Lower Keys Medical Center Nurse Pamela Goodwin Receives National Award for Nursing Excellence

Left to Right: Brad Lutz, Director of Keys Medical Group; Chris Siders, Chief Operating Officer; Kim Smith, Director of Behavioral Health; Pamela Goodwin; Drew Bigby, Chief Executive Officer; and Rosanna Mullen, Chief Quality Officer.

KEY WEST, Fla. – JULY 16, 2025 – Pamela Goodwin, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center for 2 years, has received a national 2025 Nursing Excellence Award.
 
Goodwin is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems. She was presented with the recognition during a July reception with hospital leadership where she received a crystal plaque and a symbolic check for the monetary award. Goodwin also received a plaque from Lower Keys Medical Center and a bouquet of flowers at an event earlier this year.
 
Drew Bigby, chief executive officer of Lower Keys Medical Center, noted that Goodwin was nominated by peers who acknowledge her as an extremely caring and compassionate nurse. Reading comments from Goodwin’s co-workers, Bigby said, “Pamela approaches her shift with a smile and kind words for every patient she touches. She also stresses the importance of team work and safety, ensuring patients and staff have a strong sense of security through her innate leadership skills. She brightens the night shift at Behavioral Health with her infectious positivity, quick wit and unmatched kindness.”
 
The Nursing Excellence Award was created to honor the critical role nurses have play in our communities. The peer-nominated award program was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence. These characteristics include outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation, and reflect the efforts of someone who is a demonstrated team player and/or mentor to others, is a leader in times of crises, and who regularly promotes health in the community.