Celebrating Excellence: Conway Medical Center’s 2025 Nursing Week Awards
At Conway Medical Center, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s our daily commitment. During this year’s Nursing Week celebration, we’re proud to honor the exceptional individuals and teams who embody our values of Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence in everything they do.
After receiving nominations from throughout our organization, we’re delighted to announce the honorees of our 2025 Nurses Week Awards. These healthcare heroes represent the very best of CMC, demonstrating outstanding dedication to patient care, leadership, innovation, and teamwork.
Friend of Nursing Award
Recognizing essential non-nursing team members who elevate our healthcare mission through outstanding teamwork, positive communication, and unwavering dedication to CMC’s values.
Honoree: Valerie Lindsey, Environmental Services
Valerie Lindsey embodies the spirit of collaboration that makes Conway Medical Center extraordinary. With her infectious smile and tireless work ethic, she has transformed the Emergency Department’s environment, creating spaces so immaculate that staff joke “you could eat off the floor.” Valerie doesn’t just clean rooms—she elevates the entire patient experience.
What sets Valerie apart is her intuitive understanding of the ER’s fast pace. After a stressful code, she stepped in with the reassuring words, “You all just had a very stressful moment, I’ve got this.” Her compassion extends to everyone she encounters, from patients to healthcare providers. Valerie’s proactive approach and commitment to excellence have not only improved cleanliness standards but have also boosted team morale and efficiency in a high-pressure environment.
Caring Heart Award
Honoring essential support team members who demonstrate a consistently positive attitude, reliable performance, compassionate patient care, and strong team collaboration.
Honoree: Shannon Romeo, MST, Emergency Department
Shannon Romeo brings sunshine to the Emergency Department through her radiant smile and unwavering positive attitude. Described by colleagues as “the hardest working MST at Conway Medical,” Shannon completes her tasks with remarkable efficiency and genuine care that touches everyone around her.
What makes Shannon exceptional is her proactive approach and team-first mindset. From stocking rooms to running labs to taking EKGs, she anticipates needs before they’re voiced and tackles them with enthusiasm. Her colleagues note that Shannon never needs to be reminded of her duties—she consistently performs them with excellence while maintaining an uplifting presence. Her outstanding bedside manner, respect for everyone she encounters, and contagious positivity make her an invaluable asset to the ED team.
Nurse Mentor Award – Inpatient
Honoring experienced nurses who serve as exceptional resources to staff, demonstrate effective team communication, and take leadership roles in orientation, committees, or projects.
Honoree: Jordyn Hardwick,RN Emergency Department
Jordyn Hardwick represents mentorship at its finest—teaching not just skills but instilling confidence and passion in those she guides. Her colleagues describe her as “the Swiss Army knife of the ED,” capable of addressing any scenario with competence and composure. Her ongoing pursuit of emergency nursing education demonstrates her commitment to growth and excellence.
What makes Jordyn an extraordinary mentor is her ability to create learning opportunities even in high-stress situations. During codes, she carefully assigns roles to include students rather than exclude them, ensuring valuable experience while maintaining patient safety. Her approach to precepting perfectly balances guided independence with reassuring presence, allowing new nurses to build confidence in their abilities while knowing help is always available. Through her example, Jordyn is shaping the next generation of emergency nurses who will continue our tradition of excellence.
Nurse Mentor Award – Outpatient
Recognizing outpatient nursing leaders who serve as exceptional resources to staff, demonstrate effective communication, and provide leadership in various professional capacities.
Honoree: Kellie Stover, LPN Clinical Lead – CMC Primary Care- Creel Street
Kellie Stover epitomizes what it means to be both a clinical leader and a mentor. As Clinical Lead at Primary Care Creel Street (previously at Myrtle Trace Residency Clinic), she embodies the highest standards of nursing practice with an enthusiasm that energizes everyone around her. Her contributions extend beyond her home clinic as she readily adapts her skills to support any office where she’s needed.
What distinguishes Kellie is her perfect balance of clinical expertise and system improvement. While maintaining high standards of patient care, she continuously identifies opportunities to enhance clinic workflow, communication, and efficiency. Her colleagues know they can count on her for answers, support, and hands-on assistance whenever needed. In addition to her clinical leadership, Kellie works with the Quality team to improve metrics across primary care and generously shares her knowledge by precepting nursing students. Through her example, she not only elevates her clinics but helps everyone around her reach their full potential.
Professional Nursing Development Award
Celebrating nurses who develop or improve departmental education programs through expertise in adult learning, creative approaches to staff development, and strong interdisciplinary collaboration.
Honoree: Sarah Jennings, MSN, FNP-BC Nurse Residency Program Coordinator/ Clinical Educator – Nursing Education
Sarah Jennings has transformed how we welcome and develop new graduate nurses at Conway Medical Center through her exceptional work as Vizient Nurse Residency Coordinator. Her approach goes beyond standard orientation to create a comprehensive journey from academic preparation to confident practice.
What makes Sarah’s work exceptional is her commitment to personalizing the development experience for each resident. She continuously reviews and enhances program materials to align with CMC’s culture, values, and policies, ensuring relevance and maximum impact. Through her mentorship, new nurses receive not only clinical guidance but also emotional support during their crucial transition period. Sarah’s celebration of each nurse’s unique journey and milestones demonstrates how thoughtful professional development nurtures not just skills but also confidence and a passion for exceptional care.
