FLORENCE — The drumroll was provided by the audience in attendance at McLeod Regional Medical Center's Nurse of the Year celebration, the tension by the occasion, the announcement by McLeod Regional Medical Center chief nursing officer Tony Derrick and the tears of joy by McLeod Regional Medical Center Nurse of the Year Pam Crew.
"It is indescribable. I've been here 34 years and this is my first time winning and it is an absolute honor," Crew said following the event.
The Nurse of the Year or the hospital is selected rom the unit nurses of the ear, something Crew won earlier in the ceremony for labor and delivery.
"I did it all at one time," Crew said.
In her 34 years at the hospital Crew said, she had seen a lot of growth, including the addition of the Pavilion and the addition of the cancer center and expansion of the emergency department.
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"Professionally I'm most proud I take excellent care of my patients, I have a great rapport with my patients, I advocate for them, I devote myself for them," Crew said.
Qualities that helped earn her the honor.
"This nurse goes beyond the task of nursing to show grace, love compassion to patients and families," Derrick said as he read the nomination that put her name in the hat.
Derrick, reading from the nomination, described her as the"mother of the unit"who has touched many lives and helped others through heartbreaking circumstances.
"This nurse advocates every day for our patient population," he said. "Patients and families connect with this nurse."
Other staff recognized at Thursday afternoon's event were Nurse Practitioner Mary Baker as the hospital's advance practice registered nurse of the year.
Toni Vanhorn Odom, who works in the hospital's critical care unit, was honored as the hospital's tech of the year.
Digital Editor Matt Robertson is a veteran journalist who has fulfilled just about every role that a newspaper has and now serves as a key member of the Morning News' newsroom by maintaining SCNow.com and covering the occasional story and photo assignment.
"This is a labor of love which requires much commitment and time." she said.
At home, Kincaid is a mother, wife and part-time caretaker of her mother, according to Cockfield.
"Despite what may be going on in her personal life, she comes to work faithfully and cares for her patients as if they are all that matter in that moment," Cockfield said.
She said Kincaid is the "full package," which is why she won this year's Nurse of the Year award.
Nurses nominated for the Nurse of the Year award included:
■Allison Bass
■April Collins
■Stephanie Collins
■Cary Dowdy
■Carolyn Evans
■Crystal Fulgencio
■Mary Ann Lougheed
■Yessenia Marquez
■Joanalyn Nobleza
■Ethel Rouse
■Steve Simon
■Lydia Smith
■Jermaine Sweeney
Other awards were also announced at the event.
"He has a consistently pleasant demeanor. He can be counted on to remain calm, patient focused and lead his team whether on the nursing units, procedural areas or his clinic," she said.
Stonerock is evidently a Star Wars fan, as Cockfield's speech was full of references. After he received the award, two nurses presented him with a small statue of a Star Wars character.
"He is a positive Force to work with," she said.
Kim Owens won the hospital's Advanced Practice Provider of the Year award.
The award was given by Jason Cox, the hospital's chief operating officer, who said Owens has helped take care of employees who were sick with COVID-19 during the pandemic.
"Her expertise during this difficult time was very much needed and appreciated," he said. "She has not wavered since that time, as she continues to provide care, compassion and dedication to the patients she serves."
The Dr. Frank B Lee Sr. Unit of the Year award went to The Women's Pavilion. Trish McLeod, the hospital's assistant chief nursing officer, presented the award and said the unit was last year's top performer.
The unit received international and national accolades over the past year, including the baby-friendly designation. The U.S. World News Report also recognized MUSC Health Florence Medical Center as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care, the only hospital in the state to receive the recognition.
Last fall, Natasha Anderson and Tallia Calomeris were recognized as two of the top 100 nurses in the state by Palmetto Gold. The two nurses were recognized again at the event.
The hospital's Certified Nurse of the Year award went to Tina Williamson. The award was announced by director of surgical services Melissa Demars.
She said Williamson "exemplifies collaboration, expertise, advocacy, integrity, innovation, accountability and diversity."
Lathrum Johnson, the director of the hospital's fourth floor, announced the Rising Stars. These nurses "stand out from the moment they enter the profession."
The 14 nurses who received the honor:
■ Eboni Coleman
■ Tina Fulton
■ Carley Sorensen Gibson
■ Trysten Herbert
■ Akenyiah Hickmon
■ Ruby Hunter
■ Dmitry Kochurov
■ Lauren Knigh
■ Brittney Lee
■ Joanna Mitropoulos
■ Sabrina Newton
■ Bobby Sloan
■ Emily Smith
■ Candace Truett
The Nursing Leadership Champion award was given to Shannon Shaw, the nursing recruiter for MUSC Health Florence Division.
The director of The Women's Pavilion, Catherine Godwin, announced the award and said Shaw gives everything she has to her job.
"They often give more than receive and return the next day and give even more," Godwin said.
Beth Vlahavas, the director of the emergency department, announced Alisa Webb as the winner of the year's Nursing Support Champion award.
Vlahavas said Webb has been with MUSC for over 20 years and was recently assigned duties and tasks beyond her normal responsibilities. Each time, she did her best to do what she was asked, Vlahavas said.
"This nominee's approach to work and life mirrors the culture of MUSC Health," she said.
Florence Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin, who is a nurse, attended the ceremony and gave brief words of encouragement to the MUSC nurses.
"I believe that nurses can do anything," Ervin said.
She also encouraged more nurses to get involved in government, saying nursing has given her unique skills that have served her well.
After her speech, Ervin read a proclamation from the Florence City Council recognizing May 6 to May 12 as National Nurses Week.
After the event, attendees were treated to a light lunch and other refreshments.
