Winter Haven, Fla., – BayCare’s Winter Haven Hospital (WHH) and Winter Haven
Women’s Hospital (WHWH) recently honored thirty-six exceptional nurses. The nurses
were selected by their peers and chosen from every patient care unit across the two
hospitals, based on how each nurse demonstrates and consistently reflects the
BayCare values of trust, respect, dignity, responsibility and excellence. The
Professional Practice Council, comprised of staff nurses, chose four Nurses of
Excellence from the group of unit-based Nurses of the Year.
The Winter Haven Hospital 2023 Nurses of Excellence are:
Joshua Bonney, RN, Cardiac Medical, began his nursing career in 2014 after
graduating from Jersey College School of Nursing in Tampa, FL. He has worked at
Winter Haven Hospital for 21⁄2 years. Joshua decided on a career in nursing because
he wanted to help people, make a change in people’s lives, and be a positive influence.
His family also played a big part in his becoming a nurse. Joshua’s coworkers describe
him as:
“A positive influence on the unit when he is working.”
“Treating others with respect and taking the time to help out in any way he can.”
“He is there to train new teammates.”
“A great example of what it means to be a BayCare nurse.”
Joshua’s personal motto is, “To treat others how I would like to be treated.”
Madeleine Heath, BSN, RN, Interventional Radiology, attended Galen College of
Nursing – Tampa Bay. Madeleine began her nursing career in 2017 and has worked at
Winter Haven Hospital for about a year. Madeleine decided on a career as a nurse from
an early age and has “always looked up to nurses and viewed them as prestigious
people. Being able to help someone during their most vulnerable times is something
that I always wanted to do; it makes me feel like I can make a difference in their life.”
Madeleine’s coworkers describe her as:
“Helpful to others, cares about her patients, respects a patient’s dignity, and is a
wonderful nurse that other nurses look up to.”
“A reliable nurse and I trust her judgement.”
“Taking pride in her work and showing up daily, ready to complete the day with
positivity.”
“Always seeking to make sure she is doing the right thing for the patient’s safety.”
Madeleine’s personal motto is, “Don’t ever stop learning and working hard…Nursing can
be fun when you never stop learning.”
Gail Snipes, RN, Surgical Services/Operating Room, attended Polk State
College and graduated in 1990. She has worked at Winter Haven Hospital for 40
years. When asked why she decided to become a nurse, she states that she
had worked as a surgical technologist in her current unit. “I loved surgery and I
loved the variety of surgeries done in our OR. I knew I wanted to continue my
education, but still take care of surgical patients. I made the transition from
surgical technologist to circulating nurse.” Gail’s coworkers describe her as:
“She always puts patients first.”
“Treats others as she would want to be treated.”
“Strives to be the best in every procedure she’s in.”
“Focused on getting everything right.”
Gail’s personal motto is, “Do the right thing right.”
Leticia Torres-Ayala, BSN, RN, WHWH Labor and Delivery. Leticia began her nursing
career in 2003 after graduating from the InterAmerican University in Puerto Rico. She is
a bachelor’s prepared nurse and has worked at WHWH for 5 years. Leticia was inspired
to become a nurse because she wanted to make a difference in patients’ lives and be
their advocate. Leticia endeavors to make a patient’s experience the best possible as
she takes good care of them.
Leticia’s coworkers describe her as:
“Treats everyone the same.”
“Supportive and builds instant connections.”
“A beacon of good energy and light.”
“Respectful to her leadership team, her peers, and her patients.”
“Exudes the BayCare values.”
Leticia’s personal motto is, “Keep it moving.”
The 2023 Unit Nurses of the Year for Winter Haven Hospital and Winter Haven
Women’s Hospital are:
Rosa Diaz, Catherine Kemp, Patricia Namekata, Mia Jameson, Timothy Simpson,
Jahaira Tlaseca-Lora, Yeshliann Velazquez, Jared Legg, Danielle Newell, Kaylee
Woody, Kettly Moise, Angela Mancini, Kathy Quick, Stacey Miller, Gail Snipes, Jonathan
Davis, Remedios Besing (Bing), Amanda Steadham, Taylor Franklin, Donys Hill,
Samantha Piskura, Ana Hall, Andrew Sanders, Madeleine Heath, Joshua Bonney,
Yamson Verrier, Courtney Robbins, Krisilia Burton, Brianna Smith, Kaley Justice,
Jennifer Giacin, Leticia Torres Ayala, Ashley Sweigart, Dawn Jarman, Dora Whitehead,
and Kelly Massey.
About Winter Haven Hospital
Founded in 1926, Winter Haven Hospital has an outstanding reputation for superior,
patient-centered care. The 447-bed hospital concentrates in the treatment of heart
disease, cancer, stroke, and behavioral health. The hospital also provides emergency
care, outpatient diabetes education, endoscopy services, neurological, orthopedic and
in-patient rehabilitation, outpatient surgery and imaging services. Part of BayCare
Health System, the hospital is located at 200 Avenue F Northeast in Winter Haven,
Florida. For more information: BayCare.org/WHH
About Winter Haven Women’s Hospital
Built in 1987, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital is a 61-bed facility dedicated to the
unique needs of women and newborns. The hospital, which is part of BayCare Health
System, provides on-site obstetric services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has
a level II neonatal intensive care unit, education classes, an outpatient surgery center
and a breast and imaging center. The hospital is located at 101 Avenue O Southeast in
Winter Haven, Florida. For more information: BayCare.org/WHWH
About BayCare
BayCare is a leading not-for-profit health care system that connects individuals and
families to a wide range of services at 16 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient
locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions. The system is West
Central Florida’s largest provider of behavioral health and pediatric services and
its provider group, BayCare Medical Group, is one of the largest in the
region. BayCare’s diverse network of ambulatory services includes laboratories,
imaging, surgical centers, BayCare Urgent Care locations, wellness centers and one of
Florida’s largest home care agencies, BayCare HomeCare. Its Medicare Advantage
insurance, BayCarePlus, is among the region’s few 5-star-rated plans and the system is
ranked in the top 20 percent by Fortune/Merative. BayCare’s mission is to improve the
health of all it serves through community-owned, health care services that set the
standard for high-quality, compassionate care. For more information visit BayCare.org.
