News Summary
Two nursing leaders from Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Karen Carroll and Tricia Evegan, have been awarded the prestigious 2025 Palmetto Gold Award for their outstanding contributions to patient care and healthcare leadership. This honor will be presented at the Palmetto Gold Gala on April 26, 2025. With a strong focus on innovative initiatives and community involvement, both leaders have significantly enriched the hospital’s culture and education programs while addressing workforce challenges, including the launch of a childcare center for healthcare workers.
Beaufort Nurses Receive Prestigious Recognition
In a delightful turn of events, two remarkable nursing leaders from Beaufort Memorial Hospital have been honored with the 2025 Palmetto Gold Award by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. This impressive accolade will officially be presented on April 26, 2025, during the prestigious Palmetto Gold Gala in Columbia. This annual award shines a spotlight on the top 100 registered nurses in South Carolina, highlighting their vital contributions to patient care and their inspiring leadership within the nursing profession.
A Closer Look at the Awardees
First up is Karen Carroll, who boasts an impressive Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and serves as the Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care Services at Beaufort Memorial. She has played a pivotal role in implementing initiatives that not only enhance patient care but also foster a supportive work environment for her nursing staff.
Meanwhile, Tricia Evegan is another shining star in the Beaufort Memorial team. With her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), she holds the important position of Director of Nursing Supervisors and Float Pool. Tricia has focused on improving nursing schedules and mentoring front-line nurses, ensuring they receive the support they need to excel.
Innovative Initiatives and Community Leadership
Both nursing leaders have enriched Beaufort Memorial’s work culture with innovative programs. For instance, Karen played a significant role in launching the Beaufort Memorial People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) program, which focuses on transitioning non-clinical staff into critical clinical roles. This initiative not only bolsters the hospital’s workforce but also addresses the pressing issue of nurse turnover.
Tricia has introduced a new scheduling software that enhances transparency for shift vacancies. This tool has been crucial in ensuring that nurses have the scheduling support they need. Additionally, she has taken the crucial step of implementing suicide prevention interventions, ensuring that all patients expressing suicidal thoughts receive one-on-one sitters. This initiative has boasted a remarkable 100% fulfillment rate for such cases.
Outside of their hospital duties, both Carroll and Evegan are actively engaged in community leadership, holding board memberships and volunteering. They support the Nursing Program of the University of South Carolina Beaufort and contribute their time at the Good Neighbor Free Medical Clinic, showcasing their commitment to healthcare beyond hospital walls.
Expansion of Nursing Education
Beaufort Memorial Hospital has been proactive in fostering nursing education and training. The recent opening of a state-of-the-art Career Development Center aims to significantly increase the number of nursing graduates from USCB’s program each year. This new facility is equipped with advanced simulation labs that provide hands-on training, which is crucial for developing competent and confident healthcare professionals.
Moreover, the PATH program has already seen remarkable success, with 57 students graduating since its inception and an incredible 97% certification pass rate. This far exceeds the national average and is a testament to the quality of training provided.
Addressing Workforce Challenges
In addition to educational advancements, Beaufort Memorial has introduced a groundbreaking solution to address the workforce challenges faced by healthcare workers, particularly heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital has launched a $1.5 million employer-subsidized childcare center in partnership with Hobbit Hill Preschools. This facility is set to accommodate 99 children, providing much-needed support for healthcare workers juggling their professional responsibilities and family needs.
Plans are already in motion for a second childcare facility dedicated to hospital employees. This commitment highlights Beaufort Memorial’s innovative approach to tackle workforce challenges and ensure that their staff can thrive both at work and at home.
Conclusion
The recognition of Karen Carroll and Tricia Evegan with the 2025 Palmetto Gold Award is a testament to the outstanding leadership and dedication within Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Their commitment to excellence in patient care and workforce development is commendable, and it sets a high standard for the nursing profession across South Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: BMH Nursing Leaders Honored
- Bluffton Today: BMH and USC Beaufort Open Career Center
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Nursing News
- WITN: Nursing Programs Grant News
- Post and Courier: USCB Nurse Training Initiatives
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Google Search: Nursing Leadership
- Google Scholar: Nursing Education Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Google News: Nursing Awards
