CONNIE WHITTINGTON: PIEDMONT HOSPITAL

Piedmont Hospital nurse Connie Whittington, MSN, RN, ONC, always seems willing to go the distance. A member of Smyrna First Methodist Church, she uses her vacation time to accompany the youth choir on its summer tour.

LEITA COWART/Special

Connie Whittington

When Evelyn Thompson fell and broke her hip, Whittington played a special role in getting her settled back at home after she was released from Piedmont Hospital.

"She should have been off duty at 3:30 p.m., but I wasn't dismissed until 6 p.m., and Connie waited with my daughter to take me home," Thompson said. "She didn't leave until she made sure I had everything I needed and continued to check on me on her own time until I could be on my own. I don't know what I would have done without her."

Whittington, 54, graduated from the Piedmont Hospital School of Nursing in 1972. Most of her career has been spent as an orthopedic nurse, but she has worked in intensive care, in the emergency room and in surgery. She also has developed several orthopedic education and community programs.

Until recently, Whittington worked as an orthopedic resource nurse, interacting with patients and staff and creating programs to help improve the hospital's clinical practices.

Two months ago, Whittington was promoted to director of nursing systems.

"I make it my business every day to visit at least three nursing stations and see at least two patients," Whittington said. "Bedside care is the most important aspect of nursing."

"Connie does wonderful things for so many people beyond what she does as a nurse," Thompson said.

-- Pamela A. Keene

Nominated By: Evelyn Thompson

Dear AJC: I want to nominate Connie Whittington. Connie is so involved with so many activities, not only at Piedmont Hospital, but also with her church. I met Connie at Piedmont after falling and fracturing my hip.

Being diabetic I had many problems, and she was always there to see me through.

When I was dismissed from the hospital, I did not feel I was ready to go because of the steps in my home. When Connie heard of my problem, she should have been off duty at 3:30 pm, but she waited until 6 and went with my daughter to take me home and help me get settled. She made sure I had everything I needed, and continually checked on me until I was on my own.

Connie also donates her time giving flu shots on several dates every year at the church.

It's no wonder she is head of nursing staff at Piedmont Hospital.

She is truly a wonderful person, a wonderful nurse and very deserving person of this award.

These are some of the acts of kindness that has touched my life and my family's life, and I am sure there are many more that others could tell.

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