BY KAREN BOSSICK

Amber Weber has been awarded the 2021 Carl A. Gray Memorial Award for nursing excellence at St. Luke’s Wood River.

Weber, the clinical educator at the hospital, was the overwhelming choice for the award which is voted on by the nursing staff. In addition to fulfilling her usual duties, she led the hospital’s vaccination effort for employees and the community.

“Amber has been a beacon of positive energy this past year. She has managed to inspire us, educate us, and organize a whirlwind of activities, not the least being an incredible effort in vaccinating our community,” wrote one staff member.

“Amber is never afraid to jump in at the bedside when her expertise is needed. She even comes from home when the call is critical. Wood River is so lucky to have an experienced NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) nurse in house as those emergencies are few and far between in our critical access hospital and her skills are always sharp,” wrote another.

The Harvey Gray Family established the annual award in partnership with St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation to honor the late Carl. A. Gray, an avid Sun Valley Ski Club member.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors also made several awards speaking to St. Luke’s core values:

• Karen Stevens, assistant nurse manager, was recognized for Integrity.
• Scott Kelly, a nurse in the medical/surgical ward, was honored for Compassion.
• Lauren Hoover, a nurse in the Emergency Department, was honored for her Accountability.
• Cherie Shardlow, assistant nurse manager in Surgical Services, was honored for Respect.