PCH names Smith Nurse of the Year during Nurses Week celebration
WVU Medicine has invested $9 million in capital improvements since 2023
PRINCETON, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) recognized Charles Smith as its 2026 Nurse of the Year during a special Nurses Week celebration. Smith, a nurse on the progressive care unit, received the hospital’s highest nursing honor for his commitment to patient care, teamwork, leadership, and clinical excellence.
Smith, who will celebrate his 24th anniversary at PCH this month, was nominated more than 25 times for the award. His nominators wrote:
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“Charles has the ability to remain calm under pressure, advocate for patients and families, and work well with his whole team.”
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“Charles exemplifies the 4C’s of WVU Medicine. He has such patience with patients and their families and shows compassion always.”
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“Charles is kind, efficient and a team player. He is loved by patients and his coworkers. He is willing to pitch in and help anyone, and cares about the wellness of his patients.”
The award presentation served as the culmination of Nurses Week activities held throughout the hospital to celebrate the critical role nurses and patient care teams play in caring for patients and strengthening the health of the community.
“Our nurses and patient care staff are the heart of this hospital,” said Karen Bowling, PCH president and CEO. “Charles represents the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that define our incredible nursing staff. We are incredibly proud of him and grateful for every member of our care team.”
During the celebration, PCH recognized both nursing and patient care award winners from departments throughout the organization.
Department Nurse/LPN Award Winners
- Outpatient Oncology/The Cancer Center – Letha Jenkins
- Critical Care – Casey Shulock
- PCH Emergency Services – Ben Neal
- PCH at Bluefield Emergency Services – Ashley Brooks
- Med Surge/Step Down Unit – Jeff Yahya
- Progressive Care – Charles Smith
- Inpatient Oncology and Cardiac/Neuro Med Surge 4-West – Olivia Ross
- Orthopedics – Trista Jenkins
- Pediatrics – Rayleigh Thompson
- Women’s Center/Nursery – Debbie Myers
- Behavioral Health Pavilion – Elaine Flinchum
- Surgical Services – Miranda Cales
- Ancillary Services – Laura Lawson
- Cardiology – Laken Thomsbury
- Ambulatory Clinics – Elizabeth Lusk
Department Patient Care Tech/Support Staff Award Winners
- Outpatient Oncology/The Cancer Center – Susie White
- Critical Care – Alex Thomas
- PCH Emergency Services – Dylan Newsome
- PCH at Bluefield Emergency Services – Angel Mullins
- Med Surge/Step Down Unit – Makenzee Shrewsbury
- Progressive Care – Kourtney Stephens
- Inpatient Oncology and Cardiac/Neuro Med Surge – Cameron Clark
- Orthopedics – Wendy Adams
- Pediatrics – Danielle Bullins
- Women’s Center/Nursery – Rachel Weiss
- Behavioral Health Pavilion – Baleigh Stultz McClanahan
- Surgical Services – Michelle Sively
- Ambulatory Clinics – Jasmine Williams
Nurse Leader of the Year
Michele Farmer, nurse manager for central sterile, day surgery and endoscopy, was chosen as Nurse Leader of the Year for her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to patient care, and the respect she’s earned from both her team and peers. Farmer, who has been with PCH for 35 years, consistently fosters a culture of excellence and sets a high standard for nursing leadership across the organization.
Investing in Nurses and Nursing
Since joining the WVU Medicine system, PCH has made significant investments in strengthening and stabilizing its nursing workforce through educational partnerships, intentional workforce planning, career ladder opportunities, and nurse development initiatives. As a result of those efforts, more than 99% of PCH’s nursing staff are now permanently employed nurses rather than temporary travel staff.
Since joining the WVU Medicine system, PCH has made significant investments in strengthening and stabilizing its nursing workforce through educational partnerships, intentional workforce planning, career ladder opportunities, and nurse development initiatives. As a result of those efforts, more than 99% of PCH’s nursing staff are now permanently employed nurses rather than temporary travel staff.
PCH is making a long-term commitment to creating an environment where nurses can build lasting careers while continuing to serve the communities of southern West Virginia and southwest Virginia.
“Our ability to recruit, develop, and retain permanent nursing staff has transformed patient care continuity and strengthened our hospital culture,” Bowling said. “This milestone reflects the incredible nurses who choose to build their careers here and serve this community every day.”
About WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.
WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital is leading healthcare in the two Virginias. With 420 physicians and mid-level providers, PCH operates a fully accredited 203-bed acute care medical facility, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital, and an emergency room and outpatient services facility in Bluefield. PCH operates seven primary care clinics, 11 specialty clinics, and three rural imaging clinics offering a wide range of care to a 10-county region.
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