Tidelands Health nurse honored with prestigious Palmetto Gold award
Nurse Jon-Allen Wilson’s contributions go far beyond the delivery of compassionate care.
While Wilson is among the first to take on extra shifts in the critical care unit at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, he also works with leaders to improve patient care, mentors student nurses and seeks training opportunities to advance his nursing skills.
His dedication and skills helped him earn the prestigious Palmetto Gold award, which is given by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation for excellence in nursing practice and commitment to the nursing profession. Only about 100 nurses throughout South Carolina receive a Palmetto Gold award each year. Wilson was honored as a 2022 winner during the 20th Annual Palmetto Gold Gala on Sept. 16 in Columbia.
“His commitment to his patients and peers makes him a leader within Tidelands Health and an asset to the nursing profession,” said Ashley Griffith, director of the critical care unit at Tidelands Georgetown. “Our patients, community and health system benefit from his unwavering dedication to his profession and drive to always look for ways to be even better.”
Wilson said he is honored to be recognized, but – like many other nurses believes he’s just doing what a good nurse should do.
“We’re doing what we feel called to do,” Wilson said. “It’s nice to be rewarded, but sometimes I wonder if I deserve it – I’m just doing my job and what I love to do.”
His supervisors, colleagues and patients all say he’s more than deserving of this high honor. In his four years as a nurse at Tidelands Health, Wilson has demonstrated what it takes to be an excellent nurse and leader.
He was among the first to take on extra shifts during COVID-19 surges and taught others as new treatments emerged. He’s active on committees to improve patient care. He mentors students pursuing their associate nursing degrees and serves as a go-to source of knowledge for colleagues. At the same time, he pushes himself to grow by seeking out additional certifications and taking leadership courses.
“Jon-Allen exemplifies the very best qualities of the nursing profession and leads by example,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of nursing and operations at Tidelands Health. “He is one of many on our nursing team who go above and beyond providing skilled and compassionate care to our patients every day.”
