Alexandra (Allie) Ellington, a critical care nurse at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton Hospital, was presented with an AJC Nurse Excellence Award on Tuesday afternoon. About 800 nurses were nominated, with 10 being honored.

Ellington, 27, grew up in a family of nurses but wasn’t sure she wanted to follow that career path. She changed her mind after shadowing a few medical professionals during high school.

Now in her sixth year of nursing, Ellington has always worked in critical care and has been at the Braselton hospital for almost two years. She and her husband, Gerald, live in Hoschton.

“I am glad I chose (nursing),” she said. “It is rewarding every day, especially in the unit I work in, and I think that’s why I like it. You get the sickest of the sickest patients, and then you get to see how they make these big recoveries, and it’s really rewarding.”

Nurse director Jennifer Flint nominated Ellington. Flynt said Ellington “truly embodies and upholds the core values of nursing” and inspires others in the hospital.

Read about the other winners

About the Author

Keep Reading

Angela Cassandra hugs her daughter, Avery, upon her return from school on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Angela, 41, had undergone a transplant 11 years earlier, which enabled her to continue living, marry her boyfriend, Daniel, and later have Avery. After having a second transplant earlier this year, she and her family feel profoundly grateful, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller