JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH (AFNS) -- Joy Anderson, a registered nurse at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Outpatient Clinic in Washington, D.C., was recently named the Air Force Medical Service’s 2016 Civilian Nurse of the Year.

Each year, the award recognizes an Air Force civilian nurse who has made exceptional contributions to the practice of military medicine and has served as a role model in the nursing services profession.

“I joined the nursing profession because I care,” Anderson said. “I enjoy helping people reach their healthiest potential. It’s more than just a job. When you work with service members who have been to war, and their families, the satisfaction is tremendous.”

Anderson is a certified ambulatory care nurse and was recognized for her ongoing commitment to preventive health education and ambulatory care.

Her many duties include performing intramuscular/intravenous injections, assisting children with asthma breathing treatments, conducting walk-in pregnancy tests, rehydrating patients with intravenous fluids, coordinating care between facilities, conducting “telephone” triage, and educating children and adults about safety hazards, as well as numerous other tasks.

“I am very grateful for the award, but it was absolutely a team effort,” Anderson said.

Anderson, a retired Air Force nurse, is one of about 180,000 civilians who make up the Air Force civilian service.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions.