Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Nurse Kayla James Receives National Award for Nursing Excellence
7/28/2026
Palmer, Alaska, July 2026 – Kayla James, a registered nurse providing care in the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Intensive Care Unit (ICU), has received a national Nursing Excellence Award.
A lifelong Alaskan, James joined Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in 2015 and has become a respected leader within the ICU. She is recognized as a highly skilled high-acuity critical care nurse committed to delivering exceptional patient care.
Throughout her career, she has served as a charge nurse, including during the COVID pandemic, served as an MSRMC Safety Coach, and was a facilitator of the ICU team’s successful work to achieve the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses’ Beacon Award for Excellence. She has also been recognized with the hospital’s Rising Star Award and Daisy Award.
James is one of ten national Nursing Excellence Award winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers. Developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 32 distinct markets across 12 states, the organization’s affiliates include Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and 59 other hospitals.
“Kayla exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional nurse,” said Shari Giese, chief nursing officer of Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. “Her compassion, clinical excellence and leadership make a difference every day, and we are incredibly proud to see her receive this well-deserved national recognition.”
The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of the Nurse” as a means to recognize the tremendous effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic. This is the sixth occasion for the peer-nominated award recognizing the vital work nurses play in the work to make the healthcare experience exceptional for our patients, our communities, and each other. Characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence include outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation, and reflect the efforts of someone who is a demonstrated team player and/or mentor to others, is a leader in times of crises, and who regularly promotes health in the community.
In addition to receiving the national Nursing Excellence Award and recognition gift, James received a cash award.
The terms "Community Health Systems" or the "organization" used in this press release refer to Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation, unless otherwise stated.
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