Looking Back at South’s Greatest Nurses & Medical Professionals 2021
These medical-professional heroes are sharing their experiences, stories and advice from surviving the pandemic and looking forward to the future of healthcare.
South’s Greatest Nurses & Medical Professionals 2021
Each of South’s “greatest nurses” describe their profession as a “calling”; some knew their destiny as children, others grew into the healthcare field, inspired by the work of others. These heroes are sharing their experiences, stories and advice from surviving the pandemic and looking forward to the future of healthcare.
1. Amy Pierce
RN, CMC | Owner & Chief Executive Officer Coastal Care Partners
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: I have always been a helper—I guess it’s in my DNA. I remember taking a career test in college which offered recommendations as to my ideal career. My test came back—not at all surprisingly—with “nurse, counselor and teacher” all checked. Interestingly enough, I actually use many elements of all three fields in my work as a nurse today.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: Oh my goodness, I love helping people find solutions to their problems and difficult situations. That is especially true for the older adult population—our golden seniors who are often overlooked in our youth-oriented society. I enjoy creating practical and workable strategies for people to be successful, even when dealing with burdensome and complex health issues.
Q: Anything you’d like to share with South readers?
A: I believe in the truth and wisdom of Maya Angelou’s quote: “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” My job as a nurse—and Coastal Care Partners’ mission—is to do just that: provide as much help and ease as we possibly can.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: Each of us is responsible for not only our individual state of health and healthcare, but also to help our families, loved ones and communities. Be wise as you research science-based answers to all your medical questions.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: I had the daunting privilege of being involved in the emergent “solution” of the early vaccine roll-out. At Coastal Care Partners, we were honored and humbled to vaccinate over 20,000 people in a wide variety of locations and groups. Especially at the beginning, there were just so many emotions related to the new vaccine, and it really was a privilege to not only give the life-saving vaccine, but also to educate people about its importance.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Go for it! There is so much you can do as nurse today. The choices range from a wide variety of specialty areas within hospitals to physicians’ offices to ambulatory surgery centers. Or as I learned, you can even start your own nursing-related business! The sky is the limit.
Q: Is there a story you’d like to share?
A: One of the most gratifying (and coolest) experiences to be part of this past, difficult year would have to be taking the COVID-19 vaccine on the road. In the beginning of the vaccine rollout, there were frustratingly long waits at hospitals and local health departments, so we at Coastal Care Partners decided it would be more helpful to take the vaccine directly to the people, instead of people having to go to the vaccine. We created mobile vaccine clinics and we were so happy to vaccinate many Savannah-area schools, businesses, churches, movie sets and even jails! The experience has been heartwarming and rewarding.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Get your flu shot! Experts are worried that we could be heading into a dangerous flu season due to incredibly low influenza rates last year, creating a possible rebound influenza this flu season. Simple, common sense: Get. The. Shot.
Coastal Care Partners
4B Skidaway Village Walk
Savannah, GA 31411
912.598.6312
coastalcarepartners.com
2. Jennifer Blanton
RN | Trauma ICU, Memorial Health
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: I am a Type 1 diabetic and I love being able to relate to my patients. I see a lot of diabetic patients come through our doors. There’s a different connection you have when you know your nurse can relate to what you are going through.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: The hardest part of the pandemic was watching the patients have to endure being hospitalized alone. It was already a trying time for everyone, but to not be surrounded by one’s loved ones was hard to watch. I believe that—depending on the patient and situation—having family by your side helps with the healing process.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: Be patient with your nurses. With the visitation policies at hospitals constantly changing, we tend to spend more time with our patients. We want to update you with information about your loved one just as much as you want the phone call from us. We also want to make sure we are there for our patients when families can’t be.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with South readers?
A: I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy days to vote for me DAILY! I have a pretty awesome group of people surrounding and supporting me.
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: I had a friend get me a job at a local dialysis center. The patients and staff made me realize that I really wanted to be a nurse. I loved taking care of my patients and seeing the impact I had on their lives.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Actually, I have a son and a niece who will be following in my footsteps and will become nurses. It’s a tough job—there’s no sugar coating it. However, it’s very rewarding knowing you are part of a team helping to make people better when they come to you in a time of need.
Q: Is there a story you’d like to share?
A: I have so many but I will say when we receive letters months after we took care of patients letting us know the impact we had on the patient or family is such an amazing feeling. I had an elderly patient come in, and the family decided to do a transition of care due to her grave condition. A month later, the son that was with the patient sent an email to our director thanking myself and a doctor for helping him get through his mothers last days.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Germs are everywhere. Wash your hands, keep calm and move it along.
Memorial Health Medical Center
4700 Waters Avenue
Savannah, GA 31404
(912) 350-8000
memorialhealth.com/specialties/emergency-care/
3. Kristen Schiefer
PA | Pediatric Neurosurgery
Q: What is your favorite part about being a PA?
A: Watching a truly sick child become a ray of sunshine after a life changing surgery is enough to inspire you for a lifetime. I get to help make that happen every day!
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: The most difficult part about working through the pandemic has been the never ending changes to our work flow day after day. As our patient numbers and community virus burden change constantly, so does our response to those changes. We never truly know what to expect when we walk into those hospital doors. These tough times have reminded us how vital it is to be able to rely on each other while remaining adaptable and flexible ourselves.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a PA?
A: Working in healthcare is incredibly challenging and rewarding! Specifically, working as a PA is ranked as one of the best jobs in the U.S. for many reasons and I highly encourage anyone considering this career path to connect with a local PA whom they can shadow to find out more!
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with South readers?
A: I’m so proud to announce that I’ll soon be releasing my first book full of tons of advice for future and current PAs! Connect with me on social media for the latest updates.
More for online:
Q: What made you want to become a PA?
A: I’ve always known that I wanted to work in medicine helping others. As a college student I learned about all of the amazing benefits of becoming a PA in healthcare today, and I’m so glad that I’ve chosen this rewarding career path for my life!
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: The past year has been very difficult for all of us. Be kind! You never know what someone on your healthcare team is going through personally or professionally.
Q: Is there a story you’d like to share?
A: I thrive on working in the operating room and getting to apply the skills that I’ve learned to assist in complex neurosurgical procedures. It was one day not that long ago in the clinic, however, that reminded me of why I love my job. I was just handed the chart prior to walking into the room of a young patient that was completely paralyzed on one side after suffering from an infection that attacked their brain the last time I saw them in the hospital. I remembered this patient being so quiet, reserved, and withdrawn from the multiple procedures that we had to perform. This patient had multiple complex surgeries to evacuate the infection in an effort to save vital brain tissue. To my amazement and surprise, when I opened the exam room door I was greeted by a child that not only appeared vibrant, talkative, and sassy; but this spirited child was also able to move both arms and legs with impressive strength! It was such a drastic improvement in a short amount of time and I was so awestruck by feeling as though I was finally, after so many encounters, meeting this bright child for the very first time! It is those moments that stay with me forever and encourage me to continue through the tough times!
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Continue to keep yourself safe by wearing a mask when necessary and any Always Always Always wash your hands, especially before you eat!
@kristen.love.and.medicine
4. Mary Gay
LPN, Practice Administrator | Chatham Plastic Surgery
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: After a career in logistics for 20 years, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. I was his primary caregiver while he was under the care of hospice. I was so impressed and touched by the care given by the hospice team that I decided I wanted to change career paths.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: Do not believe everything circulating on social media. Talk to your healthcare provider that you have trusted with all other aspects of your health care and let them help you make decisions that are appropriate for you.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with South readers?
A: Be patient with not only your healthcare providers, but with everyone working in the public. Working and living through COVID-19 has not been easy for anyone.We need to all show a little grace and have a little more compassion. Be thankful we are still here to enjoy this beautiful life we were given.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Ask questions, Speak up for yourself and for your patients. We often see patients at their most vulnerable and they trust their healthcare providers, so be worthy of their trust. Advocate for them.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: It is so rewarding to help people. Whether it is to help patients feel better about themselves and gain confidence, or to be with them through their breast cancer diagnosis, I love being able to share that journey with patients.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: We were not on the front lines dealing with the very sick every day, but we faced challenges trying to keep our office environment safe for our patients and staff as well as educating patients.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Be vigilant, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, keep your children home if they are sick. Get your flu vaccine.
