CMC Announces 2024 Nursing “Difference Makers”
The nursing staff at Conway Medical Center are the heartbeat of our health system, providing comfort, healing, and hope to patients when they need it most. Their dedication and empathy shine through in every interaction, making a profound impact on the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.
During Nurses Week, we are honoring and showing appreciation for these professionals and recognizing the difference they make through nursing. They have busy lives- they’re parents, mentors, friends, and leaders- yet they find a way to also make a difference at Conway Medical Center.
Help us celebrate and thank these “difference makers” and all the other nursing professionals who go above and beyond our mission, creating personal and positive experiences for their patients, every day.
CONNIE WALKER, MST Surgical Unit
Connie is a beacon of positivity and comfort for her patients and their families. With a perpetual smile, she brightens the day of everyone she encounters. Compassion is at the core of Connie’s care and she empathizes deeply with her patients’ experiences. Her dedication doesn’t go unnoticed; she receives daily praise from patients, families, and colleagues alike.
Initiative is second nature to Connie; she proactively drives positive change within the unit and organization. As an active member of the Surgical Council and the Pressure Injury Prevention team, Connie plays a vital role in refining workflow processes to enhance the quality of care. Her involvement in unit and organizational teams showcases her commitment to excellence. Recognizing the power of teamwork, she unites her colleagues to collaborate seamlessly for the well-being of patients.
Connie’s enthusiasm is infectious; she gives her all, ensuring each shift exceeds expectations. Serving as a cheerleader for patients, she uplifts spirits and fosters a supportive environment. Even in challenging situations, Connie remains steadfast in her positivity, advocating tirelessly for her team and patients. It’s no wonder that her philosophy is “always be true to you and be caring to your patients. You never know what people are going through in their lives.”
COURTNEY TREGO, LPN CMC Primary Care - Postal Way
Courtney is a dedicated nurse at CMC Primary Care at Postal Way who collaborates closely with the Assistant Director to ensure the smooth operation of clinical staff and operations. With a positive attitude and a knack for thinking outside the box, Courtney excels at problem-solving and tackling challenges head-on. She does an outstanding job at all she does and takes the time to complete tasks thoroughly. Integrity is at the core of everything she does, consistently fulfilling her duties with honesty and dedication.
Courtney’s outgoing bubbly demeanor brings smiles to patients and staff alike. Her positivity radiates throughout the office daily with her willingness to go above and beyond to help others. As a confident leader, Courtney is always ready to offer support to her team and providers, fostering a compassionate and empathetic work environment. Role Model. Creative. Bougie. Sassy. Sweet…all in one!
JENNA BARKLEY, LPN CMC Primary Care - Hwy 90
Jenna is grateful every day that she is a nurse and she has her mom to owe for pointing her towards this career path. “When I didn’t know what I wanted to be, she recognized some strong qualities in me that I didn’t know I had. So because of her, in my freshman year of high school, I started a health technology program and I have never looked back.”
With a heart full of compassion and a contagiously positive attitude, she’s passionate about providing exceptional care to her patients and goes above and beyond to support other clinics whenever possible. Her love for what she does is ever present.
“There are so many things I love about being a nurse. I truly love how I leave a positive impact on people and truly change other people’s lives. I love getting to know my patients and their families and getting to be a part of their care team. Spreading kindness, rays of sunshine and compassion are also parts of the job that I love. I enjoy training new hires and being a supportive resource for them.”
Jenna is inspired to keep going everyday by her patients and how grateful she is to be doing what she does along with one other thing. “Snacks… snacks always help.” With inspiration like that you can always count on a warm smile, unwavering support, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
JENNIFER JOHNSON, RN CMC Cancer Center
Jennifer joined the team at the CMC Cancer Center, one of CMC’s higher-level acuity outpatient clinics, on March 18, 2022 and she has been making waves with her infectious smile and a warm, welcoming presence ever since. With a relentless drive to master every aspect of her department, Jennifer’s enthusiasm and positive attitude shine through every day.
You may wonder what drives her can-do, go getter attitude. “I am inspired by the patients I have cared for who continuously overcome many battles on a daily basis. I am inspired by my coworkers who advocate for our patients and give of themselves unselfishly. I am inspired by my parents who love unconditionally and I am inspired by my faith to worship in the storm, act with confidence, and to love without limit.”
Recognized by her peers for her eagerness to learn and support, Jennifer was entrusted with leading the Cancer Center’s accreditation, a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly and excelled in. This is probably because one of Jennifer’s favorite aspects of her job is having the greatest possible impact on patient healing. “I strive to treat and care for my patients as well as I saw my mother being treated by her nurses when she was receiving cancer care many years ago.”
