From pulling a woman from under a car after a harrowing crash to serving as an “earth angel” for dispirited cancer patients, Georgia’s best nurses are truly the lifeline for thousands of patients each day.
Today, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ajcjobs honored Georgia’s top nurses in its 14th annual ajcjobs Nursing Excellence Awards. The Celebrating Nurses luncheon was held at the Cobb Galleria Centre Tuesday in honor of National Nurses Week and honors 10 nursing professionals chosen from over 800 nominations for going above and beyond the call of duty.
AJC Editor Kevin Riley and Channel 2 Action News WSB-TV Anchor Jovita Moore will presented the awards. Jill Case-Wirth, MHA, BSN, RN, a senior vice president and chief nurse executive at WellStar Health System, delivered the keynote address at Tuesday’s luncheon.
"Nothing is worth more to patients than knowing that dedicated nurses are watching out for them and making a significant impact in their care," Riley said. "We believe the very best of the best are worth honoring and giving them the recognition they deserve. It will be a moment of significant pride for the honoree, their family and hospital."
The honorees were chosen by an independent panel of three health care leaders who each represent nursing education programs. Nominations were received from patients, family members, colleagues, supervisors and related organizations.
The 2019 class of Celebrating Nurses were selected from nominations that called out examples of exceptional care from identifying the needs of an elder neighbor in the thick of summer to responding quickly to heart problems in a young patient.
The honorees are:
Mojgan Bailey, RN – Peachford Hospital
Danielle Milano, RN – Piedmont Healthcare
Leanora O'Brien, RN – WellStar Kennestone Hospital
Executive Nursing Leadership Excellence Award
Kelly Hulsey, Chief Nursing Officer at Piedmont Healthcare
