Peoria resident Pauline Lentowski, a nurse at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, has been named Association of Radiologic and Imaging Nursing's 2012 Nurse of the Year.

"She has truly kept us at the forefront of the radiology world. There is no procedure that she hasn't done nor has some knowledge," said Bonita Jones, a colleague from the medical imaging department at Banner Good Samaritan. "If she has any questions, she will gather research and seek out others to ensure that our patients receive excellent patient care."

Jones nominated Lentowski because she is not only an expertise in her field, but she shares that expertise with others. 

"She teaches across the many Banner facilities on all topics related to radiology: this includes oncology, lines, ultrasound, endoscopy and neuro-interventional radiology," Jones said. "She did this while pursuing her MSN/CNS degree and raising three children."

Lentowski has also coordinated Legs for Life, a public education program to raise awareness of the importance of screenings for peripheral arterial disease, since its inception in Arizona and is part of the national committee.

Lentowski will officially be honored as nurse of the year at the Association of Radiologic and Imaging Nursing's national conference in 2013.