Two Bassett Healthcare Network Nurses Honored with New York Future Nurse Leader Awards

Bassett Healthcare Network is celebrating two of its newest nurses. Althea Janelle Pagente, RN, and Hannah Calhoun, RN, were recently named among the 2026 Future Nurse Leaders of New York by the American Nurses Association of New York (ANA-New York).

This award is given to graduating seniors from undergraduate nursing programs across the state who embody the ethics and values of nursing and contribute to a positive learning and working environment. Honorees have demonstrated their leadership potential by motivating others, giving back, and promoting activity in nursing, student or community organizations and activities. Each student considered for the award is nominated by a full-time faculty or staff member at their school who is a current ANA-New York member.

Hannah Calhoun, RN, graduated from SUNY Delhi and now works in Bassett Medical Center's Surgical Inpatient Unit. Calhoun first became interested in nursing through a different role she held: caregiver to a patient with late-stage Alzheimer's Disease. She found the work rewarding, so she earned her nursing degree to expand her skills, knowledge, and ability to provide care. On the Surgical Inpatient Unit, Calhoun says she is learning firsthand how the hospital operates through her interactions with doctors, patients, families and her fellow nurses.

"The world needs compassionate people and that is what is so rewarding about being a nurse. I'm able to spend a lot of time with our patients and give them a listening ear and empathy. The value of that is never going to go away or be taken over by a robot. For me, being a warm person for them and for my co-workers and developing a high level of competence is what I am focused on. I want to be the best nurse I can," said Calhoun. "I am so grateful to all of the amazing nurses I work with who have so much knowledge that they are passing down to me. I'm honored to have received this award."

Althea Janelle Pagente, RN, graduated from SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College and now works in Bassett Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). From a young age, she was inspired by her father, a doctor specializing in physical therapy, to also pursue a career in healthcare. At first, she wasn't sure that would be as a nurse, but she gave it a chance, and now she says she's fallen in love with the profession. She says she graduated top of her cohort and hopes to eventually further her education.

"It's not just the job that I love, it's the culture at the ICU. There's been a learning curve to become successful on such a fast-moving unit, but my co-workers and preceptors are amazing. I enjoy interacting with patients when they are able, and the families are also wonderful. Having a purpose in treating their loved one is fulfilling," said Pagente. "Winning this award is very meaningful and it really validates all the hard work and struggles I overcame. My efforts continue to pay off, and I am really thankful for everyone who has inspired and motivated me. ICU nurses are making healthcare better each day."

Calhoun and Pagente have been invited to attend a conference with all 2026 Future Nurse Leaders of New York on November 13, where they will receive their awards.

"I want to offer my sincere congratulations to Althea and Hannah on this well-deserved accomplishment, on behalf of myself and my fellow nursing leaders at Bassett. I had the opportunity to speak with both nurses about why they chose nursing and their views on leadership, and their passion and insights reaffirmed why they were selected for this prestigious award. We are grateful for the impact they have on our patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession," said Chrissy Curcio, MSN-RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing at Bassett Medical Center.

Bassett Healthcare Network strives to be a supportive and welcoming place for nursing students, caregivers just starting their nursing career, and experienced RNs and LPNs to build their careers. Bassett Medical Center is proud to be a Magnet-designated hospital for nursing excellence. Click here to learn more.