Exemplary Nurse Excellence Award
Celebrating nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise, innovative approaches to patient care, collaborative relationships across disciplines, and daily embodiment of our core values.
Honoree: Ashleigh Montgomery, RN Charge Nurse – Emergency Department
Ashleigh Montgomery represents the gold standard in emergency nursing. As one of the ED’s primary charge nurses, she balances leadership responsibilities with hands-on patient care, never hesitating to step in when needed. Her colleagues describe her as knowledgeable, patient, kind, and talented—the kind of nurse they aspire to be.
Ashleigh’s commitment to professional growth and knowledge-sharing stands out. Currently pursuing her Certified Emergency Nurse credential and fresh from MOAB training, she immediately shares what she learns with colleagues. Her exceptional clinical skills, particularly with ultrasound-guided IVs, benefit both patients and peers as she willingly teaches others. Even in the most chaotic situations, Ashleigh maintains composure while coordinating care, demonstrating how clinical excellence and compassionate leadership can thrive together.
Exemplary Leadership Award
Recognizing nursing leaders in managerial or supervisory positions who demonstrate leadership aligned with CMC values, commitment to our healing ministry, and excellence in team development.
Honoree: Lindsey Lopez, RN Clinical Coordinator – Acute Rehabilitation Unit
Lindsey Lopez exemplifies leadership that transforms both individuals and systems. Her journey from charge nurse in Medical to Clinical Coordinator in ARU showcases her adaptability and growing influence. Under her guidance, the ARU team consistently meets and exceeds performance targets while maintaining extraordinary patient satisfaction.
What distinguishes Lindsey’s leadership is her authentic presence and accessibility. Colleagues know they can reach her anytime—even when she’s with family—and she responds without hesitation. Her clinical expertise enables her to effectively advocate for patients, collaborating with physicians until the optimal care plan is established. Perhaps most importantly, Lindsey creates an environment where staff feel both supported professionally and cared for personally. Her leadership extends beyond work performance to touch lives, making her a model for aspiring leaders throughout Conway Medical Center.
Best Nursing Team Award – Inpatient
Recognizing nursing teams that demonstrate clinical excellence, innovative patient care approaches, strong interdisciplinary collaboration, and collective embodiment of our core values.
Honoree: The Emergency Department
The Emergency Department team at Conway Medical Center exemplifies how skillful collaboration transforms patient care even under the most demanding circumstances. Their cohesion and commitment have driven remarkable improvements across all performance metrics—from reduced blood culture contamination rates below 1% to decreased door-to-EKG times under 3 minutes to “left without being seen” rates below 2%.
What’s particularly impressive is how this team maintains its exceptional standards and mutual support despite frequently challenging staffing situations. Their Press Ganey scores have reached unprecedented heights, reflecting the compassionate, efficient care they provide to our community. Through the most critical cases and busiest shifts, this team demonstrates that true excellence emerges when skilled professionals unite around a shared commitment to exceptional care.
Best Nursing Team Award – Outpatient
Celebrating outpatient nursing teams that showcase clinical expertise, innovative care approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration, and exemplary representation of our values.
Honoree: Infusion Services (Hospital and AIC)
The Infusion team has earned a reputation as the “dream team” of Conway Medical Center, creating an environment where professionalism, respect, and specialized knowledge blend seamlessly. Their approach to patient care exemplifies personalized medicine—recognizing that each patient and each treatment presents unique challenges requiring individualized attention.
What distinguishes this team is their remarkable versatility and collaborative spirit. Working in concert with numerous departments throughout the hospital, they ensure each patient receives comprehensive care from start to finish. Under the leadership of Supervisor Tyler and Clinical Lead Sarah, this team has created a culture where excellence isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. Their commitment to treating each patient with dignity and respect while delivering complex therapies with precision makes them truly deserving of this recognition.
Dessie Wright Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring nurses with 20+ years of service who have made significant contributions to nursing practice through policy development, professional leadership, committee involvement, and community service—celebrating a career dedicated to advancing healthcare excellence.
Honoree: Crystal Kimball, RN – Former Director of Surgical Services
Crystal Kimball’s remarkable 38-year journey at Conway Medical Center represents the very essence of what the Dessie Wright Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates—a distinguished career characterized by exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and profound impact. Since beginning her CMC career in 1987, Crystal has become a cornerstone of our institution, advancing from staff nurse to her current role as Director of Surgical Services, where she has created a legacy of excellence that touches every aspect of surgical care.
What distinguishes Crystal is her rare ability to lead with both professional expertise and genuine compassion. As OR Director, she has been the calm in the storm, the steady hand in moments of crisis, and the guiding light for countless nurses, surgeons, and staff. Her leadership style creates an environment where the highest standards of patient care flourish alongside a culture of respect and collaboration.
Beyond her professional achievements, Crystal balances her demanding career with her cherished roles as mother of three sons and loving grandmother—demonstrating that excellence in healthcare and personal fulfillment can harmoniously coexist.
Beyond her professional achievements, Crystal balances her demanding career with her cherished roles as mother of three sons and loving grandmother—demonstrating that excellence in healthcare and personal fulfillment can harmoniously coexist.
