Nurses Recognized for Positive Impact to Patients and Community

March 24, 2010
10-053

Nurses Recognized for Positive Impact to Patients and Community

VALDOSTA -- VSU’s College of Nursing will present two “Profiles in Caring” awards for nursing excellence -- an honor bestowed to nurses who have demonstrated a positive impact on the nursing profession. Members of the community are invited to attend the awards reception from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, in the Student Union Ballroom.

This year’s inaugural recipients are Mary Ann Heddon, RN, MSN, OCN, at South Georgia Medical Center; and Linda Fullerton, RN, at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital.

Honorees were selected based on their exceptional caring contributions to the nursing profession within their individual scope of practice. Their contributions have influenced a multitude of patients and families, and helped to promote outstanding care and optimal patient outcomes.

As the Oncology Clinical Trials Coordinator at SGMC’s Pearlman Cancer Center, Heddon focuses on the education of nurses and patients in an effort to promote the highest standards in health care options. She is also the co-developer of a survivorship program for community cancer centers. Heddon is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the Society of Clinical Research Associates, and holds certification as an Oncology Certified Nurse and Certified Clinical Research Professional.

For 25 years, Fullerton has served as the Patient Education Coordinator at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital, Thomasville, Ga. Her responsibilities include the coordination and direct patient education in the area of diabetes management, ostomy care and mastectomies. An avid volunteer, Fullerton works with Hearts for Hands, a therapeutic riding program, and the Vashti Center for Children, a ministry of the United Methodist Church for children and families.

The reception is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the College of Nursing Web site at http://www.valdosta.edu/nursing/ .





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