Being recognized as a Nursing Difference Maker is a humbling reminder of the impact she has on other people. “This is not something that I would have applied for. I appreciate the gratitude and appreciation for the hard work. I have done nothing special other than provide safe, effective care to the patients I serve…occasionally, I do make them laugh, and they do say laughter is the best medicine.”
KAREN LEWIS, LPN CMC Primary Care - Surfside Beach
Karen first became interested in nursing when she was young, watching the television show M*A*S*H. “I wanted to be a nurse just like Margaret “Hot Lips” Hoolahan in the operating room.” Flash forward and now she is the heart and soul of CMC Primary Care in Surfside Beach for over 40 years! With a memory like a steel trap, she knows each patient by name and story. “I enjoy working with our patients and over the years I’ve developed a relationship with each of them. I’ve seen their children grow up and now take care of their children’s children. We’re a big family in many ways.”
She’s the one who stays late into the evening, making sure every prior authorization is squared away and every call from a patient is returned promptly. Honest, caring, and fiercely loyal, Karen embodies the utmost dedication to patient care. As tough as being a nurse can be sometimes, it’s not hard when you have a philosophy like Karen’s. “You have to laugh everyday and just know that tomorrow will be a better day if today was a bad day.”
LISA COWARD, RN One Day Surgery
Lisa is the guiding light for patients of CMC’s One Day Surgery Unit. With a heart dedicated to every patient’s well-being, she ensures a comforting and safe experience on the morning of surgery. Lisa’s kindness and attention to patients’ emotions shine through as she meticulously prepares them for the operating room.
She’s not just a nurse; she’s a confidante willing to navigate tough conversations with patients, families, colleagues, and physicians with grace and poise. Lisa is the backbone of the department, fostering growth and embracing change with enthusiasm.
Even on her days off, Lisa remains a reliable resource, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s adjusting her schedule or staying late to ensure tasks are completed, she goes above and beyond for her team and patients alike. And let’s not forget, she brings joy to the hospital, making holidays like Halloween a blast!
With decades of experience under her belt, Lisa is a fountain of knowledge, eager to share insights and guide others through the surgical process. Her integrity shines through as she prioritizes patient safety above all else, even if it means making tough decisions. Lisa embodies the core values of CMC, setting the standard for excellence and compassion in patient care. She’s not just a role model; she’s the epitome of what every nurse aspires to be.
Maureen Pace, RN Medical Unit
Maureen is our sunshine in scrubs. With a perpetual smile and a can-do attitude, Maureen brings a ray of positivity to her unit every day. As a dedicated charge nurse and a proud member of the Medical Unit Council, she’s not just here to clock in but to advocate fiercely for her patients’ needs.
But Maureen’s impact extends beyond her nursing duties. She’s a catalyst for change, always seeking ways to improve the Medical Unit’s workflow and enhance the quality of care. Whether it’s collaborating with the Customer Experience team to support patients with amputations or brainstorming innovative solutions with Physical Therapy to track patient ambulation, Maureen is at the forefront of progress.
What sets Maureen apart is her unwavering commitment to her colleagues and patients alike. She’s a mentor to new staff, a reliable support system, and a beacon of teamwork. And her advocacy knows no bounds – she’s not afraid to speak up, even when it’s tough.
But perhaps what truly makes Maureen special is her ability to inspire. She’s a motivator, a change agent, and above all, a difference maker. Through her passion for patient care, she leaves an indelible mark on our unit and ignites a spark in everyone around her.
PATRICIA "MOE" MILLER, LPN CMC Ear, Nose, and Throat
Patricia “Moe” Miller is a powerhouse lead nurse at CMC Ear, Nose, and Throat. With her at the helm, you can rest assured that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
One of the things she enjoys most about her job is caring for patients in every possible way. “We see newborns to 90-year-olds and every patient is different and their needs are unique. It warms my heart to hear a patient say “thank you” and “I really appreciate you and what you’ve done for me.” Sometimes it’s simply taking the time to listen to them because they just need to feel heard. That’s what keeps me going and striving to make a difference.”
Moe not only excels in her own responsibilities but also goes above and beyond to support her team wherever they need it most. She’s the epitome of reliability, always there when you need her, and her knack for getting things done makes her an invaluable asset to our team. Plus, she’s a natural leader who fosters teamwork and encourages everyone to do their best.
Moe believes that it’s an honor to be a difference maker and being recognized makes her want to strive to be even better at what she does. “Nursing has never been just a job for me and knowing at the end of each day I did my best and hopefully made a positive difference in someone’s day is what I strive for.”
