional patient care.
"Every day across the institution, our nurses demonstrate what excellence looks like," said Kurt Kless, UTMC's chief nursing officer. "I've been all over the country. I've seen hospitals big and small, and this is a truly special group of nurses we have. We do amazing things each and every day, and it's only getting better."
Yazan Abdulkareem, left, a staff nurse in the fifth-floor intermediate care unit who is entering his second year at UToledo Health, and Kurt Kless, UTMC's chief nursing officer.
A total of 14 awards were presented, including nurse of the year, which was expanded in 2025 to include a recipient from both first and third shift. The ceremony was held Friday, May 8, in conjunction with National Nurses Week.
The first-shift award went to Yazan Abdulkareem, a staff nurse in the fifth-floor intermediate care unit who is entering his second year at UToledo Health.
The award was Abdulkareem's second piece of good news in as many weeks. The previous week, he learned he had been accepted into the nurse practitioner program at The University of Toledo.
"Honestly, this means a lot," he said. "I love my team, I love my floor. I love the whole team in the hospital. They take care of the nurses very well here. This is what every nurse needs - someone to take care of you and recognize your work. I feel this award is for the whole team, not just for me."
Amy Melvin, a staff nurse in the sixth-floor medical-surgical unit, and Kurt Kless, UTMC's chief nursing officer.
The third-shift award went to Amy Melvin, a staff nurse in the sixth-floor medical-surgical unit.
Melvin, who spent 12 years as a float nurse before settling into her current position about a year ago, said the hospital's team culture stood out after years of working across different units.
"I know that I can rely on my coworkers. It's a very good team environment. I've worked everywhere in the hospital, and I've always felt that way," she said. "It feels like family here, and I'm honored to receive this award."
Other awards included accolades for individual practice areas, a pair of rising star awards and recognition for excellence in nursing engagement.
Rachel Cooke, nursing director of the Heart and Vascular Care Unit at UTMC, and Kurt Kless, UTMC's chief nursing officer.
UToledo Health also recognized Rachel Cooke, nursing director of the Heart and Vascular Care Unit at UTMC, with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
Earlier this year, the Heart and Vascular Care Unit - under Cooke's leadership - earned a bronze-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
Kless said all the award winners help elevate those around them.
"They remind us that excellence is not a single act. These are habits - habits that have been built through consistency, through accountability and through compassion."
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