Remarkable Charge Nurse Selected as Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month
April 29, 2025, MORRIS, IL – Dependable, knowledgeable, and compassionate are just a few of the words used to describe Kelly Runchey, a Charge RN for Morris Hospital’s 2 East medical/surgical unit who has been named the Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers April Fire Starter of the Month.
Karie Stecken, Manager of 2 East at Morris Hospital, describes Runchey as a remarkable team member. “Kelly is a great employee because she’s dependable and always willing to help anyone on the unit. She’s lovingly referred to as the ‘mother hen’ because she takes care of those around her,” Stecken shared. “She fosters a positive environment and encourages the nurses she works with to advocate for themselves and their patients.”
Runchey’s journey into nursing began later in life, after spending 14 years as a stay-at-home mom with her three children. As they grew older and more independent, the Morris resident decided it was time to chase her lifelong dream. She enrolled at Joliet Junior College and earned her Associate Degree in Nursing.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a nurse and help people,” said Runchey. “Many of my family members worked as nurses, so I saw what the career looked like firsthand. It was always something I saw myself doing.”
Runchey’s leadership and contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she received five separate nominations for Morris Hospital’s fire starter recognition. Morris Hospital Patient Care Technician Christine Wood described Runchey as the “backbone” of clinical expertise and leadership. “Kelly is an exceptional charge nurse who leads by example, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and care while inspiring others to do the same,” said Wood. “She empowers and supports those around her to strive for excellence, creating a positive environment for everyone on the unit.”
When asked what she finds most rewarding about her work, Runchey said, “It’s the people I get to help and the relationships I’ve built over the last 15 years. I am so fortunate to love what I do. When I come to work each day, I’m always thinking about how I can help someone and make their day better.”
In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,500 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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