(Florence, SC, May 7, 2026) – McLeod Regional Medical Center (MRMC) is pleased to announce the 2026 Nurse of the Year Award recipients: Machelle Smith, MSN, FNP, RDMS, RT(R); Corrie Micua, BSN, RN; and Jasmine Washington, MST. 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.”

Machelle Smith, MSN, FNP, RDMS, RT(R), Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year, is a Nurse Practitioner with Pre-Admit Testing.

“Among all of her distinguishing qualities, Machelle values the person behind the patient,” says Becky Giordano, Assistant Nursing Director of Surgical Home. “She builds trusting relationships by being approachable, empathetic and attentive. Her dedication to individualized care ensures each patient feels heard and respected. Colleagues appreciate her authenticity and teamwork, noting that her positive presence and genuine concern enhance both patient experiences and the work environment. Her unwavering dedication to patient safety, combined with her genuine approach to care, makes a lasting impact and establishes her as an exceptional example of what an APRN should be within our organization.”

Corrie Micua, BSN, RN, Registered Nurse of the Year, works in the Progressive Transitional Care Unit (PTCU).

“Patients frequently recognize Corrie by name and compliment her care,” says Heather Dowdy, Nursing Director for the PTCU. “She takes time to explain treatments, sit with anxious patients, and ensure families feel informed. What truly sets her apart is her ability to remain calm and kind, even during high-stress situations. Corrie’s dedication was especially evident when she joined during the COVID pandemic, stepping into a challenging environment with strength and grace. She continues to be a steady, positive presence on the unit, setting an example for others through her work ethic, compassion and professionalism.”

Jasmine Washington, MST, Nursing Technician of the Year, is a Medical Surgical Technician (MST) with the Heart & Vascular Day Hospital/Recovery Room.

“What truly sets Jasmine apart is her unwavering commitment to her patients,” says Kim Medlin, Nursing Director of the Heart & Vascular Day Hospital/Recovery Room. “She holds herself to the highest ethical standards and always ensures that her actions align with the best interests of her patients and the healthcare team. Jasmine is reliable and trustworthy, and she maintains transparency in her work, whether it’s communicating clearly with patients about their procedures or collaborating with coworkers on patient care plans. Her commitment to quality extends beyond her own duties. She frequently mentors and guides her colleagues, sharing her best practices to help elevate the overall standard of care provided by the team.”

“A McLeod Nurse does not do what they do for the recognition; they do it for the patients,” said Derrick. “Every day, I am in awe of 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.”