SGMC Health recognized Shaknequa (Shug) Pleas, Nurse Residency Program Manager, as the recipient of its first-ever DAISY Nurse Educator Award. This prestigious award recognizes nurse educators who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to improving practice and advancing patient care through teaching, precepting, and mentoring.
Pleas was nominated by the Quality, Accreditation, and Infection Prevention departments for her unwavering dedication to nursing education, patient safety, and professional development. As the Nurse Residency Program Manager, she plays a critical role in supporting and guiding newly hired nurses, fostering a compassionate and educational environment that sets them up for success.
Beyond her role in nurse education, Pleas serves as a Champion for SGMC Health’s High Reliability Organization (HRO) program, mentoring eight Influencers across various departments to promote best practices in patient safety. She also oversees staff education by providing weekly report updates in nursing huddles, formulating practice alerts, and leading multiple teams on the Unit-Based Council. Pleas’ leadership and commitment to excellence make her a true role model in the nursing profession.
“Shug is well respected and always smiling,” shared Scarlett Rivera, Director of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety. “She is a shining example of what a nurse who serves with heart is capable of.”
DAISY awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” They also receive a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. A special floral arrangement of daisies was generously donated by The Flower Gallery, the local sponsor of SGMC Health’s DAISY Award.
SGMC Health offers a variety of recognition programs to honor employees who embody its core values of “Remarkable People, Extraordinary Care, Human Kindness.” To learn more about these awards and other recognition programs, visit sgmc.org/recognition.