Contributed

WellStar West Georgia Medical Center has named Tara Vaughn, RN, BSN, the recipient of the 2017 Mary Lynn Faress Award for Distinguished Service.

Vaughn, WellStar WGMC’s manager of cardiovascular services, began her nursing career in the Emergency Department and transferred to the Catheterization Lab in 2013. She graduated from LaGrange College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2006.

“Tara was always known as a leader among her co-workers in the Emergency Department and always promoted a team environment,” said Tracy Gynther, vice president and chief nursing officer. “Now in the Cath Lab, she continues to go above and beyond, and her leadership skills continue to flourish.”

Gynther said Vaughn fills in for employees when unexpected events arise, performs EKGs around the hospital when she is needed, and always offers to stay late to help out if a late procedure needs to be done.

“She is someone her team members can count on and trust to have their best interests in mind,” Gynther said. “She takes time to listen to each and every employee and truly values everyone’s opinions and input. She is always encouraging and inspiring those around her to want to do more and to strive to reach their maximum potential.”

WGMC has presented the award yearly since 2003 to a WGMC nurse and LaGrange College graduate who exemplifies the ideals of personal and professional integrity displayed by longtime Chief Nursing Officer Mary Lynn Faress, who retired from WGMC in 2002.

While at WGMC, Faress touched the lives of countless people by serving selflessly to the greater good of others; improving the quality and level of care through teamwork, personal involvement and ethical behavior; believing in the unlimited potential of every individual; listening and communicating with understanding and without judgment; and leading by example.