O'Neal, Wright receive McLeod Health's Sylvester awards

FLORENCE — McLeod Health registered nurses Kristin O’Neal and Elizabeth Wright received the 30th annual Dr. Joseph G. Sylvester awards for 2009 and 2008, respectively, Wednesday in a packed McLeod Pavilion auditorium.

Sylvester, who died in 1992, began a private practice in Florence in 1939. His standards and selfless devotion served as the impetus for the distinguished nursing award that bears his name.

The medical staff of McLeod Regional Medical Center presents the Sylvester Award annually to a new registered nurse who exemplifies high standards of health care and selfless devotion to the nursing profession.

O’Neal became a RN on June 10, 2008. She says she wants to always progress in her profession by expanding her knowledge and skills while always being able to work closely with her patients.

“I’m very honored,” she said. “I want to take this opportunity to thank Florence Darlington Technical College for starting my education and providing me with encouragement.”

O’Neal said she loves her job.

“I come to work every day ... if you only knew where I came from,” she said tearfully. “I’m proud to stand before you today and say that not only am I a nurse, I’m a McLeod nurse. I try to respect everybody, whether it’s the doctors, patients or staff.”

Wright has been an RN since 2006. She began as a nurse in the McLeod intensive care unit. She is now a patient care supervisor.

“It is with deepest gratitude to God and my family and my staff to accept this award today,” Wright said. “Reflecting over the past three years, I recall McLeod’s core values of caring, quality and integrity. My fellow workers and I use these values daily at work and in so doing we make McLeod the medical choice of excellence.”

Runners up for 2009 were RNs Emily Ennis and Robbie Strickland.

Ennis plans to attend Francis Marion University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also plans to focus on critical care as well as community health nursing.

Strickland said he would like to receive his bachelor’s degree in nursing and maybe move in the direction of patient care supervisor or director. He’s also interested in obtaining his paramedic certification.

Runners up for 2008 were RNs Lindsey Alexander and Stephanie Pierce.

Alexander’s long-term goals are to be an example and leader in her role as a nurse.

“I want to be the kind of nurse in years to come that new nurses want to learn from and have as a mentor,” she said.

Pierce said, “I’m an over-achiever by nature. I would love to get my master’s degree in nursing leadership/management and eventually become a manager myself.”

During the ceremony, Dr. William Houck offered his reflections on Sylvester. McLeod Chief of Staff Dr. Gregg Jones presented the awards and Barbara Sylvester, Sylvester’s wife, conferred the pins.

“I congratulate all of you,” Barbara Sylvester said. “We know why your patients love you. We also know that you know that putting on a white coat or white uniform is not all there is to being a nurse. We thank you so much.”