Whitney Jones was named recently the 2014 Employee of the Year for East Georgia Regional Medical Center.
        The recognition is the highest honor a hospital employee can receive. Employees are nominated by their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism and contributions on the job. Jones was chosen from among 650 employees at the Medical Center for the recognition.
        "We are all very proud of Whitney," said Bob Bigley, chief executive officer. "She is a great representative for all of our employees who are dedicated to providing the highest level of safe, quality and compassionate care."
        Jones began working at East Georgia in April 2007 as a unit secretary. In 2009, she was accepted into nursing school at South Georgia College.
        While attending nursing school, she worked as a critical care tech at East Georgia Regional. In 2011, she started her career as an ICU nurse and she continues to work in the same department today.
        "Whitney's love for her work shows in her everyday actions," said Diana Ray, Director of ICU. "Whitney truly cares about her patients, her work, and doing the right thing."
        Jones said she chose to work in the healthcare field because she has always enjoyed helping and caring for individuals.
        "The most rewarding part of nursing is the wealth of knowledge that is available to you to aid you in assisting patients," she said. Whether it's to getting them back to their baseline level of functioning or independence, and being there for patients and their families when they need you to educate them, cry with them, talk to them, or bring a smile to their face."