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MATTHEWS CHOSEN AS NURSE OF THE YEAR AT ELLISVILLE STATE SCHOOL
L to R: Carol Dykes, Nurse Chief; Renée Brett, Director of ESS; Vanessa Matthews, Nurse of the Year; Balydia Shanks; Brandi McLain; and Cindy Jenkins. Not pictured: Amy Moore and Tameka Stallworth |
Vanessa Matthews, of Waynesboro, was recently chosen as the 2010 Nurse of the Year at Ellisville State School. Matthews has been employed at Ellisville State School for eleven years and works as a licensed practical nurse at the Waynesboro Community Homes. The announcement was made at the annual Nurse Appreciation Reception held during National Nurses Week, May 6-12. Each year National Nurses Week is celebrated from May 6 through May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing.
Matthews said she was surprised when she heard her name called as the Nurse of the Year. When asked what this title means to her, Matthews replied, “It’s an honor. I guess my hard work and dedication did pay off.” She went on to say her favorite part of her job is caring for the individuals she serves and communicating with them.
Carol Dykes, Nurse Chief at Ellisville State School, commended Matthews for her professionalism and compassion and said she exemplified the true vocation of being a nurse. She added that Matthews is a leader and a team player and continues to have a professional relationship with staff, community physicians, family nurse practitioners, and other care providers.
In addition to Matthews, several other nurses were honored for outstanding service in their units. Honored were Cindy Jenkins, RN, of Ellisville; Amy Moore, RN, of Laurel; Brandi McLain, LPN, of Richton; Balydia Shanks, LPN, of Shubuta; and Tameka Stallworth, LPN, of Laurel. Renée Brett, Director of Ellisville State School, addressed the nurses in attendance at the reception and thanked them for their hard work and dedication in providing care to the individuals receiving services through Ellisville State School. This year’s reception was sponsored by Ellisville State School physicians, Directors of Nursing, the Medical Clinic Supervisor, the Nurse Chief, the Director of Medical, the Assistant Director of Client Services and HMP Nursing Services. Several area businesses were also generous in donating door prizes for the event.
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