Starr Knoles, an oncology RN at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Year for 2024.
Knoles finds helping people during their time of need as the most rewarding part of her job.
“I want to support patients in any way I can and put a smile on their face during the most difficult time in their lives by providing caring, compassionate and empathetic care,” she said.
A patient’s family member nominated her for being a “truly fantastic nurse.”
Knoles is often heard offering help and asking others if they are doing okay. She communicates in a timely and professional manner, is a patient advocate and will provide comfort medications and seek new orders if a patient’s symptoms aren’t well managed. She is known for her compassion, skill and energy.
“My grandmother broke her hip, and we were blessed to have Starr as her nurse,” the nominator wrote. “She was so gentle and kind to my grandmother, explaining everything to her (and us) in the room along the way. She made rounds on the dot and would check on us without anyone ever having to call out for her.”
Knoles and her partner live in Pleasant Plains with their two youngest daughters. Knoles has worked for Springfield Memorial Hospital since 2008 and was the May SMH Colleague of the Month in 2024.
The Colleague of the Year is selected at each Memorial Health affiliate from individuals previously named Colleague of the Month throughout 2024.