Chatham Plastic Surgery
8 Stephenson Ave
Savannah, GA 31405
912.446.1985
Chathamplasticsurgery.com
5. Jason Cook
LPN | Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: I’ve always been drawn to work in the healthcare field. After serving in the United States Navy and the executive administration field for over 20+ years, I decided to go back to school and become a nurse. It is, hands down, the best decision I’ve ever made in my career.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
Q: What is your favorite part of being a nurse?
A: The patients for sure. Many of our patients at my practice are here for cancer reconstruction. It brings me joy to make patients smile and comfort them during their journey with us.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: The most difficult part of being a nurse during the pandemic was separating patients from their family and support system. It has created anxiety and fear for the patient who is ill as well as the family who is also frightened. Takeaway: We are all truly in this together.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: Although the pandemic has affected everyone in very difficult ways, the solidarity shown within the healthcare field has given me a renewed admiration and respect for my fellow healthcare team in all fields.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Healthcare has been considerably challenging since the start of the pandemic. If you are considering a career as a nurse just know that your primary role is to advocate for your patients, always do so especially during these unique times. Also, don’t become complacent. Always be willing to learn and explore different fields of nursing.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Practice good hygiene. If you or your loved one feels under the weather be safe and stay home. Talk to your practitioner about getting the flu vaccine.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with South readers?
A: I enjoy being on the water with friends–especially boating! Trivia nights! Music Bingo! Karaoke! Trying new restaurants in the area. In the fall…it’s all about college football & basketball
Savannah Facial Plastic Surgery
5356 Reynolds Street, Suite 510
Savannah, GA 31405
912.644.0744
Savannahfacialplasticsurgery.com
6. Melayna Denmark
RN | Surgical, Savannah Plastic Surgery
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: My love for people and passion to take care of them inspired me to become a healthcare professional. I started my career in the healthcare field as a CNA. I achieved my nurse aide certification in high school and started working at the local hospital in my hometown of Vidalia, GA. I discovered then that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. I obtained my LPN license and later continued my education to obtain my RN license.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: I absolutely love the field of plastic surgery. Being part of the process for patients to feel beautiful and gain self-confidence is very rewarding. I am very thankful to be working at Savannah Plastic Surgery—it is so rewarding working and caring for our patients with such a great team.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: The hardest part for me during the pandemic was the lack of interaction between family members and the healthcare team. The necessary information regarding the patients’ care was communicated via phone instead of in person. It was very stressful for both patients and their family members during the preoperative phase as they were preparing for surgery. However, the rewards came when we overcame obstacles and that each patient received the care and attention that they needed during this trying time.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: I would say each and everyone of us should enjoy and live in the moment. We never know when our last day on this earth will be. Hold our loved ones tight and tell them how much we care about them daily.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare or specifically as a nurse?
A: Being a nurse or any profession in the healthcare field can be stressful at times but is extremely rewarding. Learning to practice self care in order to take care of others is vital to your success.
Q: Anything else you would like to share with South readers?
A: Dream big, work hard, stay focused and live a life no one can even imagine.
Savannah Plastic Surgery
7208 Hodgson Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
912.875.7925
Savannahplasticsurgery.com
7. Heather May
RN | The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: I knew at a very early age that I wanted to help people; I wanted to care for them, be there for them—and what better way than to be a nurse? This is my calling.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: Caring for the patients and families, sometimes during some of the hardest and most vulnerable times of their lives is a special thing about nursing.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: For a private practice, it was patient interaction and family interactions that were the hardest. I learned that we as people need interaction—we need human touch.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: Honestly, I believe all of us were impacted in some way or another—it has been hard.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Go. For. It. It is hard work and commitment getting there, but oh-so worth it!
Q: Is there a story you’d like to share?
A: Everyday of my career is a story and I love each and every one of them.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: What we learned in preschool: wash your hands and cover your mouth.
