Page 14 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • January 15, 2014 Valley NICU nurse is March of Dimes Nurse of the Year The Valley Hospital is pleased to announce that Joann LaBounty, RN, a nurse in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has been named a Nurse of the Year by the New Jersey March of Dimes. Through the Nurse of the Year Awards, the March of Dimes recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional patient care, compassion, and service. Whether serving as a health care provider, educator, researcher, or chapter vol- unteer/advisor, these nurses have played a critical role in improving the health of New Jersey’s mothers and babies. The Nurse of the Year Awards celebrate the nursing profes- sion and create an awareness of the recent strides made in this growing field. “It is no surprise to me that Joann received this presti- gious recognition,” said Ann Marie Leichman, vice presi- dent of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Valley. “She is an outstanding nurse who not only always puts the needs of her patients and families first, but also makes significant contributions to the profession of nurs- ing. We are so pleased she was honored for her work.” A resident of Wyckoff, LaBounty was honored in the neonatal category for her dedication as a NICU nurse. The New Jersey March of Dimes honored 17 outstanding local nurses at a gala held in December. Joann LaBounty, RN