Known as a phenomenal clinical resource who leads with her heart as well as with vision and integrity, Johnelle Keck gives new meaning to the word “dedication” in her role as director of medical/surgical nursing at F.F. Thompson Hospital.
Keck oversees the inpatient units of 2 West, 3 West, and 3 East at the Canandaigua hospital. She is described as someone who continually demonstrates her commitment to evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary teamwork while finding creative ways to ensure every member of her team feels connected.
Earlier this month, members of that team cheered as Keck was named the winner of the Ontario County ATHENA Leadership Award.
Colleagues say Keck – a former nursing instructor at Finger Lakes Community College – fosters a culture of continuous learning and ensures the highest standards of patient care through education and mentorship.
In a nomination for one of the three Shining Star Awards she has received from Thompson, one colleague noted, “Johnelle has a magical way of pulling the best out of her team members – even when they don't necessarily see it in themselves.”
Bringing on new graduates and experienced nurses alike, Keck works diligently to ensure they want to stay and grow within Thompson. Whether it’s in medical/surgical nursing or elsewhere, she wants them to succeed.
Keck was instrumental in the hospital’s two most recent Magnet re-designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
In addition, during the hardest days of the pandemic, she provided calm reassurance, updating staff and offering emotional support. A fellow nurse once said, “When things are overwhelming, you can always count on her to be present and helping in any way that she can.”
A mother of four grown children, Keck contributes to the community beyond her work at Thompson, through nursing education advisory boards and through St. Mary’s Church in Canandaigua. She was joined at the ATHENA dinner by her husband, mother, and friends.
Keck was also able to share the evening with Alexa Carroll, director of nursing for Thompson’s ICU, Observation Unit, and Diagnostic Imaging Department. Carroll was honored as one of the finalists for the ATHENA Young Professional Award and has established a reputation as a leader who champions patient care, innovation, and professional growth among her staff while also mentoring nursing students from New York University, her alma mater.
The ATHENA awards are hosted by the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce, which has one of the longest-running ATHENA programs in the nation, dating back more than 40 years. According to the Chamber’s website, the program celebrates “women who lead, mentor and make a lasting impact across our community.”
For more information, visit https://www.onchamber.com/athena/
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