Lower Keys Medical Center Nurse Jody Houser Receives National Award for Nursing Excellence

7/30/2026

Jody Houser, a registered nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center, has received a national Nursing Excellence Award. Houser was surprised with the recognition during a reception with hospital leadership and Key West Mayor Danise "DeeDee" Henriquez, where she was presented with a crystal plaque and a symbolic check for the cash award she received.

Houser joined Lower Keys Medical Center in 2021 and in that time has served in the medical surgical unit, nursing leadership, and the intensive care unit. In March of 2025, she was presented with 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 recognized by colleagues for her passion, integrity and servant leadership.

Angelina Ashler, R.N., director of the intensive care unit and patient experience champion at Lower Keys Medical Center said, "It's an honor to present this award to Jody. 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."

Mayor Henriquez said, "Congratulations to Jody Houser, R.N., on receiving the Nurse Excellence Award. This well-deserved honor recognizes her exceptional compassion, professionalism, and dedication to going above and beyond for both the residents of Key West and the visitors who rely on our healthcare community. It was a privilege to be part of this special celebration and to recognize someone whose commitment to caring for others makes our community stronger every day."

Houser is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers. Developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 32 distinct markets across 12 states, the organization’s affiliates include Lower Keys Medical Center and 59 other hospitals.

The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of the Nurse” as a means to recognize the tremendous effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic. This is the sixth occasion for the peer-nominated award recognizing the vital work nurses play in our work to make the healthcare experience exceptional for our patients, our communities, and each other. Characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence include outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation, and reflect the efforts of someone who is a demonstrated team player and/or mentor to others, is a leader in times of crises, and who regularly promotes health in the community.

Back