Group seeks nurse of the year nominees

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Country Cottage is currently taking nominations for their annual Nurse of the Year award given out each May.
"We want to honor the contributions of nurses in our community," said Betty Chesnut, LPN, Managing Director of Country Cottage.
"This is our third year to sponsor this award, and we want everyone to get involved and show our nurses how much we appreciate them."
Nominations will be accepted until April 21 at Country Cottage, and can be sent to the Cottage on North Jackson Avenue or faxed to the Cottage at 332-4707.
A selection committee of community leaders will review the nominations and select a winner to be announced at a ceremony on May 20.
Preliminary ceremony plans include recognition of all nurses who are nominated and a presentation of $500 to the Nurse of the Year.
Last year's recipient, Kristi Dempsey, said the money she received went into the schools to help students.
"As a school nurse, we run into different situations where children may need assistance," Dempsey said. "So, any extra money can always be used by a school nurse."
Dempsey has been a school nurse for the Franklin County School System for four years. Prior to joining the school system, she worked as a pediatric nurse in Florence.
But, in order to be recognized, the nurse has to be nominated by someone in the community.
"Everyone in Franklin County is encouraged to nominate their favorite nurse," Chesnut said.
Nomination forms can be found at area doctors' offices or at the Cottage. For more information, contact Betty Chesnut at 332-4707.