Every day, in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors' offices, schools, clinics and homes across the state, nurses are caring for the people of Georgia. With the ever-present health care crisis limiting nurses' numbers and resources, they still strive to meet our needs.

On Saturday evening, May 1, the Georgia Nurses Association and Georgia Nurses Foundation, in conjunction with ajcjobs, will kick off Nurses Week with the Nurse of the Year Banquet. Nurses from across the state, nominated by their GNA districts, will be honored and the winner will be announced at this special event.

This is the eighth year that GNA/GNF has held the Nurse of the Year Banquet. As in previous years, the selection committee has a nearly impossible task - to choose the one nurse in Georgia who represents the best of the profession. The nominees are:

Lisa Dempsey of Rome, an oncology nurse who serves as a resource to new nurses and as a community volunteer. Carol Galasso, a Statesboro resident, has mentored nurses throughout her career. Under her direction the Bulloch County Health Department has grown to serve more than 200 patients a day.

Michelle Gray of Quitman is described as a dedicated professional and passionate nurse who works to provide residents with the best possible care, always mindful of financial constraints.

Mary Magee Gullatte lives in Marietta; she is known as a consummate professional who inspires others to act and brings out the best in their professional achievements.

Wanda Lowe of Hogansville was instrumental in developing the diabetes and nutritional education program for the Coleman Community Rural Health Clinic.

Barry Lung of Macon is a leader in the emerging field of nursing informatics and works to improve nursing and patient care via the increased and improved use of technology.

Karen P. McDade resides in Columbus, where she works to arm patients with education and empower them to be responsible for their own health.

Chris Perry of Athens has been lauded for inspiring nurses with his enthusiasm, increasing their awareness of and need for political action and advocacy.

Dianne Rogers resides in Milledgeville and is a dedicated psychiatric nurse who works to recruit and retain nurses in the profession.

Lorine Spencer from Tucker has worked with people of all ages and across all boundaries with the goal of accessible, affordable health care for all Georgians.

Laurie Taylor of Waycross is known for her constancy, positive energy, high standards and leadership by example.

Monica R. Taylor of Americus is described as a remarkable individual who teaches, advocates for and serves the students of Georgia Southwestern State University.

Elizabeth G. Tripp resides in Macon and, as an educator, prepares future nurses. Both as a student advocate and untiring community volunteer, her work is driven by her creativity and initiative.

Saundra Turner of Evans works tirelessly, advancing nursing with an emphasis on working in a rural community to provide care for the uninsured and indigent.

Sara K. (Sally) Welsh lives in Savannah, and her work has culminated in the development and implementation of improved cancer care in southeast Georgia.

The caring dedication of all nurses in Georgia is represented by these exceptional individuals, and we are honored to recognize them.

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