IRON MOUNTAIN – The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center honored two nurses within its VA health care system with the 2020 Administrator’s Award for Excellence in Nursing during National Nurses Week, May 6-12.

Lee Saippa, who works at the Ironwood VA Outpatient Clinic, received this year’s Licensed Practical Nurse Award. Saippa was recognized for taking on additional responsibilities in the absence of a lead nurse, thoroughly training and orientating new clinic staff, and her commitment and diligence to providing the care veterans need.

Dustin Brewster, who works at the Manistique VA Outpatient Clinic, was chosen for the Registered Nurse Award. He was recognized for his role as lead nurse for the clinic, improving administrative and data processes, and recruiting and mentoring new clinic staff. Brewster recently was named the medical center’s East Community Based Outpatient Clinic Coordinator, overseeing outpatient clinics in Manistique, Marquette, Menominee and Sault Ste. Marie.

The medical center employs more than 200 nurses at its main Iron Mountain facility and seven community outpatient clinics across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin.

The Administrator’s Award for Excellence in Nursing was established in 1984 to honor one nurse in each of the categories who is actively engaged in the care of patients.