East Georgia Regional Medical Center is proud to announce Shirley Lipsey, LPN, as the recipient of the 2024 Nursing Excellence Award. With more than 50 years of bedside service in medical-surgical nursing, Mrs. Shirley, as she is affectionately known, is the hospital’s most senior nurse and a beloved pillar of compassion, mentorship, and clinical excellence.
This peer-nominated award, given in recognition of the critical role nurses play in treating our patients, was open to qualifying RNs and LPNs working in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrate characteristics synonymous with nursing Excellence.
Shirley Lipsey began her career in nursing over five decades ago, and ever since, she has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to providing exceptional care to every patient, every time, always. A constant presence on the hospital’s third floor, she continues to carry a full patient load, often caring for six patients each shift. Even more impressively, she serves as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing her wealth of knowledge with humility, patience, and grace.
“Shirley is the heart of our med-surg unit,” said Marie Burdett, Chief Nursing Officer at EGRMC. “Her passion for her patients and her unwavering support for her colleagues make her a true role model in our profession. She doesn’t just do the job, she lives the calling of nursing every single day.”
A consistent advocate for her patients, Shirley is known for going above and beyond to ensure their needs are met with dignity and respect. Whether she’s stepping in to assist a colleague during a busy shift, helping manage a complex case, or simply offering a word of encouragement, Shirley leads with quiet confidence and selflessness.
Her coworkers describe her as “the med-surg original” and “one of the best team members you could ever work with.” They also agree on one thing: a shift with Mrs. Shirley is guaranteed to be a good one. Her sense of humor, calm demeanor, and willingness to help anyone in need have earned her the admiration of her team and the gratitude of her patients.
“Shirley Lipsey is more than a nurse, she’s an inspiration,” said Stephen Pennington, Chief Executive Officer of EGRMC. “Her dedication to patient care, mentorship, and excellence represents the very best of who we are as a hospital. We are honored to recognize her with this Award.”
Patients also sing her praises, with one saying, “Her quiet confidence just puts you at ease,” and another calling her “a gift from God.”
Having received numerous DAISY Award nominations and letters of commendation throughout her career, Shirley’s reputation as an exceptional nurse is well established. Yet, those who know her best say she remains as humble and kind as the day she started.
As East Georgia Regional celebrates Shirley Lipsey’s Nursing Excellence Award, we also celebrate a legacy built on compassion, dedication, and love for the nursing profession.
About East Georgia Regional Medical Center
East Georgia Regional Medical Center, located in Statesboro, GA, is a 149-bed acute care hospital located in Statesboro, Georgia, committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the community. EGRMC offers a wide range of medical services and is staffed by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals focused on improving the health and well-being of every patient they serve.