Georgia O'Neal Recognized with Nursing Excellence Award

Georgia O’Neal, RN of Carteret Health Care’s Radiology department received the Lewis Excellence Award during National Nurses Week and Hospital Week. Named in honor of Georgia Lewis, RN, the award recognizes the impact and importance of nursing on patient care.

Ms. O’Neal was one of many individuals nominated from hundreds of nurses at Carteret Health Care. She received numerous nominations from her co-workers who wanted to recognize her for her superior patient service and dedication to the hospital.

Cindy Jones, Vice President of Patient Care Services, presented the Nursing Excellence Award to Ms. O’Neal in front of peers from the radiology team members.

Ms. Jones congratulated her and shared, “She was selected because she is a true example of a nurse leading the way. Every day she goes the extra mile to see that patient’s needs are met. Ms. O’Neal is always looking for ways to streamline processes to make work more efficient while ensuring patients have the most positive health care experience.”

A co-worker elaborated on Ms. O’Neal, “She provides excellent care and is the “go to person” in Radiology for current standards and practices.”

Ms. O’Neal’s dedication and loyalty is further demonstrated by “her participation on many committees including Infection Control, Competencies, and being an ACIS Instructor. She is always available to help other nurses, the hospital, radiology and imaging center. Not only does she work tirelessly to improve protocols and policies in her department, she is a champion to ensure processes are functional for all nursing units.”

The Professional Excellence Council at Carteret Health Care facilitated the nominations and selection process for the Georgia Lewis Nursing Excellence Award. The Council is made up of staff nurses and nursing leaders from each of the nursing departments. This group promotes professional certification and advanced education; researches best practices and supports the Hospital culture of accountability through Nurse Peer Review.

As a recipient of the Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. O’Neal receives an expense paid trip to a national nursing convention of her choice, her name will be submitted to the North Carolina Nursing 100, and $500 cash. She will also be challenged to continue to display excellence in nursing, act as a role model for nursing at Carteret Health Care, and serve on the Recognition Committee for one year.

The Lewis Award is named in honor of Miss Georgia Lewis who was a staff nurse at the original, downtown Morehead City Hospital. She worked in all patient care areas including the Emergency Room, Medical, Surgical, and Obstetrics – her special love. When Carteret Health Care opened its doors in 1967, Miss Georgia was a member of the original CGH staff. Her diverse skills were continually used in multiple areas of the Hospital, but she expanded her critical thinking skills in the house supervisor role, a position she held until her retirement in March 1991. She served as a mentor for staff, peers, and physicians – always proud to represent the Department of Nursing.

Carteret Health Care recognizes nursing excellence twice per year in October for the Mildred Clapsadl Award and May for the Georgia Lewis Award. The Clapsadl & Lewis Nursing Excellence Awards are open to all clinical RNs and LPNs at Carteret Health Care who have a minimum of three consecutive years of employment at Carteret Health Care and a minimum of 1000 hours worked each of these years.

Nominations for Excellence Awards may be submitted by letter describing how the individual demonstrates excellence in nursing and are due 30 days prior to the announced presentation date.