“Snapshots” was the word that came to mind after attending the seventh annual ajcjobs Nursing Excellence Awards luncheon last month. Everywhere I looked in the record crowd of 476, people were taking photos of nurses and their families, friends and co-workers.
Snapshots aren’t polished photographs, but we take them because they evoke memories of special places, events, experiences and emotions. Collectively, the photos taken at the event would speak volumes about the pride, dedication, satisfaction, friendships and caring found in the nursing profession.
In the written and video vignettes of this year’s winners, we saw different snapshots of nursing at its best. We met nurses who went above and beyond their job descriptions in hospitals, at a ballgame, on a transatlantic flight, in a parking lot and on an operating table. They brought healing to patients, reached out to strangers, saved lives and made a difference, as only nurses can.
The images of Penny Ndungu’s medical missions to Kenya eloquently illustrated how nurses cross boundaries and that caring speaks all languages. Another winner, Betsy Polstra, learned to speak Spanish so she could better serve her patients at the Good Samaritan Health Center, where she volunteers.
We didn’t need to hear more than the name and a brief description of Melinda Mayton’s ministry that gives young cancer patients and their families a beach break from hospitals, therapy and stress. Blue Skies Ministry says it all, doesn’t it?
Mackenzie Lovvorn could have talked about the clinical skills, technology and special knowledge needed for taking care of the youngest high-risk babies and their parents in the neonatal intensive care unit. Instead, she talked about her passion for kids and the rewards of helping parents cope.
“As nurses, we’re there to be a rock for that family,” she said.
And then there’s Allison Batson, a transplant nurse who gave of herself — literally — when she donated a kidney to her patient Clay Taber in January.
While each story was unique and inspiring, the remarkable thing is that these 10 stories were just the tip of the iceberg. The AJC received more than 450 nominations this year, each submitted by someone whose life had been changed for the better by a nurse.
“Nurses are the heartbeat of health care,” affirmed Justin Farmer, WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News evening anchor, who served as master of ceremonies. “Every day they will touch a life or a life will touch them.”
We hope you enjoy the stories about this year’s winners. Save the date and come celebrate with us next year on May 7. Be sure to bring your camera.
About the Author
