Providence selects its Employee of the Year

Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, Kan., selected Barbara McNett, RN, employee health nurse, as its 2010 Employee of the Year.

McNett works with Providence employees on health initiatives, such as the hospital’s wellness programs, influenza vaccinations, and tuberculosis testing. She also provides employee health services for staff members from St. John Hospital, Leavenworth, Kan., an affiliate of Providence.

“Barb’s devotion to her responsibilities is highly respected,” said Beverly Benedick, with Providence human resources.

Benedick is one of the co-workers who nominated McNett for the Employee of the Year award.

“She is always upbeat and smiling, ready to assist in any way. Barb is current on all new directives concerning employee health and implements them,” Benedick said.

McNett began her career with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System 23 years ago, serving at St. John as the hospital’s employee health/infection control nurse for about 13 years. She transferred to Providence in 2000 to focus on employee health full time.

“I enjoy working in employee Health because I like being able to help staff work through their health issues,” McNett says. “I meet literally every employee hired or new volunteer at both Providence and St. John for their physicals and testing. It’s a very rewarding position.”

McNett said she takes pride in the hospital’s influenza vaccination initiative for both the seasonal and H1N1 viruses.

“This year, we were challenged to complete two sets of vaccinations back-to-back,” McNett said. “It was a big undertaking, and I am proud of how smoothly it went. We had the highest rate of compliance ever this year, and it would not have been possible without the cooperation and assistance of our staff.”

McNett is originally from Wisconsin. She received her nursing diploma from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison, Wis. She earned her bachelor of science in health arts from St. Francis University, Joliet, Ill. She resides in Western Shawnee, Kan., with her husband, Jack. The couple has three adult children and six grandchildren.

McNett said she enjoys spending time with her family and serving her church.

“I was very touched and humbled to receive the Employee of the Year Award,” McNett said. “Originally, I joined the organization because I was drawn to the hospitals’ mission and values. I have stayed here because Providence and St. John have both been wonderful about supporting my professional growth and development. …I have been very blessed to have a career with this organization.”

As Employee of the Year, McNett was a special guest at the hospital’s annual service award luncheon. She also received a reserved parking space for the year, a gift certificate to a shopping area of choice and gift certificate for a dinner for two.

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