Hospital names Nurse of the Year
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 7, 2016
LAGRANGE — Gemma Cain, EDRN, has been named WellStar West Georgia Medical Center’s 2016 Nurse of the Year.
Cain has worked in the Emergency Department for almost five years and was promoted to supervisor in December 2015.
“Gemma has stellar nursing skills and has been recognized by fellow team members and physicians for her proactive approach to her patients’ care and her work ethic,” said Veronica Hopster, ED director. “She has mentored several new graduate nurses in the ED and has been the preceptor for multiple nursing and emergency medical service students.”
Hopster said Cain displays excellent leadership capabilities and actively seeks out knowledge and opportunities to continue her growth as a new leader.
“She is an exceptional role model for ED staff members and is an asset to our department,” Hopster said.
China Mullins, Florence Hand Home’s assistant director of nursing, and Libba Oubre, patient care coordinator in Obstetrics, were named finalists in the Nurse of the Year program.
“China is extremely attentive to the residents’ needs; has a positive, professional attitude; and has an excellent rapport with the residents, staff and family members,” said Susan Schwiening, Florence Hand Home’s executive director of nursing. “She is self-motivated and always goes above and beyond to assist anyone. We greatly appreciate all that she is and does.”
Oubre began working at WGMC 30 years ago as a new graduate RN. She transferred to the obstetrics department 20 years ago and said she loves to teach students, new nurses and nursing assistants the importance of making each patient feel cared for and ensuring all patients received the best care. She has been observed going to the gift shop to buy ribbons to hang on patients’ doors for new moms who do not have family support or money to buy their own ribbons, according to WGMC staff.
“Libba loves to take on any challenge she faces and always ensures her patients’ needs are met through the high quality nursing care she provides,” said Cathy Arrington, nurse manager in Maternal-Infant Services.
