Chesapeake Regional Honors Exceptional Nurses for Their Service

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – Chesapeake Regional Healthcare recently honored four outstanding nurses during its annual Nurse Exemplar Awards ceremony. The annual event, held each year during Nurses Week, recognizes excellence in nursing at Chesapeake Medical Center. The Nurse Exemplar Award and the three additional awards are given to nurses who serve as role models to others, are patient advocates, and display professional excellence in their nursing careers.

Nurse Exemplar Award

Rebecca Browning, BSN, RN, a Stepdown Unit Charge Nurse, is this year’s Nurse Exemplar, an RN who exemplifies a commitment to service, compassion, continued growth, quality, and patient safety. Leading by example and dedicated to both patients and co-workers, Browning has outstanding leadership skills, shows compassion and dedication to patients and her team. She has positively impacted patient care, staff engagement, and retention as a result of her efforts. Her work on a pilot nurse retention program, as part of her clinical ladder, demonstrated an innovative approach to addressing complex nursing challenges.

Browning is known as a skilled collaborator. Her communication skills help build trust, resolve conflicts, and improve patient outcomes. Her dedication to teamwork has earned respect and admiration from her unit and others.

Her nomination states, “Rebecca is an empathetic listener, always willing to lend a supportive ear or offer words of encouragement. Her team admires and appreciates her genuine interest in their well-being. Her positive attitude is infectious, and she has a remarkable ability to motivate and inspire, even in challenging situations.”

For her outstanding achievements, Browning received a crystal award and a $1,000 scholarship from the Chesapeake Hospital Auxiliary to further her nursing education.

Rookie of the Year Award

Aaliyah Mompremier, BSN, RN, a nurse on medical-surgical unit 3 West, is Chesapeake Regional’s 2025 Rookie of the Year. She is new to nursing and exemplifies a commitment to professional growth, compassionate care, teamwork, and communication. She is dedicated, kind, and passionate as she supports colleagues and patients.

Mompremier began her career as a Care Partner. She is dedicated to her patients and exceeds expectations, while constantly looking for ways to improve her nursing practice. She doesn’t hesitate to take on new responsibilities and approaches challenges with a positive attitude.

The peer who nominated her says, “Aaliyah has an incredible ability to connect with people, putting them at ease with her warm, caring nature. She is a nurse who leads with heart, works with integrity, and constantly strives to be better for the people she serves. She genuinely cares about the people she cares for, which makes her such a trusted and appreciated nurse. I am confident that she will continue to grow and inspire others in the years to come.”

Mompremier received a $1,000 scholarship and a crystal award to commemorate her honor.

Outstanding Leadership Award

Jennifer Duty, BSN, RN, ONC, Clinical Coordinator for 2 East, a surgical unit specializing in orthopedics, bariatrics, and trauma, is this year’s Outstanding Leader, a positive role model who exemplifies growth, exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and professional development. She is hardworking, intelligent, and inspires others to be the very best version of themselves.

The peer who nominated her wrote, “Jenn truly leads by example and always makes herself available to Chesapeake Regional. She provides exceptional patient care,  is extremely reliable, and makes every staff member feel valued. She has a passion for providing quality care to all patients and staff. Jenn cares about employee retention, plans staff outings, and implements Fun Fridays. I can't express enough how truly fortunate we are to have her as a leader at CRH!”

Duty knows what it takes to build a successful unit and understands that keeping nurses happy and motivated helps with retention, which in turn benefits patients. She has taken on the role of Clinical Coordinator for a unit that was without one, demonstrating her loyalty to colleagues and the organization.

For inspiring excellence by leading with honor, commitment, and integrity, Duty received a $500 scholarship and a crystal award.

Legacy Award

This year’s Legacy Award recipient is Tracey Decker, BSN, RN, an Orthopedic Surgical Nurse Navigator. She has been with Chesapeake Regional for over 27 years and exemplifies commitment to service, leadership, compassion and growth. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her to deliver quality care to orthopedic patients. Decker is the heart and soul of the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) program. She also leads the ERAS committee, collaborating with anesthesia, surgical services, surgeons, and outpatient offices for all elective joint surgeries. She diligently stays on top of the latest evidence-based practices, bringing her research to the committee to ensure the program maintains its excellent quality standing.

Orthopedic surgeons commend her as the driving force behind their success. For patients who can’t attend a pre-surgical class due to health or transportation issues, she teaches the class virtually, going over every detail to prepare patients for surgery. If someone is having a difficult time after they are discharged, she will stay on the phone to provide peace of mind or reach out to the surgeon for extra support.

The peer nurse who nominated her said, “She is a vital part of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center and the Chesapeake community, impacting hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Her compassion for the hospital and the people of the community is remarkable. We need more nurses like her.”

For the milestones she’s achieved and for giving her time with loyalty and dedication, Decker was honored with a crystal award and a $500 scholarship.