Phoebe Putney Health System, Georgia Southwestern State University partnership recognized

AMERICUS — Symbolizing the transformation of a nursing student into a professional nurse, the annual pinning ceremony is a long-standing tradition.

While the main order of business at Georgia Southwestern State University’s 58th annual pinning in May was to honor the school’s 63 nursing graduates, the growing partnership between Phoebe Putney Health System was an important part of the program as well — as it included recognition of that partnership, in part reflected through additional clinical opportunities and preceptors this year for senior nursing students at both Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

“Phoebe and GSW realized that our nursing students needed more clinical educational experiences within this geographical region,” said Sandra Daniel, dean of the School of Nursing at Georgia Southwestern. “Approximately, 80 percent of senior practicum students completed their practicum immersion at either Phoebe’s Albany or Americus campus.”

At the same time, Phoebe Putney Health System sponsored a new GSW Clinical Excellence Award, and nursing faculty and preceptors worked collaboratively to select the recipient. The inaugural recipient, Rebecca Wingard, was recognized at the pinning ceremony with Ernest Shock, director of intensive care units at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, presenting the award to Wingard.

Furthermore, students in the School of Nursing’s Senior Leadership Course received training this year from the Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital human resources team with the help of Assistant Vice President Tracy St. Amant and Blake Garrett, an employment specialist. They provided seniors with vital information about employment and workplace issues, team work, professional development, quality and safety, officials at Phoebe say.

St. Amant and Susan Bruns, Phoebe Sumter chief nursing officer, were also presented with an appreciation award in establishing the partnership with the School of Nursing.

Daniel said she sees the partnership between the School of Nursing and Phoebe growing stronger in the future.

“The success of the past year’s expanded partnership has led to a team approach in planning for next year. We expect more action in the classroom utilizing Phoebe professionals,” she said.

Part of the Rosalynn Carter Health and Human Sciences Complex, including the GSW Nursing Building, is fully equipped with state-of-the-art simulation technology, paid for by a gift from Phoebe Putney Health System. For more information, call (229) 931-2037.