Rockdale Medical Center named Tracy Buffington as Nurse of the Year as part of its week-long celebration and recognition of nurses.
Buffington's supervisor Sherrie Williams read the nominating descriptions:
"This person is not only an exceptional nurse, but all around team player," was one nominating description. She is "always willing to go outside the box to get the job done."
Williams described one particular incident where Buffington took on other responsiblities to help another department while the hospital was at capacity and took on the responsibility with enthusiasm.
Buffington also oversaw an initative to address customer satisfaction to update patient families every hour as well as extra activities such as the hospital's garage sale.
"This is Tracy every day," said Williams.
Buffington who was joined by her husband Chad Meetre and father Steve Buffington at the front, said, "This is a great group of nurses and there's so many people deserving of this award."
Buffington, 39, a graduate of North Georgia College and State and an Atlanta native, has been a nurse for six years, spending the past four at RMC. She and her husband and their dachshund live in Covington.
She said she had always tried to nurture and help people. "I love taking care of my patients and their families."
When she heard her name and the words of the people who had nominated her, she said, "I was amazed."
"The nurses here are awesome," she continued. "You couldn't ask for a better group of nurses."
Ambulatory care unit nurse Dortthy Reeves was chosen out of thousands of nominees as one of AJC Nursing Excellence award winners this year. Reeves, 57, has been a nurse since 1990.
Her supervisor Janet Stephens read the nominating letter for Reeves, who could not attend the ceremony, and highlighted Reeves' efforts outside of work for the needy, such as bringing shoes and clothes for a homeless patient, working on Habitat for Humanity projects, visiting patients at hospice, and bringing gifts and supplies to give away in the countries she visits when she goes on vacation.
"For me I see service every day when I look at Dorothy Reeves," said Stephens.
The Daisy Award winners, or the nurse of the month, for the last year include: Pam Whiten in January, Kristine Teague in February, Roslyn Porter in March, Chris Fraser in April, Janet Jajko in May, Linda Donaghy in June, Ceasar Bachiller in July, Onome Oyakhira in August, Carmen Chang and Rhonda Willis in September, Debra Petro in October, Crystal Borg in November, Rozalyn Trimble in December, Joshua Sander in January 2013, Devonie Dixon-Burse in February 2013, and Mary Wright in March 2013.
The Daisy Award Winner for April 2013 were Nada Harder of dialysis services and Debra Claire Smith of the Wound Center, who teared up as the words of a patient who nominated her were read aloud.
Norma Brown was recognized for 31 years of service and Janet Jajko was recognized for 33 years of service. Linda Suter, who was recognized for 34 years of service, said she stays at RMC because "they're family."
The Tech of the Year was Adrienne Hugher from medical telementry. She was described as "the best," "never complains," has a "positive attitude," "team spirit," and people ""love working with this person."
The Secretary of the Year was Maddie Sadler of medical services. She was described as a "take charge person" who could "run the floor all by herself."
Chief Nursing Officer Deborah Almauhy asked the audience of nurses what they liked most about nursing.
"The men," yelled out one nurse, to peals of laughter.
"Making a difference," said another.
"Everybody that I get to work with and interact with every day."
Other activities for RMC's Nurse Week include a talent show, chili dinner, and T-shirt slogan contest. The winning T-shirt slogan, written by Donna Solomon, was "Nursing is a work of heart at Rockdale Medical Center."
