Erin Armstrong Merrill, a 2006 graduate of the University of Arkansas Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, was the 2013 recipient of the Spirit of Nursing Award for Excellence in Patient Care presented by the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Each year, one nurse is selected from the 1,600 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses employed by the Nebraska Medical Center to receive the award. Merrill holds a lead staff nurse position at the hospital, which is Nebraska's largest health-care facility and the teaching hospital for the University of Nebraska.

The Spirit of Nursing Award honors nurses who have consistently exemplified outstanding holistic patient care or helped foster professional growth among their colleagues and students. These nurses are leaders in providing quality, compassionate patient care, creating a positive work environment and enhancing their own professional development.

Rosanna Morris, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Nebraska Medical Center, described a situation in which Merrill went above and beyond her duties by coordinating a special dinner for a patient preparing to undergo a very difficult surgery.

"During her daily visits, Erin was able to identify a few of the individual's favorite foods," Morris said. "On the evening of his surgery, Erin along with her husband prepared a steak dinner with salad, potato, rolls, and strawberry shortcake."

The patient and his family were touched and grateful for this special care that made the experience a little less stressful.

Morris also said Merrill was chosen to attend the 2012 Magnet Conference in California and talked about her other service efforts.

"She brought back valuable information and educational handouts for staff members," Morris said. "Erin is an active member of the UBC, collects donations and shops for the annual Adopt a Family program and maintains the Sunshine Fund for her floor. Hospital-wide committees include Magnet, Nurse's Week, and on Operational Improvement workout related to medication reconciliation."

Merrill also has volunteered for the past six years at a youth camp for underprivileged children in Arkansas.

"She is one in a million and we are so thankful to have her as part of our team," Morris said.