Mercy Medical Center Medical-Surgical Nursing team earns prestigious AMSN PRISM Award(R). Mercy First hospital in Baltimore and one of only two in Maryland to receive national honor. Credit: Jennifer McMenamin The Mercy Medical Center Medical-Surgical Nursing team, Bunting 16 (16th floor Orthopedics unit), winners of the prestigious PRISM Award(R) from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). Newswise - BALTIMORE, MD - Mercy Medical Center proudly announces that the Medical-Surgical Nursing team, Bunting 16 (16th floor Orthopedics unit in the Mary Catherine Bunting Center), has received the prestigious PRISM Award(R) from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). This national recognition honors exceptional nursing practice, leadership, and patient outcomes in medical-surgical units. Mercy is the first hospital in Baltimore - and one of only two in the state of Maryland - to earn the PRISM Award(R), underscoring the extraordinary dedication, expertise, and compassionate care delivered daily by Mercy's medical-surgical nurses. Medical-surgical nurses represent the largest group of specialty nurses in hospital settings nationwide, overseeing a broad range of patient care responsibilities. The PRISM Award(R), which stands for "Premier Recognition In the Specialty of Med-Surg," is the first award of its kind recognizing medical-surgical nursing units in the United States and internationally. Co-sponsored by AMSN and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), the award recognizes excellence in nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, positive patient outcomes, lifelong learning, and the creation of healthy work environments. "Our nurses are the living continuation of the mission the Sisters of Mercy brought to Baltimore more than 151 years ago - to care for this community with dignity, compassion, and excellence," said Dr. David Maine, President and CEO of Mercy Health Services. "To our Bunting 16 nurses: Thank you for your expertise and your unwavering dedication to our patients and to each other." The 16th floor Orthopedics team cares for patients with complex surgical and medical needs, demonstrating exceptional clinical skill, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality. The PRISM recognition reflects measurable patient outcomes, professional development, and a culture that empowers nurses to lead and innovate in the delivery of care. "This award validates what we see every day at Mercy - nurses who lead with compassion, practice with precision, and advocate tirelessly for their patients," said Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, NE-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services at Mercy. "Their commitment to excellence elevates the standard of care at Mercy and across our region." This latest distinction adds to Mercy's growing list of nursing excellence honors. 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 U.S. In recent years, Mercy has also received Beacon Awards of Excellence for both the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), distinguishing each unit's exceptional patient care and healthy work environments. Founded in 1874, Mercy Medical Center is a university-affiliated Catholic hospital with a national reputation for women's health care as well as orthopedics, cancer and digestive health among other medical disciplines. Mercy is home to the acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine as well as the $400+ million Mary Catherine Bunting Center. For more information, visit Mercy online at www.mdmercy.com, www.youtube.com/mmcbaltimore, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy. Front Row (left to right): Isatu Jalloh, DNP, RN; Natalie Moore, RN; Jahanvi Patel, RN; Shantel Chase, RN; Inna Getsin, RN; Thandeka Bembridge, RN; Latera Davis, RN; Stacey Brull, DNP, RN, CNO and VP of Patient Care Services. Back Row (left to right): Haley Simonds, RN; Katja Ilves, Clinical Educator; Erica Richardson, Assistant Nurse Manager; Liselle Richins, Nurse Manager; Michelle Barco, JJ Director. Media contact. Type of article. Section.

Mercy Medical Center nurses recognized in Baltimore magazine's 2026 "Excellence in Nursing" Edition. Credit: Mercy Medical Center 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 Newswise - (Baltimore, MD) - 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. Founded in 1874, Mercy Medical Center is a university-affiliated Catholic hospital with a national reputation for women's health care as well as orthopedics, cancer and digestive health among other medical disciplines. Mercy is home to the acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine as well as the $400+ million Mary Catherine Bunting Center. For more information, visit Mercy online at www.mdmercy.com, www.youtube.com/mmcbaltimore, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy. 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 Media contact. Type of article. Section.

Mercy Medical Center introduces office-based intestinal ultrasound to enhance care for patients with Inflammatory Bowel disease. Apr 08, 2026, 15:00 ET BALTIMORE, April 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Mercy Medical Center is expanding its advanced digestive health services with the introduction of intestinal ultrasound (IUS), now available at The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease. This innovative imaging technology offers patients living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a convenient, noninvasive way to evaluate intestinal inflammation during routine office visits. IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has traditionally been monitored through colonoscopy, laboratory testing, CT scans, and MRI imaging. While effective, these approaches may require bowel preparation, sedation, or exposure to radiation, and results are not always immediate. Intestinal ultrasound provides a different approach. Performed at the bedside in the clinic setting, IUS allows physicians to assess the bowel in real time - without radiation, anesthesia, or special preparation. The scan can be completed during a standard appointment, enabling faster clinical decisions and more meaningful conversations between physician and patient. The program is led by Raymond K. Cross, Jr., M.D., M.S., AGAF, FACG, Medical Director of The Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases at Mercy. Dr. Cross is a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases, infectious colitis, celiac disease, and chronic diarrhea. "Intestinal ultrasound gives us the ability to evaluate inflammation at the time of an office visit," said Dr. Cross. "Because patients are awake and involved during the exam, they can see and understand what's happening in their intestines. That shared, real-time insight strengthens our ability to personalize treatment and monitor how therapies are working." Internationally, intestinal ultrasound has been used for years as part of routine IBD management. Growing clinical experience shows that this technology can help: * Identify active inflammation quickly * Clarify whether symptoms reflect active disease * Monitor response to medications * Reduce reliance on more invasive testing as appropriate According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, inflammatory bowel disease, including both UC and Crohn's, is increasing overall in the U.S. population, with about 2.39 million to 3.1 million adults in the U.S. having been diagnosed with IBD. By adding intestinal ultrasound to its suite of services, Mercy Medical Center continues to invest in advanced, patient-centered tools that improve access, comfort, and quality of care for individuals living with complex digestive conditions. Founded in 1874, Mercy Medical Center is a Catholic health care facility, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, as well as a teaching hospital for the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Located in downtown Baltimore at 345 St. Paul Place, Mercy is part of Mercy Health Services, Inc., which also includes Stella Maris, Central Maryland's largest long-term/geriatric care facility located in Timonium, MD, as well as a growing network of community health centers. For more information, visit Mercy online at www.mdmercy.com, www.youtube.com/mmcbaltimore, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy. SOURCE Mercy Medical Center