OU Health Nurses Honored with 2025 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards

Thirteen nurses from OU Health, the University of Oklahoma's academic health system, were recognized at the 2025 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards, including three who received top honors for their exceptional contributions to patient care and the nursing profession in Oklahoma.

Those top honors went to Susan Bedwell, Bailey Johnson and Monica Kraft — all from Oklahoma City — during a Nov. 6 ceremony at Riverwind Casino’s Showplace Theatre in Norman. They were chosen as winners in their respective categories, while ten other OU Health nurses were recognized as finalists for their outstanding contributions to patient care.

“Having our nurses recognized for this prestigious award reflects the extraordinary level of care and commitment demonstrated by our nursing staff,” said OU Health Chief Nurse Executive Stefanie Beavers, DNP, R.N., NEA-BC. “These healthcare professionals exemplify the highest standards of patient care, compassion and service excellence that define OU Health.”

The 10 nurses recognized as finalists were Blayne Bordwine of Edmond; Susan Allen of Yukon; Dustin Brown of Meeker; Mikayla Gathers of Tuttle; Brittany Mullens of Oklahoma City; Laura Sweeney; Christine Washington; Melissa Rice of Oklahoma City; Stefanie Beavers; and Michelle Welander of Edmond.

These nurses represent nursing excellence across multiple specialties, from advanced practice and critical care to neonatal services and nursing leadership. OU Health’s dedicated healthcare professionals serve patients at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, OU Health University of Oklahoma Medical Center, OU Health Edmond Medical Center as well as clinics statewide.

The March of Dimes Oklahoma Nurse of the Year Awards recognize nurses across various categories who demonstrate excellence and achievements in research, education, quality patient care, innovation and leadership in their specific disciplines. Nominations are submitted by colleagues, supervisors or the families of those they have served. Winners are selected by a committee of healthcare professionals who review each confidential nomination. This year’s awards drew a record-breaking 1,200 nominations from across Oklahoma, underscoring the prestige of the recognition.

"As Oklahoma’s flagship academic health system, OU Health serves patients from all 77 counties and beyond by providing research-driven, multidisciplinary care," Beavers said. "We act as a statewide resource across our tripartite mission of clinical care, research and education, ensuring that every patient benefits from innovation and expertise."

OU Health employs more than 11,000 team members, including thousands of nurses who provide care across the system’s hospitals and clinics in both inpatient and ambulatory settings. The academic health system combines patient care with research and education, training the next generation of healthcare professionals while advancing medical knowledge through groundbreaking research.