Karen Toot-Cheney

2006 Nightingale Nurse of the Year - May 5, 2006

Spend a few minutes with Karen Toot-Cheney and it becomes clear that the 17-year Maricopa Integrated Health System nursing veteran lives a life of service.

When the 2006 Nightingale Nurse of the Year isn't working in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), she can be found patrolling the sideline as a volunteer paramedic during pee-wee football games.

The Ahwatukee Foothills resident also knows life exists beyond her community. That's why she jumped at the chance to take a mission trip to the African nation of Uganda. While there, Toot-Cheney helped locals stock a much needed infirmary with donated items she helped procure.

Overcome with emotion, Toot Cheney spoke from her heart during the May 4 award presentation. "This is such an honor," she said softly as tears began to fall. "My life has been so blessed … and this place is a big reason why. I just love working here."

Last updated on December 3, 2008