PATRICK DUNN, ADN, RN Telemetry/ Clinical Observation Units
Patrick’s all about making sure you and your loved ones feel right at home. Compassion is at the core of Patrick’s practice, as he dedicates time to each patient, making them feel like they’re his top priority.Whether it’s keeping you informed about your care plan or just lending a listening ear, he’s got you covered. Plus, he’s not just your average nurse – he’s part of the Skin Champions Committee and the Cardiac Unit Council, always working to improve patient experiences.
Starting out as an MST in the Emergency Department back in 2016, Patrick’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From earning his nursing license to becoming a role model on Telemetry, he’s done it all. And let’s not forget his impressive track record – from maintaining top-notch scanning percentages to being a rockstar charge nurse, Patrick’s integrity shines through in everything he does. But it’s not just about the accolades – Patrick’s all about teamwork. He’s always ready to lend a hand, no questions asked.
PEGGY JORDAN, MST The BirthPlace at CMC
Peggy is an incredible nursing powerhouse in The BirthPlace at CMC. She embodies the perfect blend of compassion and efficiency, making her an invaluable asset to the team. With years of experience under her belt, Peggy has honed her skills to deliver top-notch care to patients and families with both clinical expertise and heartfelt empathy.
As the MST on OB, Peggy’s organizational prowess shines through, especially when the unit is at full capacity with 32 patients. From coordinating tasks to managing time effectively, Peggy ensures that every patient receives the best possible care. Her communication abilities are as impressive as her clinical know-how, fostering trust and understanding between the team and the patients and families they serve.
What truly sets Peggy apart is her unwavering resilience, both physically and emotionally. Her strength and flexibility not only allows her to excel in her role but also prevents burnout, ensuring she can continue to provide exceptional care day in and day out.
Peggy’s dedication knows no bounds. She consistently goes above and beyond for patients, families, and staff alike, always lending a helping hand and seeking out ways to elevate her unit. Simply put, Peggy is adored and loved for all that she brings to her CMC team!
ROSANGELICA FIGUEROA, RN Emergency Department
Rosangelica (aka. Rosie) is an exceptional nurse known for her warmth, compassion, and dedication to patient care. Whether it’s holding a hand or lending a listening ear, Rosie’s kindness shines through in every interaction.
She’s not just a caregiver; she’s a leader. As the care coordinator for our Pediatrics Readiness Initiative, Rosie ensures smooth operations and supports new staff through preceptorship. In staff meetings, her insights and recommendations are invaluable, reflecting her commitment to improving our practices. Rosie is a true team player, always ready to pitch in when her colleagues need assistance. No task is too small for her, whether it’s covering shifts during short-staffed times or guiding others in emergencies.
In the Emergency Department, Rosie’s skills shine brightly. Physicians trust her implicitly during crises, relying on her expertise in handling emergencies with poise and precision. She’s often the first responder in cardiac arrests or traumas, guiding fellow staff members with confidence.
Reliability is Rosie’s middle name. Punctual, dedicated, and adaptable, she never calls off and seamlessly adjusts to the department’s needs, ensuring continuity of care for our patients.
What sets Rosie apart is her acute awareness—of both departmental and patient needs. She effortlessly pivots between tasks, prioritizing critical cases while maintaining a keen eye on staffing levels to ensure optimal care delivery.
Rosie isn’t just an extraordinary nurse; she’s a catalyst for positive change. With intention, integrity, and unwavering consideration, she embodies the essence of teamwork, elevating our patient care standards every day.
SUJUNG VONGSAVANH, RN Critical Care Unit
Sujung is a nurse in the Critical Care Unit who stands out for her cheerfulness, competency, flexibility, and dedication. Sujung lends her nursing expertise to CMC’s Clinical Ladder Program which fosters support and self-growth, enrichment of nursing skills, and career advancement for nursing staff at CMC. As a dependable role model, she also assists with new staff orientation.
Sujung will do anything for those around her. She is dedicated to her patients and will bend over backward to ensure that they are receiving the care, respect, and customer service they deserve. She always goes above and beyond for her patients and co-workers.
Things change quickly in nursing and she is an amazing team player. She will gladly take an extra patient if that means that one of her co-workers will not have to. And she will even float to other departments to relieve pressure on busier days. Sujung has been at CMC for many years with an ever-present smile you can count on to brighten your day.
Join the Nursing Staff at CMC
As the first hospital in one of the quickest growing areas in the U.S., Conway Medical Center continues to expand and add to our health system to improve access and the quality of healthcare available to our community members.
Nursing has been ranked the most trusted profession for nineteen years in a row and CMC values the trust and compassion that nursing brings to our organization. Whether you are new or experienced in your nursing profession, CMC has a place for you!
Opportunity awaits you here at CMC. Learn more about nursing job opportunities at CMC and join the most caring healthcare team in Horry County.
