Submitted Photo Mary Webster is pictured with her family.

In memory of the late Carol Kozlowski, former Vice President of Nursing at Brooks, nursing leadership established the Carol A. Kozlowski Nurse of Distinction Award to be presented annually to a registered nurse who exemplifies Carol’s dedication to quality nursing. As part of National Nurses Week celebrations on May 8, a ceremony was held at Brooks to recognize one employee who merits this honor.

This year’s recipient of the coveted award is Mary Webster, Surgical Services Clinical Coordinator. Mary was nominated by her peers for demonstrating significant achievement in the nursing field, exhibiting nursing leadership qualities, acting as role model and inspiration for other nurses to strive for excellence, mentoring others in their professional development, and fostering a positive image of the nursing profession.

In 2013, Mary graduated with high honors from Jamestown Community College with an Associates of Science Nursing. Then in 2014, she graduated Daemen College, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. A former Sigma Theta Tau member, Mary has been a full time employee at Brooks Hospital since 2014. She started on the medical/surgical unit as a staff nurse and quickly discovered her ambition lies in the operating room. She is currently working on becoming a Certified Nurse, Operating Room (CNOR).

Mary lives by the motto “don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.” She performs her job responsibilities with great respect for the patient, physicians, and staff — making patient safety and comfort the top priority. She is adaptable and blends seamlessly within all care teams. She is demonstrably eager to learn, and willingly teaches others on the unit. She is very detailed-oriented and is known for putting every effort into providing excellent care.

Mary’s most notable quality is her leadership skills. She volunteered as a super user for the launch of the hospital system’s Meditech system. She continues to meet regularly with the Meditech team in seeking ways to improve workflow in the operating room. Further, she readily accepted the added responsibility of becoming the relief charge nurse, later advancing to the interim charge nurse. Recently, Mary has taken her leadership skills to the next level by stepping up as coordinator of surgical services. Moreover, Mary does not shy away from challenges. She willingly works extra hours to help other members of staff and to ensure the smooth running of the department. She is liked and valued by her peers, is courteous, and always maintains a positive attitude.

Personally, Mary enjoys cooking and entertaining, but caring for her family is her favorite hobby. She beams when discussing her children and three grandchildren and sharing their accomplishments. She is particularly, and deservedly, proud of her youngest daughter, Katie who is following in her mother’s footsteps by excelling in college.

It is without question, Mary’s personal and professional attributes parallel those demonstrated by the late Carol Kozlowski, making her an honorable recipient of this prestigious award.