MONTGOMERY  – A registered nurse from Vaughan Regional Medical Center was one of 10 area hospital employees honored for their dedication to the health care industry.

Vivian “Andretta” Turner, the pediatric nurse manager at Vaughan, attended a luncheon in Montgomery recently hosted by the Central Council of the Alabama Hospital Association.

The luncheon is one of seven regional awards presentations being held in January as part of the association’s seventh-annual statewide “Hospital Heroes” contest to recognize the accomplishments and compassion of hospital employees and to highlight health careers.

The contest will culminate with a banquet in February, where up to 10 of the regional winners will be honored as statewide heroes.

Ms. Turner, pediatric nurse manager at Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, has worked in the nursing field for more than 19 years.  A few years ago she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, a fight she still wages.

However, despite her health issues, employees say Ms. Turner arrives at the hospital every day with a smile on her face and a positive outlook.  They add she never lets her patients and co-workers know of the pain she is enduring and serves as an inspiration to everyone around her.

“Andretta’s unique attitude is one that genuinely inspires and motivates,” explained Dionne Williams, human resources director.  “She is a source of encouragement to all.”

Although, Ms. Turner spends most of her time working and going to cancer treatments, she still finds time to help out at the hospital and in the community.  Co-workers know that Ms. Turner will always be one of the first employees to volunteer her personal time for hospital events, such as health fairs and health screenings.

Other Central Alabama honorees included: Willie Wright, ortho tech and clinical associate, Baptist Medical Center South, Montgomery; Aray Nelms, supervisor of transportation, Chuck Sellers, radiographic equipment technician, and Debra Walters, human resources analyst, East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika; Judy Knoblock, RN, CNOR, interim director of surgery and patient care manager, and Brenda Starr, RN, application analyst, Jackson Hospital, Montgomery; Stanley French, MT, AMT, medical technologist, and Kristal Stanfield, RT(R), CT specialty tech and clinical instructor for radiology students, Prattville Baptist Hospital, Prattville; Janet Austin, RN, clinical information specialist, Russell Medical Center, Alexander City.