Hughes named AMH Caring Kind winner

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Charlene Hughes, registered nurse, is the 2024 Caring Kind Award winner of Antelope Memorial Hospital. Hughes was recognized for this award on Tuesday, May 14, during National Hospital Week.

Each year, the Nebraska Hospital Association honors employees from hospitals across the state as "Caring Kind" employees. The honored employee must exemplify the spirit of someone who gives that "something special" to others.

Hughes began her career in 1971 at Antelope Memorial Hospital as a nurse aid. In 1972, she attended college for a year at Pierre School of Practical Nursing in Pierre, South Dakota, where she acquired her LPN degree.

Afterwards, she returned to work as a LPN at AMH. In 1986, she and five other LPN co-workers began additional training to become RNs through the College of St. Mary's nursing program, offered at Northeast Community College in Norfolk. The program required student attendance every other weekend for three years. During this time, Charlene worked her open weekends at AMH.

Following graduation and the completion of boards, Hughes began working as an RN on the nursing floor at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Spring 1989. In 2016, she started working primarily in the clinic while also filling in as needed on the floor.

In 2023, she began serving as needed at both the clinic and hospital. Through the years, Hughes has remained a loyal employee and served with exceptional commitment to the hospital, her co-workers and her patients and their families.

Hughes was nominated and selected by her fellow employees to win this year's "Caring Kind" award. Her nomination describes her as a loyal employee and great nurse while being very knowledgeable in her profession. She is very pleasant and works well with her co-workers. She is always willing to help when needed both on the nursing floor and in the clinic. She takes very good care of her patients while always being kind and caring towards them and their families.

In addition, she is very active in the community and church. She also participates in the Nurse Honor Guard, honoring nurses at the time of their passing. She is a huge asset to Antelope Memorial Hospital!

"It's truly an honor to be chosen for this special award," said Hughes. "I began my nursing career at Antelope Memorial Hospital and this is my family here. Through the years, I've enjoyed working here and watching AMH evolve. It's been a remarkable journey. Plus, it's fun to work here. Our patient rooms are large and aesthetically pleasing with state-of-the art technology for helping us to provide top quality care. I also enjoy spending time with my patients – it's very rewarding."

Charlene and her husband, Ted, currently reside in Neligh. They have four children. Autumn and her husband, Trevor Colpetzer, and family (Calin, Kiah and Izzy) reside in Wahoo. Nathan and his wife, Brynn, and family (Micah, Molly and Hank) reside in Neligh. Lacey and her husband, Greg Porn, and family (Clara, Edie and Remy) reside in Battle Creek. Alex lives in Neligh.

Charlene's hobbies include spending time with her grandchildren, pickleball, flower and vegetable gardening and camping.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the Nebraska Hospital Association will host an award presentation at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in LaVista honoring Charlene and other "Caring Kind Award" recipients in Nebraska.