College of Nursing Community Awards to be presented May 14
Four nurses to be honored at event set during Nurses Week every two years.
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing will recognize four nurses at the second USA College of Nursing Community Awards at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the USA Student Center Ballroom.
The healthcare community is invited to attend and support the profession of nursing.
The purpose of the Community Awards is to highlight the impact nurses have on changing the face of healthcare, and improving communities and patient outcomes.
“This event is held during Nurses Week, and we get to recognize our outstanding nursing alumni for their dedication to the profession and their communities,” said Heather Hall, Ph.D., dean of the USA College of Nursing.
The event takes place every two years, and funds raised from the event benefit the USA College of Nursing Development Council Scholarship.
“The goal of the Development Council is to help raise funds for USA College of Nursing and bring awareness to the impact that it has on healthcare,” said Patsy Kennedy, Development Council chair and retired manager of staff development at USA Health Services Outpatient Clinic. “This event has allowed the College of Nursing to do just that.”
Kennedy, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from South, said the awards selection committee reviewed nominations from all over the globe to find the best nursing professionals to receive this year’s awards. “We are proud of our outstanding candidates.” she said. “It’s important to recognize nurses for the diverse roles they are responsible for in the healthcare profession.”
At the event, four nurses will receive the USA College of Nursing Community Awards in separate categories.
Lisa Mestas, chief nursing officer and corporate associate administrator for USA Health, will receive the 2020 Alumni Leadership Award. The Alumni Leadership Award is presented to an outstanding University of South Alabama alumnus who has excelled in his or her career and has shown exceptional leadership in the field of nursing.
