Piedmont Columbus Regional recently hosted its Promise 360 Annual Awards celebration, recognizing the hospital’s monthly winners from the past year and naming its two overall annual champions.

Piedmont Columbus Midtown respiratory therapist Chasity Traywick and Piedmont Columbus Northside licensed practical nurse Nicole Lacey were named the annual champions.

Why they were recognized

• Chasity was caring for a patient with a capped tracheostomy (an artificial airway to assist with breathing) that had been in place for six years. The patient told her he couldn’t remember why it was originally placed so Chasity did a thorough chart review. She uncovered the reason and collaborated with the patient’s care team to successfully remove it. This allowed the patient to breathe on his own again, talk normally and improve his overall quality of life.
• Nicole noticed a patient was having difficulty opening one eye and moving their arm on that same side— signs of a stroke. She alerted the charge nurse, and the patient was rushed to the Emergency Room where a clot-busting medication was given. Nicole’s quick thinking resulted in timely, life-saving care for the patient just moments after their symptoms began.

“We are about service above ourselves, and we put patients at the center of everything we do,” said Piedmont Columbus Regional CEO Scott Hill. “All Promise 360 award winners exemplify the very best that Piedmont stands for in our hospitals and community.”

This year’s runners-up were respiratory therapist Emily Cook, registered nurse Nicole Clasen, PBX operator Dorothy Kimbrough and registered nurse Ifedamola Adeyemo.

Seven employees with nearly 275 years of combined experience were also recognized at the celebration: 

• 56 years: Ann Hallford (executive assistant)
• 55 years: MA Dowdell (family medicine residency program coordinator)
• 53 years: Brenda Galloway (medical technologist)
• 52 years: Barbara Gallups (registered nurse) and Jackie Kindrick (registered nurse)
• 51 years: Phyllis Williams (supply chain distributor)
• 50 years: Dorothy Gary (front office coordinator)

Patient, visitors and Piedmont team members may submit a Promise 360 nomination online by visiting Piedmont.org/Promise360. The overall winner from each hospital in the Piedmont system, like Chasity and Nicole, becomes a nominee for the President’s Award, which will be presented later this year.