CASPER — The Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) presented Powell Valley Healthcare RN Patty Wurzel with the prestigious Legacy in Nursing Excellence Award during an awards reception on Sept. 24 at the 2026 WNA & WCAPN Convention, Stronger Together. The award honors a WNA member who demonstrates a legacy of inspiring nurses, providing mentorship, and promoting the profession.

Becoming a nurse in 1986, Wurzel celebrated 40 years in the profession and retired in August. Throughout her career, she served patients across Powell, the Big Horn Basin, and beyond. Renown-
ed for leaving a lasting impression, Wurzel’s quiet, consistent presence transformed clinical interactions into long-lasting relationships built on dignity, kindness and compassion, the WNA praised.

Wurzel’s legacy is perhaps best measured by the countless lives she has touched. It is impossible to accompany Patty anywhere without someone recognizing her, offering a hug, and expressing heartfelt gratitude for the care she provided to them or someone they love. This has happened in downtown Powell, at the movie theater, in shops in Greybull, at restaurants throughout the Big Horn Basin, and even once in an international airport. Years after their hospitalization, patients still remember Patty — not because of a specific procedure, but because of the kindness, compassion and dignity she showed them. They remember how she made them feel. Few nurses leave that kind of lasting impression, and it speaks volumes about the legacy Patty has built.  

Beyond her clinical practice, Wurzel served as a trusted colleague, mentor, and role model. Her leadership by example, calm demeanor, and exceptional communication skills helped guide generations of nurses while fostering teamwork and confidence.

Wurzel’s commitment to service extends into her broader community. She and her family opened their home to numerous international students from Northwest College and local high schools. Additionally, she applied her leadership skills to public service, earning election to her local school board and chairing her church board through a major merger of two congregations.

“Patty’s career is a testament to what it means to leave a legacy,” the WNA selection committee noted. “She has exemplified the highest ideals of the nursing profession and demonstrated that nursing leadership is defined by service, compassion, integrity, and the ability to inspire others to be their very best.”