SARANAC LAKE — Adirondack Health has named registered nurse Barbara Ayres as the 2024 recipient of the Meghan E. Handler “Excellence in Nursing” memorial award.
The award, established by Dr. Richard and Leslie Handler in memory of their daughter, Meghan, is given annually to a registered nurse employed by Adirondack Health with one to three years professional experience, a commitment to improving and expanding their knowledge base, excellent technical skills and efficiency, and demonstrated compassion and rapport with patients, their families and significant others, and colleagues.
“I was completely stunned,” Ayres said.
“I am very honored and deeply touched. “I love working at a small hospital and I work with wonderful people.”
Ayres joined Adirondack Health in June 2021 and worked for two years on the medical/surgical unit at Adirondack Medical Center. She then transitioned to AMC’s intensive care unit, where she currently serves.
“I love being able to focus on getting people through a critical time and intensely focusing on the patient,” she said.
“In the ICU, you have fewer patients, but they’re sicker patients. You really work as a team in the ICU, and I love the comradery. Everywhere you work here, you’re working with wonderful providers.”
Nursing was a second career for Ayres, who was previously a high school teacher for about a decade in Arizona. She said she’s always loved helping people and that some of her life experiences being there for people going through a rough time made her realize she wanted to be a nurse.
In 2018, she moved to the area and worked as a substitute teacher before earning her registered nursing degree from North Country Community College.
“When I graduated North Country Community College and was looking for a job, I knew I wanted to work at a small hospital. I love that there’s so much communication. I interviewed other places and had another job offer, but I could just tell Adirondack Medical Center was where I wanted to be,” she said.
Director of Critical Care Tracey Amell said that Ayres came to work in the ICU in 2023 with a heart full of dedication and was eager to learn her new role as a critical care nurse.
“She jumped right in with her infectious enthusiasm and exceptional commitment to excellence, and compassionate care,” Amell said.
“She has developed her skills and strengthened her ability to remain calm under pressure, prioritize tasks effectively, and collaborate with other members of the interdisciplinary team. These qualities exemplify her professional attributes and make her deserving of the Meaghan E. Handler Award. I am proud to have her as a member of the ICU team.”
The Meghan E. Handler “Excellence in Nursing” memorial award is accompanied by a check for $1,000.