COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) has named Nick Cline, LPN, EMT, EMS & Training Center Manager at Avita Bucyrus Hospital, as the recipient of the 2025 Albert E. Dyckes Health Care Worker of the Year award. The announcement was made on May 20 during an awards ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

Kelsey Brown, senior director of clinical and member programs for the OHA, lauded the dedication of health care professionals across the state. “Serving as a caregiver in health care is a true calling including the more than 375,000 people working in Ohio hospitals,” Brown said. “As a community we are proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of these hard-working caregivers who impact the lives of so many Ohioans and who help ensure a healthy Ohio.”

Cline was recognized for his significant contributions to patient care at Avita Bucyrus Hospital. In addition to his management role, he serves as an American Heart Association instructor and clinical educator. Notably, Cline coordinated Avita’s STEMI program, acting as a crucial link between area EMS and the hospital’s cardiac catheterization program. He also developed the LifeNet EMS ECG transmission program, which allows for real-time transmission of electrocardiograms from emergency medical services to the hospital, leading to quicker interventions and improved outcomes for heart attack patients. Furthermore, Cline established an interhospital patient transfer program, which has reduced wait times and ensured more timely patient care.

The OHA’s Health Care Worker of the Year Award annually honors an Ohio caregiver who demonstrates leadership, motivates colleagues, influences others, provides valuable service, embodies the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and makes a positive impact in their community. This year, the OHA received 74 nominations for the award.

The OHA also recognized four finalists for the statewide honor:

  • Terry Livengood, Chaplain, Aultman Hospital (Canton)
  • John Gabis, MD, family medicine physician and medical director of community partnerships, Adena Regional Medical Center (Chillicothe)
  • Shelly Deyhle, RN, director of transplant administration, The Christ Hospital Health Network (Cincinnati)
  • Jackie Jones, supervisor – environmental services, Cleveland Clinic Marymount Hospital (Garfield Heights)

Each year, OHA member hospitals and health systems are invited to nominate an outstanding professional for the Health Care Worker of the Year award. A panel of external reviewers assists the OHA in selecting the finalists and the ultimate recipient. The award was established in 1996.