Pictured from left to right: Elizabeth Anderson, MST; Jamie Cunningham, APRN; Nilo Tipan and his daughter, Nielle Tipan.

McLeod Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce the 2018 Nurse of the Year Award recipients: Jamie Cunningham, APRN; Genalin Iguban, RN; and Elizabeth Anderson, Medical Surgical Technician. The winners were recognized during a special ceremony and McLeod celebration in conjunction with National Nurses Week.

“Being selected as a Nurse of the Year is a very honorable recognition,” said Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center. “We appreciate our nurses every day but Nurses Week is a time we honor our nurses for providing quality care to our patients. The Mission of McLeod Health is to improve the overall health and well-being of the people living within South Carolina and eastern North Carolina by providing excellence in health care and our nurses are an instrumental part of that goal.”

Jamie Cunningham is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with the McLeod Intensivists. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. A resident of Nichols, Jamie has been with McLeod since 2012.

“Jamie is seen as a mentor by her peers,” said Kim Ficco, McLeod AVP of Operations. “The physicians have a high level of trust and respect for Jamie’s work. Her caring nature is displayed in the care she provides her patients. Jamie takes time to meet with families and always keeps the patient at the center of her work.”

Genalin Iguban was a Registered Nurse on the Medical Observation Unit. Her medical career with McLeod spanned more than 15 years. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Gabriel College in the Philippines. Iguban’s RN of the Year award was accepted by her husband, Nilo Tipan and daughter, Nielle Tipan.

“Genalin lost her seven-year battle with colon cancer in October of 2017,” said Liza McDowell, Nursing Director, McLeod Observation Unit. “She worked through her treatments, always pushing forward, giving her all with a smile. Although she is no longer with us, her memory lives on in those she touched and impacted.

“Genalin was always known for her beautiful smile that she greeted her patients and co-workers with daily. It wasn’t uncommon to see her staying late to help someone catch up after a busy shift. She never fussed or made excuses, and never stopped smiling. Genalin was passionate about her work and demonstrated the true value of caring.

Elizabeth Anderson began working at McLeod 24 years ago in the Physical Therapy Department before deciding to change her career to Medical Surgical Technician (MST). Anderson has been serving as a MST in the Neurology Unit since May of 2017. She received her education from Florence-Darlington Technical College.

“Elizabeth takes pride in a job well done,” said Dawn Spivey, Nursing Director, McLeod Neurology Unit. “She strives to go above and beyond to meet the expectations of her job and her patient’s needs. Elizabeth is always willing to train new employees and teach them the correct way to complete tasks. She demonstrates a servant’s heart by putting the needs of others before her own.”

During the ceremony, McLeod Oncologist Dr. Michael Pavy also recognized Adele Hewitt, RN, Infusion Services, for 60 years of dedication to nursing and caring for patients with cancer.

Derrick added, “A McLeod Nurse does not do what they do for the recognition; they do it for the patients. Every day I am awed by what our Nurses can accomplish. Our outcomes prove what excellent care our patients receive. As the Chief Nursing Officer, I am so impressed with their quality work and daily dedication. I believe we have some of the best nurses in the world here at McLeod.”