Health Care District Nurses Honored as Palm Healthcare Foundation’s “Nurse of the Year”

Two Health Care District nurses were among 16 local nurses honored by Palm Healthcare Foundation as “Nurse of the Year” on Thursday, May 11th, 2017 at the Foundation’s annual “Heart of Gold” reception.  Cheryl Zombek, RN, BSN, MA, a School Nurse with the Health Care District’s School Health program, was recognized for her dedication over the past seven years caring for students at Barton Elementary School in Boca Raton. Bonita Hughes, RN, Charge Nurse, Surgical Services at Lakeside Medical Center, the Health Care District’s acute care hospital in Belle Glade, was honored for her commitment to her patients in the face of adversity. 

Bonita Hughes, RN, Lakeside Medical Center & Cheryl Zombek, RN, School Nurse

“Cheryl helps address the most critical needs of her students,” said Ginny Keller, RN, MBA, NCSN, Director of the Health Care District’s School Health Program.  “Cheryl helps keep her students healthy, in class and ready to learn by assisting families with the basics of living, such as safe housing, food and clothing.  She works closely with school staff to help students obtain required immunizations, eye glasses and dental screenings by enlisting the help of community agencies.”

“Bonita was dealt a hard blow last year when she was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Brandy Seider, RN, CNOR, Assistant Nurse Manager, Surgical Services at Lakeside Medical Center, which is accredited by The Joint Commission.  “Aside from the few weeks she took off to recover from surgery, she continued to work every day while undergoing six weeks of radiation therapy.  She also continued to be active in her family’s life as well as being active in the community.  Some people would have given into the temptation to give up, but not Bonita.  She showed all of us what a warrior is.”

The event, which was held at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach, takes place during National Nurses Week every May and salutes outstanding nurses in Palm Beach County as part of a “Thank a Nurse” campaign that highlights the diversity of the nursing profession.