UHS-Pruitt Corporation recently announced the 2013 winners of the Guiding Light Caregiver Award program at their annual leadership conference. The Guiding Light Award allows each of the locations in the UHS-Pruitt family of providers to nominate their outstanding CNAs and Pharmacy Technicians for a special recognition of hard work and compassionate caregiving support. The nominees are reviewed and evaluated based on criteria such as length of service, demonstration of excellence in customer service and leadership, expression of dependability and professionalism, and an outstanding display of commitment to caring for patients and their families. The list is then narrowed down to the top ten finalists who are invited to attend a special awards banquet with their families. In addition to three grand prizes, each finalist also receives a cash prize along with an award plaque and esteemed recognition. 

Although the organization is united in making a difference, they recognize the importance of honoring and celebrating those individuals who demonstrate excellence in the provision of quality care with dignity and respect.

The 2013 winners and finalists are:

1^st   Maxine Swilley (Heritage Healthcare of Valdosta)

2^nd   Tracy Cunningham (Heritage Healthcare at Grandview)

3^rd   Shelby Ensley (Heritage Healthcare of Blue Ridge)

Other top finalists were: (in alphabetical order)

• Arshonda Shannon (United Rehab)
• Corey Fields (Heritage Healthcare of Farmville)
• Cynthia Crosby (The Oaks at Town Center)
• Diann Knight (UniHealth Post-Acute Care – Moultrie)
• Ernestine Stewart (United Hospice of Valdosta)
• Gida McWhorter (Heritage Healthcare of Athens)
• Mary Pope (UniHealth Post-Acute Care – Aiken)

Congratulations to all of these outstanding professionals. Their honorable and admirable work is an inspiration to others and leaves a lasting positive impact on the lives of those for in their care.