However, nursing leaders teased that Ruark was the only candidate who didn't wish to be considered.
"She actually came to me and ask that her name be removed from the list," HGH Chief Nursing Officer Darlene Bryan told the assembled group.
Ruark smiled at the memory and explained, "I just wanted other people to be a part of everything. I've had my time in the spotlight; I thought it was time for someone else."
The 25-year veteran of Humboldt General Hospital said she was deeply honored by the tribute, though, and felt it was more special than any other recognition she has ever received.
"I just want to thank everyone," she said. "This means more to me than anything else."
She added, "I just want to continue to give my loyalty to everyone."
Ruark has worked in the OB, ER and now Skilled Nursing departments. Before that, she was employed by Washoe Medical Center.
During her time at HGH, she has certainly made an impression on her co-workers. She was the subject of multiple nominations for the award that nursing leadership said quantifies the very essence of Florence Nightingale, a celebrated English nurse, writer and statistician who came to prominence for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War where she tended to wounded soldiers. Nightingale was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night.
Nightingale laid the foundation of professional nursing with the establishment, in 1860, of her nursing school at St Thomas' Hospital in London, the first secular nursing school in the world, now part of King's College London. The Nightingale Pledge taken by new nurses was named in her honor, and the annual International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world on her birthday.
Bryan said the HGH "Nightingale Nurse of the Year Award" was created to recognize nurses who, like Nightingale, go above and beyond in their duties, who go out of their way to provide exceptional care, who elevate themselves and their profession through education and knowledge, and who can innovate by coming up with new and better ideas.
"In short, we are looking for nurses who inspire, elevate, innovate and energize," said Bryan, and this year's nominees certainly fit the bill, she said.
Bryan continued, "We have over 100 people on our nursing staff, and four people were nominated by multiple nominees. That is a really big honor."
HGH CEO/Administrator Jim Parrish agreed the award is a landmark event in a nurse's life, and also a fitting tribute to HGH's nurses.
"It's not what I do that makes the difference," he told audience members at this year's Nightingale ceremony. "It's what you do every day with our patients, so thank you very much for all you do."
Nominators likened Ruark to Nightingale, noting her professional and caring manner with residents at Harmony Manor.
"She is very knowledgeable, attentive and supportive with the residents and their families," wrote one person. "Like Florence Nightingale, Pam places the patient in a position for nature to work on them. This is manifest in that the resident appears well cared for, clean, comfortable and confident that they are being well cared for. Pam ensures that physician orders and the nursing care plan are followed as well as addressing emergent needs."
Nominators also addressed Ruark's leadership qualities, telling how she orients new employees and serves as a role model. "She is encouraging for the staff and she is a good listener and a skilled problem solver. She is often sought for her opinion regarding planning resident care. Her humor puts people at ease, lightening situations which make the working environment more open and comfortable."
Admirers also touched on Ruark's positive working relationships with Harmony Manor staff, physicians and other interdisciplinary departments at HGH. "She uses a friendly and understanding approach in working with people," wrote another.
Ruark said her mother and grandmother were both in the nursing profession because they wanted to make a difference.
The Vallejo, Calif., native said that inspired her to do the same. She said she chose nursing because "it was a profession that meant something." Plus, she noted that "working with people, especially the elderly" is what keeps her coming back every day.
As to her award, Ruark said she was amazed and gratified, but also humbled at the recognition. "I know there were nurses who were so much better than me. I just want to continue to work, learn and be an asset to those I encounter."
Ruark joked, "Also staying upright would be nice."
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