SMH Honours Julie McConnell with 2025 Award of Excellence in Nursing
May 15, 2025
Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is proud to announce Julie McConnell, Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department, as the recipient of the 2025 Award of Excellence in Nursing.
Julie, who has worked at SMH for 12 years, was nominated by a grateful community member who described her as compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to her patients and students alike. Her nomination highlighted her quick thinking in identifying a rare diagnosis, her patient advocacy, and her leadership as a mentor to nursing students.
Here is Julie's nomination, submitted by a community member:
“Julie exemplifies what it means to provide compassionate, skilled, and patient-centered care. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her patients feel safe, respected, and supported, always bringing empathy and professionalism to her role. Julie’s commitment runs deep — she understands the unique needs of her small community and takes great pride in serving the people who live there. Her strong relationships with patients and their families are built on trust, kindness, and genuine care.
In addition to her clinical excellence, Julie also plays a key role in education as a teaching nurse, mentoring nursing students with patience, encouragement, and expertise. She helps shape the future of nursing by modelling the highest standards of practice and inspiring those who are just entering the profession. Julie McConnell is an exceptional RPN whose dedication to her patients, her students, and her community makes her truly deserving of this recognition.
She knew my son had shingles immediately and expressed her concerns to the emergency doctor. She knew how painful and unusual the situation was for such a young adult, and she worked together with the doctor to address his pain and get him comfortable as soon as possible.”
The Award of Excellence in Nursing is presented annually during National Nursing Week to recognize one nurse who has gone above and beyond in delivering outstanding care. This year’s ceremony also honoured over 20 exceptional nominees across departments, including the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Perioperative Services, Dialysis, and Medical/Surgical Units.
2025 SMH Award of Excellence in Nursing Nominees Katie McDaid - ED
Stephanie Clark - ED
Michelle Florendo-Ferrenbach – OR
Lindsay Holmes - NP
Heather Pulfer - ED
Melissa Bernier – ED
Cassandra Britton - OB
Anne Smienk – Peri-Op
Jenna Grasser – OB
Julie McConnell – ED
Stephanie Clark – ED
Amanda Littler – Dialysis
Nicole Daniels – Med/Surg
Trish Watson – Dialysis
Candace Hubacheck - Outpatient
Hillary Veneziale – Med/Surg
Monique Rausch - OB
Melissa Bernier – ED
Owen Korsten – Med/Surg
Leia Elder – Med/Surg
Terry-Ann DaCosta - ED
Molly Coughlin – Med/Surg
SMH extends a special thanks to the community members who submitted heartfelt nominations, helping to shine a light on the incredible care their loved ones received.