Muskogee Nurses Recognized As Some Of The Best In Oklahoma

A group of nurses who work at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center in Muskogee are being recognized for being the best in the state.

They were included on this year’s Great 100 Nurses list.

Robert Gaygay is a nurse who runs the vaccine clinic at the hospital.

He says this award comes after several years of hard work.

"To get that kind of recognition just affirmed the kind of work I do, because I know I give it everything I need to, for my patient to get the kind of care they deserve, especially the veterans," said Gaygay.

Other nurses say they were shocked, but they appreciate their work being recognized.

"Kind of surprised, but honored,” said Amanda Gaither, who works as an Endoscopy nurse. “Because you know, you just come to work to do your job every day and do it to the best of your ability.”

"It was very humbling,” said Brette Fast, an Endoscopy nurse who works with Gaither. “I think as a nurse, we just do what we do, we don't think about trying to get recognition. Most of us go into this field wanting to help people so, to be recognized for that feels odd in a way, because it's just what we chose to do."

They say their job is tough, but it’s one they’re thankful to have every day.

"It is a hard job. It should be a hard job, we're caring for people's lives,” said Fast. “But I think it's very rewarding, most of us go home every day and like to feel like we've accomplished something."

Gaygay says no matter what you do in life— you should always give it your all.

"This award did not come easily,” Gaygay said. “If you decided to do something in life, please, just do it to the best of your God-given ability. Because whether it is in the public or not, people see what you do."

Each year, 100 new nurses will make the list and the winners for 2023 will be announced in February.