Mount Nittany Health is proud to salute its nurses during National Nurses Week. Each year, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday.

Mount Nittany Health is grateful to the nurses who go above and beyond every day to support patients and comfort their families and loved ones.

This National Nurses Week, we are sharing stories of Mount Nittany Health nurses who embody our values of caring, respect, teamwork, integrity, excellence, and stewardship that inform our patient care, community outreach, and healthcare leadership.

• Steven Cogan, CRNP, Population Health
  Steven Cogan, CRNP, has worked as a critical care nurse at Mount Nittany Health for the past nine years and recently joined the Population Health team after receiving his Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner license. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business and later in nursing from Penn State Altoona and recently earned his master’s degree in nursing from Penn State. As a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Cogan provides high-quality care to his patients while also valuing their individual needs and preferences. His compassionate approach and ability to listen and communicate effectively have earned him the respect and admiration of both his patients and colleagues. Cogan’s dedication to respecting the dignity of his patients has resulted in improved health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction. He serves as an example of the critical importance of respect in the healthcare profession and beyond. “I like to establish a rapport with my patients and develop a ‘steps’ approach to care that makes sure the treatment that we are following is safe and well tolerated,” Cogan said. “I also have a background as a personal trainer, so a focus on fitness and nutrition is something I continue to encourage.” Mount Nittany Health is pleased to have Cogan serving as a provider of its population health pilot program.
• Rachel Latchford, BSN, RN, Women and Children’s Services
  Rachel Latchford, BSN, RN, Women and Children’s Services, is an outstanding example of a nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients. Recently, she was recognized as the recipient of the Clinical Patient CARE Award, which honors excellence in patient care and services. Latchford is known for her calm, reassuring, and caring presence, which helps put new parents at ease during what can be a stressful time. She has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in her approach to patient care, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed. Latchford is also a great communicator, always taking the time to educate new parents, while answering any questions they may have. Latchford is deeply passionate about her work and it shows in her service to Mount Nittany Health. She is a true asset to our team, and we are proud to have her as a committed member of our health system.
• Barry Kanouff, RN, Emergency Department
  Barry Kanouff, RN, is an incredible asset to the Emergency Department at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Regardless of the number of patients he has, he is kind, courteous, enthusiastic, and the ultimate team player. His positive demeanor makes everyone laugh and he always goes above and beyond to help his colleagues. Patients that receive his care are equally impressed by his personable nature and the dignity he shows to everyone. Those who have had the pleasure of working with Kanouff know that he exhibits all the attributes that make a wonderful nurse, including compassion, integrity, and great communication skills. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, he continually strives to makes his colleagues’ jobs easier by lending a helping hand. Kanouff is from Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, and attended the Registered Nurse (RN) Program at Lansing Community College. Mount Nittany Medical Center has been fortunate to have Kanouff providing exceptional care since May of 2021. When asked what he loves most about his job at Mount Nittany Health, Kanouff focused on his patients: “I like helping patients feel better. In the Emergency Department, we don’t get to see the end result, but we start the transition to a path of feeling better.” We applaud Kanouff’s commitment to excellence and celebrate his service to the community.
• Moses Flores, BSN, RN
  Moses Flores, RN, is the Clinic Coordinator at Mount Nittany Physician Group Gastroenterology. Flores’s medical knowledge and experience enable him to understand the needs and concerns of patients and healthcare providers alike, and to advocate for policies and practices that prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care. His ability to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers is a key factor in the success of Mount Nittany Physician Group Gastroenterology. Flores takes pride in being clear and honest with patients, while always being diligent about following up with patients regarding their care. As the Clinic Coordinator, Flores plays a critical role in ensuring that patients receive five-star care during every visit. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the practice, working closely with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff to ensure that patients are seen in a timely and efficient manner. Flores’s leadership skills and strong work ethic have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, who rely on him to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and provide guidance and support when needed. Flores’s dedication to his role as Clinic Coordinator is a testament to his commitment to Mount Nittany Health’s value of integrity. Mount Nittany Health would like to thank Flores for being such a valued member of the team, and we are grateful for his contributions to our mission of, “Healthier people, stronger community.”
• Chris Killinger, LPN, Cardiology & Nephrology
  Chris Killinger, LPN, Mount Nittany Physician Group Cardiology/Nephrology, is a shining example of a team member who continually goes above and beyond for her patients and fellow team members. Recently, Killinger was working when she witnessed a colleague coughing and choking as they were eating lunch. Killinger quickly intervened and performed the Heimlich maneuver to remove the food stuck in the individual’s throat. Her swift action saved the individual’s life. Killinger’s fellow team member was grateful for her rapid reaction and commitment to safety. Killinger has also been praised for her willingness to go above and beyond in her duties as a licensed practical nurse, often taking on additional tasks to support her colleagues and ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible. Her fellow team members have noted that she is a true team player, always willing to lend a hand and provide guidance to those who need it. Her dedication to teamwork has had a significant impact on the overall success of her department, and she serves as an inspiration to others in the organization who strive to work collaboratively and achieve their goals through cooperation and mutual support. Mount Nittany Health would like to applaud Killinger for her commitment to excellence and for providing exceptional clinical care.