School Nurse Antonio Artero, RN, honored as 2016 Health Care District Employee of the Year
The Health Care District is proud to honor Antonio Artero, RN, School Nurse at South Grade Elementary School in Lake Worth, as its 2016 Employee of the Year.
Antonio was chosen from among 23 Health Care District employees who were nominated for the honor. He received the award at the Health Care District's holiday party on December 16 at the Palm Beach Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach in front of colleagues, family and friends.
“Antonio is a pillar in his school and an exemplary employee,” said Darcy J. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care District of Palm Beach County. “All of the children, teachers and most of the parents know who he is because he lives in the heart of the community and takes every opportunity to improve the health and welfare of those in need.”
Antonio Artero, RN, takes care of a student at his school health room at South Grade Elementary School
Antonio was chosen for his dedication to helping the youngest and most vulnerable members of the community. In his 15 years as a Health Care District School Nurse, he has dedicated countless hours of his own time and money helping families with limited means.
“It’s a great recognition,” said Antonio Artero, RN, Health Care District School Nurse at South Grade Elementary School. “It has more value than any monetary award. To me, people should be recognized for what they do. I help people in any way I can, and I have the support of my wife and family. It is very gratifying to be able to help others and gratifying when people thank you for what you did.”
Many families in Antonio’s community have critical needs that they cannot address on their own. In one example, a family came to Antonio with a child that had a crippling condition and was in need of a wheelchair. The family was transporting the youngster in a small umbrella stroller that was clearly too small and not designed for his needs. Antonio searched for a wheelchair that was adequate. When he realized the child could not operate a conventional wheelchair, he connected the family with a local source that helped raise funds to purchase one that was motorized.
“Antonio finds his happiness in the work of helping others and represents the heart of many of the qualified registered nurses serving in the schools of Palm Beach County,” said Michelle Iavarone, RN, School Health Supervisor. “The Health Care District and his school community are the fortunate benefactors of his extraordinary kindness.”
For another family that lacked transportation, Antonio identified resources that enabled them to travel to a specialist to obtain lifesaving medication for their child. He also has accompanied families to their doctors' appointments to serve as an interpreter and as an advocate.
“We couldn’t be more proud to have one of our school nurses selected as the Health Care District Employee of the Year! Antonio has dedicated his career to improving the lives of those less fortunate by teaching them how to be healthier and happier in school and in our community,” said Ginny Keller, RN, MBA, NCSN, Director of the Health Care District’s School Health Program. “His commitment to school nursing reinforces the need for all children to be valued by our society, which reflects what the Health Care District of Palm Beach County is all about.”
“There are many, many other stories about this individual we could share, many acts of kindness and generosity,” said Rick Roche, VP & Chief Administrative Officer, who presented the award to Antonio at the event. “He gives back with a sense of humility that is, in its own respect, humbling and inspiring."
Congratulations to all the Health Care District's Employee of the Year nominees:
- Diana Algutria (Medical Assistant, Delray Beach Clinic)
- Lauren Arias (HR Manager, Healey Center)
- Antonio Artero (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Susan Brown (HR Assistant, Home Office)
- Leah Eichelroth (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Lillie Edwards (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Junie Elisme (Pediatrician, Delray Beach Clinic)
- Angelica Esparza (Registration Clerk, Lakeside Medical Center)
- Chuck Fall (Systems Analyst I, Information Technology)
- Gladys Glasinovich (Certified Application Counselor, West Palm Beach Clinic)
- Dorren Glen (Certified Nursing Assistant, Healey Center)
- Lisa Hogans (Corporate Quality Coordinator, Home Office)
- Natalie Kenton (Quality Business Manager, Pharmacy)
- Sloan McAfee (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Behavioral Health)
- Cynthia Mecca (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Elisa Mendez (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Nancy Oakes (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Melissa Pena (Pharmacy Logistics Manager, Pharmacy)
- Denise Risser (Health Support Technician, School Health)
- Teri Walczak (Registered Nurse, School Health)
- Tom Walczak (Senior Clinical Nurse, Lewis Center)
- Marcia Young (Director of Operations, Primary Care Clinics)
- Cheryl Zombek (Registered Nurse, School Health)