Jody Houser, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center, has received a national Nursing Excellence Award.
Houser was surprised with a reception that included her colleagues, hospital leaders and Key West Mayor Danise Henriquez, where she received a crystal plaque and symbolic check for the cash award she received.
Houser joined Lower Keys Medical Center in 2021 and has served in the medical surgical unit, nursing leadership and the intensive care unit. In March 2026, she received the annual LKMC Frank Houtman Award, named after a long-serving hospital volunteer, for representing the true essence of volunteerism. When a local family faced a personal and medical crisis, she provided specialized care for a community member on her personal time. She arranged her schedule to provide nighttime support and helped educate family members so they could feel confident and empowered in caring for their loved one. She is regularly recognized by colleagues for her passion, integrity, servant leadership and community service.
“It’s an honor to present this award to Jody,” said registered nurse Angelina Ashler, director of the intensive care unit and dialysis and patient experience champion at Lower Keys Medical Center. “She is known for her clinical competence, leadership and her willingness to mentor new nurses. In the intensive care unit, she cares for some of our most vulnerable patients with attentiveness and heart, always ensuring that patients and families feel informed, supported and comforted.”
Houser is one of 10 national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community
Health Systems, which runs the Key West hospital and 59 others nationwide.
The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of
the Nurse” to recognize the effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic.
