Four Kelowna nurses have been provincially honoured for their hard work.

Jane Luk-Tran, Jane Colpron, Tami Jemson and Mary Pinese have received Outstanding Nurse 2008 Recognition Awards as part of National Nursing Week, which runs between May 12 and 18.

These awards increase awareness of nursing excellence and are part of the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Nurses Association and BC’s 150th Anniversary.

Throughout Interior Health, 28 nurses were nominated for the awards.

Of those, 20 were randomly selected by Tom Fulton, Leader of the Professional Practice Office and Chief Nursing Officer, to receive the provincial certificate.

Seven went to Okanagan nurses. The other nominees received an Interior Health certificate, which went to Christine Schultz, Lynn Gerein, Sherri Ellis and Bonnie Taylor.

The other Okanagan nurses awarded were: Meggie Ross and Shannon O’Brien.

“These awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge the significant contributions nurses make on behalf of Interior Health,” said Fulton. “While these outstanding nurses have been identified by their peers, I would also like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of all our nurses and other clinical staff. We are fortunate to have these caring and compassionate individuals providing service to our communities.”