Mercy Medical Center Nurses Recognized in Baltimore magazine’s 2026 “Excellence in Nursing” Edition

Mercy Medical Center nurses have been recognized as among "the best of the best" in the region by Baltimore magazine's 12th annual "Excellence in Nursing Awards" survey, May 2026 issue.

The survey attracted hundreds of nominations covering numerous different specialties over a 9-month period. Nominations were reviewed by a panel of several registered nurse advisors who helped determine the winners. From Mercy, the following nurses were recognized:

• Evelyn Alvarado, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II – Emergency Department
• Railene Broseghini, MSN, RN, CAPA, Nurse Manager – Endoscopy & Cystoscopy
• Liane Bruton, MSN, RN – Pediatrics (Non-Neonatal)
• Laura Chowdhry, RN, PCCN, Clinical Nurse III – Medical/Surgical Nursing
• Tanja Gross, BSN, RN, PCCN, Clinical Nurse III – Preadmission Testing
• Kya Johnson, RN, Clinical Nurse III  – Medical/Surgical Nursing
• Mary Konopacki, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II – Emergency Department
• Lauren Masser, BSN, RN, CNOR, Clinical Nurse II – Operating Room
• Mary Frances Monte, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II – Operating Room
• Julie Plescia, DNP, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE, Nurse Educator – Women’s Health
• Sandy Ramos, MSN, RN, Perianesthesia Nurse Educator – Perianesthesia
• Brittani Reid, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse III – Interventional Radiology
• Sydnee Sapack, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II – Oncology
• Alexandra Talbott, BSN, RN-BC, Clinical Nurse II – Perianesthesia
• Maya Washington, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse II – Oncology

The magazine solicited nominations from peers, supervisors, and patients of registered nurses, both in and out of hospitals, who represent the finest in their field.

"Mercy nurses exemplify the very best of the profession through their clinical excellence, leadership, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care," said Dr. David Maine, President and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center. "This recognition reflects the exceptional impact they have on our patients and our community every day."

Mercy RNs are committed to staying at the forefront of nursing excellence to provide the best care possible for patients. Mercy nurses enhance their clinical practice skills via such programs as the Clinical Advancement Program and OR Nurse Residency Program. Mercy has nearly 250 nurses nationally certified in specialty care areas such as critical care, oncology, orthopedics, OR and inpatient obstetrics.

Mercy's excellence in nursing is underscored by its Magnet recognition. In February 2026, the hospital received news of earning Magnet status "with distinction" from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Mercy is one of just 75 hospitals nationwide to receive this elite distinction, awarded to organizations that surpass the already rigorous standards for Magnet designation, one of the most prestigious nursing awards in the United States.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) named Mercy a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence recipient for its Critical Care Unit. The Beacon Award for Excellence is a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments, recognizing unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN's six Healthy Work Environment Standards.

PHOTO CAPTION:

Front row, from left: Stacey Brull, a vice president and chief nursing officer of Mercy Medical Center; Liane Bruton, MSN, RN; Kya Johnson, RN; Evelyn Alvarado, BSN, RN; and Brittani Reid, BSN, RN.

Middle row, from left: Mary Frances Monte, BSN, RN; Sandy Ramos, MSN, RN, CPAN; Maya Washington, BSN, RN; Sydnee Sapack, BSN, RN; and Laura Chowdhry, RN, PCCN.

Top row, from left: Alexandra Talbott, BSN, RN-BC; Railene Broseghini, MSN, RN, CAPA; Tanja Gross, BSN, RN, PCCN; and Lauren Masser, BSN, RN, CNOR; and Tracey Penaloza, vice president of perioperative services at Mercy Medical Center.

Not pictured: Mary Konopacki, BSN, RN; and Julie Plescia, DNP, RN, RNC-MNN, CNE