MHAFB Airman wins 2014 AFA Juanita Redmond award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
A clinical nurse officer from the 366th Medical Operations Squadron recently received the Air Force Association's highest honor in the field of nursing - The Juanita Redmond Award.

Capt. Stephanie Doane, 366th MDOS urgent care center clinical nurse, earned the award for her distinguished service.

"Winning this award has meant so many things to me," said Doane. "Winning this means recognition for the 366th Medical Group, Urgent Care Center and Wing all together.  I couldn't do the work I do, without the amazing crew of fellow nurses and medical technicians.  I see this award as an honor to them as well."

The Juanita Redmond Award is given in honor of Jaunita Redmond Hipps, an Army nurse who served in World War II and was among the first nurses to earn Golden Flight Wings. She assisted in establishing the Army Air Corps Flight Nurse Program. It's awarded to an Air Force nurse who has provided a significant contribution to health care of an Air Force individual or family; has shown excellence in clinical nursing or has made an improvement in nursing care.

"I'd like to think the overall accomplishments and dedication I have made over the last year is what set me apart from the other nominees," said Doane. "I'm here to do my part in accomplishing the mission by taking care of each and every patient to the best of my abilities."

Leadership noticed how Doane's ambitious demeanor and mentoring has pushed the team to new heights.

"Captain Doan has always been an ambitious officer and nurse," said Maj. Mary Gaines, 366th MDOS UCC flight commander. "She takes command when she works in the UCC as the primary nurse and the staff responds to her. She's able to make quick and decisive decisions for her patients but also allows time for mentoring others, so everyone's on the same page as a team."

Doane's dedication to the mission and world class health care resulted in saving 12 lives, single-handedly piloted the Code Blue pediatric reference material project which resulted in an 88 percent decrease in risk of errors - supporting the National Patient Safety Goals initiative.

"My chief nurse encouraged me to seek out further educational opportunities," said Doane. "I've become Emergency Nursing Certified, completed my Graduate Record Examination, become an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support instructor and have applied for the Family Nurse Practitioner program through Air Force Institute of Technology.

With her Airmen and patient-first attitude, Doane's drive allows her to continually support the UCC any way possible.

"Captain Doane adds value to the team and is a wonderful caring nurse who will go out of her way to assist anyone at any time," said Gaines. "She plays an integral role on the UCC team including stepping in for the flight commander when needed and volunteering for anything asked of her."

Doane exemplifies the highest forms of leadership, yet remains humble about her accomplishments.

"I was ecstatic and humbled by the fact I actually won," said Doane. "This award made me realize my leadership values the hard work I do - which I simply see as 'my job'. I love being a nurse and I love the job I do every day, I'm truly honored."