We are proud to announce that an outstanding Community Care Physicians nurse has been chosen by the Albany Times Union for nursing excellence. Congratulations to Diane Springer, LPN, Clifton Park Family Medicine, on being chosen as a Salute to Nurses 2015 Nurse of the Year Finalist!

The Albany Times Union takes a week out of the year in May to celebrate and honor the nurses in our lives who represent nursing excellence in the Capital Region with a Salute to Nurses award and luncheon. This prestigious award is given to only 25 nurses in the Capital Region. We are proud that Diane is among these exceptional nurses in our region!

Diane has been in the field of nursing for 10 years. She always knew she wanted to be a nurse. Her passion started when she was younger, when her mother fell ill. "My mother was sick when I was in my teens, and I took care of her." Diane says. "I worked on a surgical floor as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) in my early 20's and always wanted to do more to help my patients."

Like many nurses, Diane has had many moments as a nurse of which to be proud. "I have worked with many wonderful physicians who have guided me in my journey. Mostly, the responses patients and their families gave regarding the care provided are my proudest moments. Seeing patients regain control of their own health is the most rewarding thing a nurse can experience," Diane says.

"I am always encouraging people who have the gift of caring to pursue a nursing career. It's not a profession," Diane explains. "It's a lifestyle. You're available to help people 24 hours a day. Taking care of others and improving their quality of life is a fulfilling experience and makes your own life have meaning."

Kim Montelone, NP, fellow and employee and friend of Diane’s, was one of those who nominated her for this recognition. "I nominated Diane because she is always willing to go the extra mile, provides an enormous amount of positive energy to the office atmosphere and has helped me increase my productivity greatly," explains Kim. "Diane never seems to say we can't do something, but instead she seeks to problem solve and make the impossible possible. I look forward to going to work because she makes my job so much easier. She is truly a special nurse and person."

Diane says, "It means a lot to me to win this award. Nurses work hard to serve others in our community. It is never a 9-5 job. We treat patients as if they were our own family and to be recognized by my peers is an overwhelming feeling. We don't do what we do for recognition. We truly want to share the love, compassion and understanding we as nurses have with others."

With more than 3.1 million in the United States, nurses make up the largest component of healthcare professionals and are vital to our healthcare system. Community Care Physicians has over 220 nurses, and we are proud to recognize Diane Springer, LPN as one of the most exceptional nurses in our region.

You may not be fully aware of the range of knowledge and expertise that nurses hold and their importance in the medical field. At Community Care Physicians, nurses are an integral part of the care team. They spend a lot of time in direct contact with our patients and help the rest of our clinical and non-clinical staff deliver patient-centered care. As a patient, your nurse is your greatest supporter. Since nurses spend so much time with their patients, they can help moderate your health progress, communicate your health condition to your doctor, and recommend treatments. Not only do nurses provide important health information to your doctor and care team, they also provide emotional support during the ordinary and extraordinary times in your life.

Congratulations to Diane and thank you to all the nurses who share in the passion of caring for our community.