South Georgia Medical Center honored six nurses as Hospital Heroes at the Hospital Authority of Valdosta Lowndes County Board meeting on Wednesday. The honorees were registered nurses who have been working on SGMC’s COVID-19 patient floors since the virus hit Lowndes County six months ago.
Honorees included Shemika Moss and Heather Castleberry from 5T, Shane Ashcroft and Nick McKenney from 4T, and Karrie Hollis and Bridgette Walker from 4S. The nurses accepted the recognition on behalf of their fellow nursing colleagues.
According to Chief Nursing Officer Randy Smith, “These nurses have experienced many difficult, exhausting, and long shifts as SGMC has risen to meet the many challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
To date, SGMC nurses have cared for more than 600 COVID-19 positive patients.
Smith said that these nurses have facilitated communication with patient’s loved ones when they could not be with them, provided shoulders to grieve upon for those who could be present, and served as angels to those who needed it most. They have been a beacon of hope and strength during some of the most difficult and sacred moments in the lives of our patients and families.
“Thank you for your commitment and dedication; thank you for your compassion, collaboration, and courage; thank you for providing exceptional patient care and, perhaps, most importantly, thank you for giving us hope and bringing light during these times of uncertainty and fear. We are beyond fortunate to have each one of you as a part of our team. You have helped us to become stronger. You have brought out the ‘together’ in each of us.” Smith exclaimed.
Dr. Sid Staton commended the group, stating he has also witnessed their resolve and exceptional teamwork first-hand. Dr. Brian Griner echoed the sentiment sharing that he’s truly seen everyone rise to the occasion and he couldn’t be more proud.
The group received a resounding standing ovation.
