Carolinas Hospital System Nurses Receive Palmetto Gold Award

Florence, SC (April 30, 2012) - A coalition of South Carolina nursing organizations has named the state’s top 100 nurses, designating them Palmetto Gold. Six of those nurses are from Carolinas Hospital System: Carmen Richardson, RN, Flex Pool and Observation Unit; Stephanie Collins, RN, The Women’s Center; Rebecca Simmons, RN, Critical Care; Toni McGiboney, RN, Lung / Breast Program Coordinator; Teresa Jenkins, RN, Carolinas Rehabilitation Hospital and Lori McEwan, RN, Emergency Services.

Palmetto Gold is the premier statewide nurse recognition program that salutes registered nurses for exceptional nursing practice and commitment to the profession.  Nominations are received from nursing employers and peers from a variety of nursing education and health care facilities across the state. One hundred nurses are selected from the nominations received and honored during a formal gala with a specially-designed Palmetto Gold pin and certificate.

“I have a lot of respect and admiration for these six exceptional nurses. Those who know them will not be surprised that they were chosen for this prestigious award. I applaud them for their outstanding achievements and appreciate so much the valuable contributions they make not only to Carolinas Hospital System, but to the nursing profession, said Costa Cockfield, Chief Nursing Officer. These exemplary nurses truly epitomize the Carolinas difference.”

The criteria for selection of the award winners includes:

• Promotes and advances the profession of nursing in a positive way in the practice setting or in the community;
• Displays caring and commitment to patients, families and colleagues;
• Demonstrates leadership and assists others to grow and develop;
• Contributes to overall outcomes in the practice settings.

Award recipients display characteristics that go beyond the call of duty. They are exceptional role models that inspire their peers and bring honor to the profession.

Net proceeds from the gala are used to endow scholarships for students in state-approved registered nursing programs in South Carolina, thereby continuing the legacy of excellence in nursing practice for South Carolina citizens. The Palmetto Gold Scholarships will be managed by the South Carolina Nurses.

Pictured Clockwise: Carmen Richard, RN; Stephanie Collins, RN; Rebecca
Simmons, RN; Toni McGiboney, RN; Teresa Jenkins, RN and Lori McEwan, RN