Laura Ray, RN Recognized with Nursing Excellence Award

The 2017 Lewis Excellence Award recipient is Laura Ray, RN of Carteret Health Care’s Medical Surgical department. Ms Ray received the Lewis Excellence Award during National Nurses Week and Hospital Week. Named in honor of Georgia Lewis, RN, the award recognizes the special impact and importance of nursing on patient care and our community’s health.

Ms. Ray was one of many individuals nominated from hundreds of nurses at Carteret Health. She received several 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. Ray in front of her clinical peers and administration during a called meeting. Ms. Jones congratulated her and shared, “She was selected because she is an expert clinical nurse who is a true model leading the way. Ms. Ray inspires us and sets the example for all nursing staff.”

Every day she goes the extra mile to see that patient’s and co-workers’ needs are met. A co-worker shared that Ms. Ray often stays late and works extra with a smile. She works with every department, where ever and whenever she is needed. Ms. Ray steps up to all roles and needs, whether as a Clinical Coordinator, Clinical Leader, bedside nurse on the unit or trialing a new concept with a mid shift position. She was instrumental in beginning the Arrival Holding Unit and often said “whatever we need!”

Regardless of her title or project, Ms. Ray is a patient champion. She always puts patients first and role models that behavior to her peers. She takes time to listen and recognizes the smallest details in here assessments that ultimately drive safe patient care.

Another co-worker elaborated on Ms. Ray, “She deserves to be recognized. Nursing is a movement, but there are few that lead the pack like Laura.” Patients frequently acknowledge Ms. Ray’s kind and gentle way she makes sure they have the very best care possible.

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. Ray receives an expense paid trip to a national nursing convention of her choice and $200 cash. She will also be challenged to continue to display excellence in nursing and be a role model for nursing at Carteret Health.

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 General, the former name of Carteret Health Care, opened its doors in 1967, Miss Georgia was a member of the original hospital 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 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.