East Georgia Regional Medical Center Nicola Stansel Receives National Nursing Excellence Award
7/1/2026
STATESBORO, GA - East Georgia Regional Medical Center proudly announces that Nicola Stansel, R.N., a labor and delivery nurse in the Women’s Pavilion, has been recognized with the Nursing Excellence Award, one of the organization’s highest honors.
Stansel was first selected as East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s Nursing Excellence Award recipient and is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers. Developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 32 distinct markets across 12 states, the organization’s affiliates include East Georgia Regional Medical Center and 59 other hospitals.
The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of the Nurse” as a means to recognize the tremendous effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic. This is the sixth occasion for the peer-nominated award recognizing the vital work nurses play in our work to make the healthcare experience exceptional for our patients, our communities and each other. Characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence include outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation, and reflect the efforts of someone who is a demonstrated team player and/or mentor to others, is a leader in times of crises, and who regularly promotes health in the community. With nearly 60,000 employees serving patients in the organization, the recognition places Stansel among an elite group of nursing professionals across the nation.
A dedicated member of the East Georgia Regional Medical Center team since December 2000, Stansel has spent more than 25 years providing compassionate care to mothers and babies in the Women’s Pavilion. Colleagues describe her as a trusted leader, patient advocate and role model whose calm presence, clinical experience and unwavering commitment to patients consistently set the standard for excellence.
In her nomination, Stansel was recognized for her extraordinary compassion and advocacy during complex patient situations, ensuring vulnerable patients received safe, dignified and compassionate care during incredibly difficult times. She was also praised for her willingness to support colleagues, mentor new team members, champion patient safety initiatives and courageously speak up on behalf of patients to ensure the best possible outcomes.
“Nicola embodies everything that nursing should be,” said Marie Burdett, Chief Nursing Officer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “She leads with compassion, advocates fiercely for her patients and serves as a mentor and role model for her colleagues. Her ability to provide comfort, support and exceptional clinical care, even in the most challenging circumstances, makes a lasting impact on every patient and family she serves. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at the national level.”
Stansel is also a DAISY Award honoree, an additional reflection of the extraordinary care she provides each day.
“To have one of our own recognized as a national Nursing Excellence Award recipient is an incredible honor for East Georgia Regional Medical Center,” said Stephen Pennington, chief executive officer of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “Our organization includes hospitals and caregivers across the country, and for Nicola to be selected among thousands of nurses speaks volumes about the exceptional care she provides. Nicola truly exemplifies our commitment to exceptional care for every patient, every time, always, and we are grateful to have her serving our patients and community.”
Patients and families frequently recognize Stansel for her genuine compassion, professionalism and dedication. During leadership rounds, patients have described her as comforting, amazing and someone who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure they feel supported throughout their care journey.
“Nicola’s dedication extends far beyond the bedside,” said Burdett. “She is the nurse others turn to for guidance, encouragement and knowledge. Her professionalism, emotional intelligence and commitment to doing the right thing make our entire team stronger.”
In addition to receiving the national Nursing Excellence Award and recognition gift, Nicola received a cash award.
East Georgia Regional Medical Center congratulates Nicola Stansel on this remarkable achievement and thanks her for her continued dedication to providing exceptional care to the families of Southeast Georgia.
The terms "Community Health Systems" or the "organization" used in this press release refer to Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation, unless otherwise stated.
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