Four women to be recognized for being nursing 'legends'

Hosting radio shows focused on health in the Navajo language. Serving in the military. Mentoring young nurses. Advancing diabetes education.

Those were some of the accomplishments of four retired nurses who will receive the Nursing Legend Award this year from the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence this year.

The nursing center announced last week that Malene Betonie, Dr. Zella Bray, Allison Kozeliski and Suzanne Smith were this year's recipients. The four women will be recognized at a gala on April 12.

“Because of these nurses' tireless service, countless lives in New Mexico were touched, healed and uplifted,” Rachael Frija, board president of the New Mexico Center For Nursing Excellence, said in a press release.

Betonie is a board member of the New Mexico Native American Indian Nurses Association, an organization that advocates for American Indian people's health needs and supports American Indian students pursuing careers in health care.

She received the award, in part, for her work on KNOW, a Navajo radio station where she gives listeners health advice in Diné, the Navajo language.

“It is my daily goal to have as many people to take care of their health," Betonie said. "That is why I teach my nursing knowledge on the radio in Navajo language."

Bray was a medical-surgical instructor at the University of New Mexico College of Nursing for almost twenty years, after a career in the U.S. Air Force and National Park Service.

"I never thought of being a nursing instructor, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Bray said.

Kozeliski's nursing career spanned almost 50 years in New Mexico. She worked for many years in Gallup, her hometown, where she was instrumental in the merger of two community hospitals. She is credited with advancing diabetes education across McKinley County.

“To be able to advocate for those who most need the touch of healing, to provide a voice for those who have none and to promote New Mexico as among the best of the best in providing nursing care has been and will continue to be among the most important things I do,” Kozeliski said.

Smith practiced at San Juan Regional Medical Center for more than 40 years, where she was considered a mentor for many nurses. She also worked closely with San Juan College.

“I am humbled by and grateful for this amazing honor in recognition of my nursing career," Smith said. "New Mexico nurses are in a league of their own and I am proud to be one of them."