Nurses play a critical role in helping patients heal, both physically and emotionally. Across WellStar Health System, nurses are at the center of the not-for-profit’s mission to deliver world-class healthcare to patients. Nurses and physicians who work to elevate the field of nursing were recently recognized at the annual Excellence in Nursing award ceremony presented by WellStar.
“As nurses, we’re privileged to work in one of the greatest professions,” said Jill Case-Wirth, chief nurse executive for WellStar Health System. “Nurses are given the opportunity to serve and impact others on a daily basis. Our focus on nurses helps us deliver compassionate care that puts patients first and makes a real impact on their lives.”
Four nurses received the System’s top honors in 2017, including:
Cindy Newman, RN
Cindy received the Administrative Leadership and Management award for her work in the Community Education and Outreach department at WellStar Health System. She is instrumental in connecting the health needs of faith communities with health promotion and prevention services. She interacts seamlessly with team members throughout the community and Health System, representing the nursing profession and WellStar with pride and enthusiasm.
Susan Owens, RN
Susan was awarded the 5-Star Nurse award for her work in the Mother/Baby unit at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center. Susan is well-respected as a clinical perinatal nursing expert and shares the newest and best evidence-based practices with her team. She is an active member of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, both locally and nationally. Susan maintains a transparent, open, honest and respectful relationship with her patients, peers, students and physicians.
Alicia Burke, RN
Alicia was recognized with the Rising Star in Nursing award for her work at WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. Alicia is an enthusiastic and quick learner who is self-motivated and eager to assist others. She is always conscious of safety and offers a solution when she has concerns. Alicia displays excellent customer service skills and proves daily that she is a valuable and reliable member of the team.
Nona Harris, RN
Nona was awarded the Nightingale Nurse award for her work at WellStar Paulding Hospital. Nona has been at the bedside as a nurse for 28 years. She encourages and supports her colleagues to expand their horizons by furthering their education and joining unit initiatives. She uses a collaborative multi-disciplinary approach in her practice and shares her skills and experiences to ensure best care for patients.
An additional 55 awards were presented to nurses and physicians who actively support the nursing profession across WellStar Health System, including:
WellStar Atlanta Medical Center
- Susan Owens, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Dorothy Hardigree,RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Katherine Hallowes, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Sherry White, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Lathan Overstreet, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South
- Gheorghe Balan, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Brett Cansler, RN– Surgical Services
- Angela Carter, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Amy Pitts, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Yvonne Maduka, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Cobb Hospital
- Amy Rhoades, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Elma Okogba, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Debbie O’Steen, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Elizabeth Peters, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Mrunalee Mehta, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Douglas Hospital
- Bunny Albin, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Taylor Carpenter, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Kyle King, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Mel Dewbre, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Tayari Mchezaji, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Kennestone Hospital
- Jennifer Vogel, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Aven Jackson, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Medina Franzen, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Jayne Petefish, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Shae Evans, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar North Fulton Hospital
- Maggie Parkhouse, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Heather Childs, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Ida Smith, RN- Nightingale Nurse
- Linda Farrow, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Hunt Anderson, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Paulding Hospital
- Renee Smith, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Nic de Jong, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Nona Harris, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Kendra Mathis, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Alan Cheng, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital
- Nikol Nalley, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Bailey Kimbell, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Reba Gaston, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Sharissa Ray, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Jehangir Pirzada, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Sylvan Grove Hospital
- Tracylyn Browne, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Sharon Bankston, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Erica Fishell, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
WellStar West Georgia Medical Center
- Alyssa Pittman, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Alicia Burke, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Angie Weddle, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Julia Cox-Pearson, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- John Pracht, PA– Provider Partner in Excellence
WellStar Windy Hill Hospital
- Lissa Watson, RN– 5-Star Nurse
- Tammy Sylvester, RN– Rising Star in Nursing
- Jan Turner, RN– Nightingale Nurse
- Denise Lindhardt, RN– Administrative Leadership and Management
- Anedi Eme-Akwari, M.D.– Provider Partner in Excellence
About WellStar Health System
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments. For more information, visit wellstar.org.
