Laura Ward, a registered nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), is the Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month for January.

Ward, of Jacksonville, has worked at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital for 43 years. She is known for her calm and steady demeanor as she strives to be of service to co-workers and patients in her unit, hospital officials said.

“Laura always puts the patient’s safety first, she ensures the unit is germ-free and fully stocked, she is always on time, always up-to-date on skills and always willing to help wherever and however she can,” said Ward’s co-worker, Sadie Courson, a registered nurse, who nominated Ward.

Outside of work, Ward enjoys traveling with her husband of 41 years, who is a remote control airplane enthusiast, to events and exhibitions. Ward also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading and going on walks.