McLeod Regional Medical Center (MRMC) held a special ceremony on May 15, 2023, during National Nursing Week to announce the recipients of the 2023 Nurse of the Year Awards. The winners were Pam Crew, RN; Tony Lynn Vanhorn Odom, MST. Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer at MRMC, expressed his gratitude to all nurses, especially those who provide quality care to their patients while improving the overall health and well-being of people in South Carolina and eastern North Carolina.
Mary Baker, NP, was awarded Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year for her excellent work at the Neuroscience Care Unit at MRMC. She is known for her positive attitude and dedication to her patients. Mary has been described as a ‘Departmental Nurse’ who excels in all areas, embodies the core values of McLeod, and demands the best for her patients.
Pam Crew, RN was awarded Registered Nurse of the Year due to her work in the Department of Labor and Delivery. Throughout her 34-year career, she has trained many other nurses and formed close bonds within the industry. Described as a ‘mom’ of childbirth, Pam is caring, kind, and knowledgeable, demonstrating an excellent work ethic by going above and beyond her call of duty as a nurse.
Toni Lynn Vanhorn Odom was awarded Best Nursing Technician for her outstanding work in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at MRMC. Toni is a Medical Surgical Technologist (MST) known for anticipating her patients’ and colleagues’ needs and providing exceptional levels of patient care. Toni’s colleagues describe her as selfless, friendly, and knowledgeable, making her an essential part of the CCU team.
Moreover, Mayor of Florence, Teresa Myers Ervin, attended the ceremony and declared May 6th as National Nurses Day for all nurses in Florence. Mayor Irvine acknowledged the crucial role nurses play, calling them ‘Servant Leaders’ who are always on call, educating and supporting their patients’ well-being.
Derrick reiterated his admiration for McLeod’s nurses, expressing awe at their dedication, quality of work, and ability to accomplish so much daily, saying they are among the best nurses worldwide.