Charge nurse Kelly Runchey receives Morris Hospital's Fire Starter of the Month Award

Kelly Runchey, a Charge Nurse in Morris Hospital’s 2 East medical/surgical unit, has been honored as the Fire Starter of the Month for April by Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers. Karie Stecken, the Manager of 2 East, commended Runchey for her dependability and willingness to assist others, saying, “Kelly is a great employee because she’s dependable and always willing to help anyone on the unit. She’s lovingly referred to as the ‘mother hen’ because she takes care of those around her."

Runchey entered nursing after a 14-year period as a stay-at-home mother. Following her children’s growth, she pursued her ambition of becoming a nurse by attending Joliet Junior College, where she achieved an Associate Degree in Nursing. Runchey shares, “I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a nurse and help people. Many of my family members worked as nurses, so I saw what the career looked like firsthand."

Having received five nominations for the award, Runchey’s leadership skills are well-recognized. Christine Wood, a Patient Care Technician at Morris Hospital, noted Runchey’s crucial role in their operation, stating, “Kelly is an exceptional charge nurse who leads by example, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and care while inspiring others to do the same.”

Reflecting on her career, Runchey found the most rewarding aspect to be helping people and forming relationships. She remarked, “It’s the people I get to help and the relationships I’ve built over the last 15 years. I am so fortunate to love what I do. When I come to work each day, I’m always thinking about how I can help someone and make their day better."

With over 1,500 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers stands as the largest employer in Grundy County, likening its monthly award to the critical role of historical “fire starters.”