L’Observateur / January 30, 1998

Patty Cortez, nurse manager of the ICU and the Medical/Surgical Unit, has been selected River Parishes Hospital’s 1997 Employee of the Year.

The honor earned her two round-trip tickets to anywhere TWA flies in the lower 48 states.

Since joining the hospital in December 1989, Cortez has served as a Medical/Surgical R.N., as an Intensive Care Unit R.N. and as the associate nurse manager of the ICU and Medical/Surgical Unit. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1988 and her master’s degree in management from Troy State University in 1994. “Patty is available whenever her unit needs her, whether it’s during the day, at night, over the weekend or during a holiday,” said Sallie Herrle, R.N., director of Patient Care Services at River Parishes Hospital. “And, she is always very empathetic with hospital patients and visitors. Even in difficult situations, Patty portrays a ‘can do’ attitude and always serves as a patient advocate and employee supporter.”

In addition to her nurse management responsibilities, Cortez currently serves as a board member of the local American Heart Association, where she has been instrumental in securing funds and providing “heart healthy” kits to local schools. She has also given numerous health related presentations to various community groups and has served on several hospital Quality Improvement Teams.

Cortez is a native of the River Parishes and currently resides in LaPlace with her husband, Eddie, and their four children, Jamie, David, Karen and Tricia.

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