Kathy Einthoven, a nurse at Pocopson Elementary School in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, is one of three winners of Independence Blue Cross’s Celebrate Caring Awards.

Independence Blue Cross recently traveled to Einthoven’s workplace during National Nurses Week to surprise her with the award.

The health insurer invited people in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey to submit stories about nurses who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care to patients and families. It resulted in nearly 700 submissions from more than 180 healthcare settings.

“Celebrate Caring generated an outpouring of love, respect, and admiration for nurses in our region,” said Koleen Cavanaugh, vice president of marketing at Independence. “It has been a privilege to read these stories — and an even greater honor to go out and meet the nurses in person and see firsthand the impact they have on the people around them.”

Independence hosted a surprise assembly for Einthoven, affectionately known as “Nurse Kathy” to students, parents, and teachers. Hundreds of cheering elementary-schoolers welcomed Einthoven into the gymnasium decorated with thank-you notes written on band-aid-shaped posters.

Nearly every arm raised when Cavanaugh asked students how they would describe Nurse Kathy. There was one common theme: Nurse Kathy is caring.

“Nurse Kathy has helped create a culture of caring at Pocopson,” said Cavanaugh. “She organizes walkathons and health screenings for staff. She handles everyday tummy aches and cuts, but she also teaches students how to be independent in managing their chronic conditions.”