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery
5361 Reynolds Street
Savannah, GA 31405
912.355.8000
mycosmeticsurgeon.md
{ Augustus “Gus” }
8. Shania Cox
Treatment Coordinator | Beyond Exceptional Dentistry
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: I love working with patients through their entire treatment and seeing them gain more confidence, feel better and be healthier. It feels really good to be chosen to be a part of their health journey and confidence booster.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: In the beginning it was really tough for everyone, I’m sure. We are all in a state of unknown and cannot foresee what the future might hold. What can be more unforeseen than a global pandemic? I’m glad the vaccine is available now and we can live more freely. Coming out of the pandemic, one positive for our practice is that masks are normalized. We have been able to normalize masks in a way that some of our patients can feel confident behind a mask when they are going through what could be a traumatic healing experience for some oral surgeries.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: If you are interested in the dental field at all, I say go for it! A dental office can be an intimidating place at first, but if you have a passion for people, then this is the career for you! I get to walk the patients through their entire treatment process from the initial “scary” procedures to the celebratory parties at the end. It’s rewarding to watch patients find confidence inside of themselves they may not have even known was there.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: I love working with patients through their entire treatment and seeing them gain more confidence, feel and be healthier. It feels really good to be chosen to be apart of their health journey and confidence booster.
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: Growing up, I always loved going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned, braces changed—everything. Looking into my first career, I didn’t have a true vision for anything; I decided to go into the dental field and get my feet wet. I absolutely loved every minute of it and it allowed me to move to a more specialized practice that is focused on the emotions of dentistry and helping to change lives!
Beyond Exceptional Dentistry
1317 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912.234.8282
Beyondexceptionaldentistry.com
{ Duke }
9. Julia Sanders
Paramedic | Chatham EMS
Q: What is your favorite part about working in emergency medicine?
A: Being a calm voice in the midst of chaos.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic? What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: Seeing people my own age die from COVID-19 is and was hard. Understand that tomorrow isn’t given. I’m in more contact with my family now after seeing so much loss.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Emergency medicine is not for everyone. You have to be brave enough to risk your life to help save others. However, if you think you can handle it, go for it! Never stop learning. Medicine is evolving every day.
Q: Is there a story you’d like to share?
A: My grandmother and I weren’t extremely close. But as she was dying, we had a special moment. I was feeding her in the hospital when she told me she was proud of me for what I do as an EMT. It was our last conversation but I think of that often.
Q: Anything else you’d like to share with South readers?
A: My coworkers and I want to thank everyone who has thought of us the past two years. The lunches, dinners, cards, hugs, smiles—all of it— we appreciate greatly!
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: My mom was an ER nurse. I was about seven when I saw her stop to render aid at an accident. That stuck with me. I tiptoed into emergency medicine as a patient transporter when I was 21. A few years later, I went to EMT school. I realized it was always in my blood: compassion mixed with a desire to help the injured.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: COVID-19 isn’t a scam. It’s real and it has killed a lot of people. Be nice to anyone still braving this. We are exhausted and mentally drained, but every day we show up to take care of the next patient.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Wash your hands often! If you are sick, stay home.
The Georgia Institute for Plastic Surgery
1399 Dean Forest Road
Savannah, GA 31405
912.354.1011
Chathames.org
10. Erica McBride
LPN | Clinical, Georgia Southern Health Services
Q: What made you want to become a nurse?
A: I wanted a career that would be challenging and rewarding. Nursing is such a wonderful field—it provides many diverse opportunities. The work we do would keep anyone on their toes. There are new challenges daily and there is always something to learn; in fact, I learn something new every day. Being a nurse provides me with a real sense of job satisfaction. I take pride in the care I provide for my patients.
Q: What was the hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic?
A: The hardest part about being a nurse during the pandemic was the fear of the unknown. Circumstances around the virus changed every day and no one knew exactly how we could protect ourselves from it. Sometimes it felt like we just had to wing it. Then, at the end of the shift, the thought of going home to my family caused a lot of anxiety due to the fear that I might bring the virus into my home.
Q: Advice for those considering a career in healthcare, or specifically as a nurse?
A: Hang in there and don’t give up. Start on a med-surg floor first. If you let it mold you, it will make you into a warrior.
Q: Advice as we approach flu season?
A: Wash your hands, get a flu vaccine, stay healthy! The flu is alive and well. We have already had much more positive Flu A and B patients than we had all flu season last year.
Q: What is your biggest takeaway moving forward?
A: Taking care of people is very important, as is taking care of the people that are taking care of people. Thank a healthcare worker.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a nurse?
A: It’s a career that allows me to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Q: What is one thing you would tell those who have not seen what you have seen in healthcare in the last year?
A: COVID-19 is real.
Georgia Southern Health Services
1332 Southern Drive
Statesboro, GA 30458
912.478.4626
auxiliary.georgiasouthern.edu/healthservices/clinic-services/
