MADISON COUNTY – John Hawes, who works as a registered nurse, earned the 2020 Nursing Excellence Award at Crestwood Medical Center.

This peer-nominated award was created in honor of 2020’s designation as “Year of the Nurse.” The award also recognizes the critical role that nurses have played in treating patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Crestwood Director of Marketing Lori Light.

The award was open to qualifying registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who work in direct care with patients. The candidates had to consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence.

“John was chosen from many nominations across the organization for his outstanding care of patients, especially those diagnosed with COVID-19,” Light said. “Working tirelessly in the Intensive Care Unit or ICU, he has demonstrated leadership in combination with his natural ability to create healing relationships with patients and their families by deliberately connecting with them in such a manner as to provide compassionate care for both.”

In addition, Hawes welcomes opportunities to mentor novice nurses, is an active role model for his peers and assists with ongoing education of new and changing processes associated with the evolution of COVID-19, Light said.

“Crestwood is fortunate to have many outstanding nurses like John Hawes among its ranks,” Dr. Pam Hudson said. Hudson is Chief Executive Officer of Crestwood Medical Center.

Crestwood’s nurses “deliver exemplary care, compassion and service, understand the importance of teamwork and mentoring others, lead in crises and are true champions of promoting healthcare in our community,” Hudson said. “With so much focus this year on the selfless efforts of frontline heroes like John, we are pleased to acknowledge the important contributions our nursing professionals provide to our community.”

In addition to receiving the Nursing Excellence Award, Hawes accepted a cash prize and the classic book on nursing, written by Florence Nightingale in 1859, that remains relevant to today’s modern nursing attitudes and skills.

For more information, visit crestwoodmedcenter.com.