FOSTORIA, OHIO, February 27, 2013 – Catherine “Cat” Kelbley, BSN, RN, CNOR, RNFA, surgical services, was named ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Employee of the Quarter. She was nominated for being an excellent example of ProMedica’s Values – compassion, innovation, teamwork, and excellence.

“Cat delivers excellent care to our patients by helping put their fears at ease and ensuring their safety,” said her nominator. “Cat consistently shows compassion toward her patients and co-workers. Staff and physicians often comment about how much they enjoy working with her.”

Cat was raised on her family’s farm in Kansas, Ohio, where she not only learned to be compassionate and a team player, but also the value of hard work and responsibility. These life lessons have carried over into her work. Some examples of this include: participating in the surgery department’s LEAN project which resulted in creating more efficient supply areas; sharing her knowledge from past experiences and helping brainstorm new ideas to find new solutions; and pitching in to help even when she is not obligated to do so.

A Lakota High School graduate, Cat earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing from Bowling Green State University and Medical College of Ohio (now known as University of Toledo Medical Center). She has been a nurse for more than 11 years, and has worked at ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital in the surgery department for eight years.

“When I was presented with this award, I was overwhelmed with surprise and joy,” said Cat. “I am very blessed to be part of this great crew. There is a lot of teamwork here and our patients receive superior care.“

Cat is a very giving and community-minded individual. She donates produce from her garden for the Walk for Diabetes Farmer’s Market, clothing and food to the Fostoria Sharing Kitchen and Christmas presents to area children. She also serves on the ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Relay for Life team every year, and is a member of AORN, AWSEC, the hospital’s unit-based council and health ministry program. In addition, last year, she accepted the responsibility of facilitating ongoing educational opportunities and training for the surgery department staff, and helps with annual hospital-wide Nursing Skills Lab sessions.

In her free time, Cat enjoys spending time with her family – husband of seven years, Nick, and sons, Colten, 4, and Ruger, 2, and dog, Tyson. She also likes to be outdoors with her family and participate in such past times as gardening and watching the kids ride in combines with Dad and Papa.

Cat Kelbley, RN, ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital Employee of the Quarter

For more information about ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital, visit www.promedica.org/fostoria.