This month’s Star Award winners are Pamela Christjohn (left) at Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center and Sara Groff, RN, at Olean General Hospital.

OLEAN — Sara Goff, a registered nurse, and Pamela Christjohn are this month’s Star Award recipients at Olean General Hospital and Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center, respectively.

The Star Award is presented monthly to an employee who demonstrates outstanding performance and inspires the same in others. Staff members are nominated for exceptional customer satisfaction, continuous performance improvement, teamwork, communication, ownership/accountability and excellence through co-worker or patient nominations.

Groff, an emergency department nurse, has been a valued member of the OGH team since 2020.

“Sara is one of the best nurses that my mother and I have ever come in contact with. During my mother’s time in the emergency room, Sara was such a kind and compassionate nurse. She took the time to listen to my mom and always made sure she was comfortable,” read her patient family nomination. “When we arrived, my mother was in so much pain and very anxious, but Sara checked back often to make sure she didn’t need anything and kept us all informed through every step. OGH is lucky to have a nurse like Sara.”

Christjohn, facilitated enroller, has been with BRMC since 2023.

“Pam always puts her patients first and consistently goes above and beyond to ease their financial stress. She diligently explores every possible billing solution to support those in her care,” read her nomination. “Pam is always ready to help patients navigate the often complex world of billing. Even though registration isn’t part of her role, she never hesitates to assist with patient registrations when needed, often stepping in without being asked or needing any explanation.”

Other employees who were nominated for Star Awards at BRMC include Lucille Nuzzo, office coordinator; Carol Smith-McCormick, housekeeper; and Joseph Warner, physical therapy assistant. OGH nominees were: Nolan Hoffman, maintenance worker; Mikayla Keis, nurse assistant; Allison Leet, medical assistant; Karolyn Pierce, RN; and Emily Smith, RN.

Star award recipients receive a chamber of commerce gift certificate, additional paid time off, a certificate of recognition and the Star Award parking spot.