Bethany Norris, RN Recognized with Nursing Excellence Award

Bethany Norris, RN of Carteret Health Care’s Maternal Child Health department 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. Norris 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 Patient Care Services, presented the Nursing Excellence Award to Ms. Norris in front of hospital administration and her clinical peers 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 in excellence of care. Ms. Norris inspires us and sets the example for all nursing staff.”

Nominations for Ms. Norris shared similar comments such as Bethany always puts her patients and their families first. Her interpersonal skills and communication skills are exceptional. Every day she goes the extra mile to see that patient’s and co-workers’ needs are met. She is the unit master preceptor and does a fantastic job teaching new staff from many different levels of competency. She is very patient with everyone. She is able to change assignments in a moment’s notice. She is often recognized by patients and staff as being extremely dependable and compassionate. Bethany is very much engaged in her work.

Robin Mobley, Maternal Child Health Director elaborated, “More than a Master Preceptor, Bethany is a true advocate for patients and staff. She is a special person and nurse who ensures every patient is receiving the very best care using the best practices in care.”

Her commitment was noted by other members of Ms. Norris’s team. From coordinating Maternal Child Health’s Relay for Life initiatives for the past three years to assisting with the creation of the curriculum for onboarding staff in the department; Ms. Norris takes the lead to ensure the team is prepared and guides them forward. Bethany is determined to develop and continues to grow at CHC while constantly helping other advance too.

In response to receiving the Lewis Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. Norris shared, “This means so much to me and I could not do what I do without the support of my co-workers and my manager.”

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.

As a recipient of the Nursing Excellence Award, Ms. Norris 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.