TULIP Award Winners

Peggy Jones 

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner at Candler Hospital, Peggy Jones. Peggy has worked for St. Joseph’s/Candler for 23 years, starting out in housekeeping and working her way up to a Patient Care Technician on the Rehab Unit at Candler Hospital. Peggy was nominated by a nurse (pictured on the right) on the Rehab Unit.

“I am an RN that has worked on Rehab since 2019 with Peggy Jones. I am writing this today to say that she is by far the best PCT I have ever worked with. She has always gone above and beyond for her patients and nurses she works with. A lot of times the things she does go without recognition or thank you. She comes to work an hour early to make sure vitals and blood sugars get done and patients’ needs are met before anyone on shift has even clocked in. When I asked her why she does this knowing she does not get anything extra for being here early, she said to me, ‘I am doing God’s work. He sees me and that is all that matters.’”

“Peggy taught me something that day. Every day we have a choice to serve the Lord, and not amount of money, thanks or awards are worth what we can gain from doing God’s work.  Peggy puts her heart and soul into everything she does without ever expecting anything back. On the unit, I always joke that she runs circles around us all and never slows down. I would give more specific examples but I am sure I would run out of space in the story box.”

Thanks to Peggy’s compassion, many patients leave not only healthier but also feeling truly cared for and appreciated. Congratulations and well deserved Peggy! 

Phyllis Allen

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner, Phyllis Allen. Phyllis is a Patient Care Technician on the Coronary Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Phyllis has worked for St. Joseph’s/Candler for almost 32 years. She was nominated for the TULIP Award – which recognizes PCTs and nursing assistants for excellence in patient care – by a former patient. Here’s her nomination:

“Phyllis is an awesome asset for St. Joseph’s. She took unbelievable care of me as well as my wife. One can tell that she is compassionate and caring. She made my stay as pleasant as she could. Thank you, Phyllis.”

And that’s not even Phyllis’s first nomination. She’s also been nominated by several of her co-workers. Thanks to Phyllis’s compassion, many patients leave not only healthier but also feeling truly cared for and appreciated. She exemplifies the best of what we strive for at St. Joseph’s/Candler, reminding us that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness have the greatest impact. 

Shavonda "Shay" Simmons

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner at Candler Hospital, Shavonda “Shay” Simmons. Shay is a Patient Care Technician on PCU. She was nominated by a fellow co-worker. Here is Shay’s nomination:

“Since the first day Shay joined the PCU team, she has been an absolute ray of sunshine. Shay treats our patients with such love bringing comfort and happiness to our patients, especially those who are confused, sad and frustrated. Day shift nurses often hear multiple complements the morning after Shay has worked. It is not uncommon for patients to describe Shay to us as amazing, attentive, kind, courteous and caring. When I would come to work and see Shay there, I knew I would have a really good night, even if the patient activity was challenging. She exudes love for her patients and co-workers and is an integral part of the night shift team. I couldn’t have worked night shift without her!”

Congratulations and well-deserved Shay! 

Marie Dunmore

Congratulations to our latest TULIP Award winner, Marie Dunmore. Marie is a Patient Care Technician in the radiology department at St. Joseph’s Hospital and has worked for St. Joseph’s/Candler for 25 years. The TULIP Award recognizes the valuable role our nursing assistants play in patient care. Marie was nominated by the entire radiology department. Here’s her nomination:

“Marie is a valuable support person for our Interventional Radiology staff. She always has a smile despite what may be going on with her. She lost her daughter last year and still maintains a servant spirit to patients who are chronically ill and have repeated visits to the hospital. She supports the Interventional Radiology team, assisting with everything from prepping patients, placing patients on the table and preparing patients for discharge. She also takes on many other daily tasks in order to make the department flow efficiently. She does all this with a great attitude and pleasant spirit.”

Congratulations Marie. Thank you for all your years of service and keep up the great work! 

Kendra White

Congratulations to our first TULIP Award winner at Candler Hospital, Kendra. She is a PCT on 4North at Candler Hospital. She was nominated by the son of a patient. Here's her nomination:

"Kendra is the kindest professional PCT on the floor. She is very hands-on in her care and timely. Her attention to detail is outstanding. Thank you for your service to my mother."

Great job Kendra!

Angel Lane

Congratulations to our first TULIP Award winner at St. Joseph's Hospital, Angel. She is a PCT on 7South at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was nominated by a fellow co-worker. Here's her nomination:

"The TULIP Award to me stands for: "Touching Unique Lives in Practice," and recognizes extraordinary nursing assistants whose skills, dedication and compassion exemplify the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Joseph's/Candler. I am proud to nominate Angel Lane, PCT, on 7South, whose unwavering kindness and professionalism truly embody these principles. 

Much like her name, Angel is a gift from God to all her patients. She demonstrates empathy, selflessness and a deep commitment to each individual she cares for. Colleagues and patients alike describe her as a shining example of compassion - consistently going above and beyond to ensure every patient feels valued and loved.

Many patients on 7South stay for weeks or even months. Some have family nearby, but many do not. Angel routinely checks on patients without family, bringing them small comforts, sharing a kind word or simply spending time with them to help them feel less alone. She goes the extra mile to make sure those who can't speak for themselves have a voice.

A notable example is a patient who spent months with us while searching for a long-term care facility. With family hours away and limited visitors, the patient's only constant was Angel's care. She made sure he had his favorite mashed potatoes - sometimes a "double portion" and even helped him eat most days. Her small acts of kindness made a significant difference in his hospital experience. 

Angel also ensures that everyday needs, like hair washing or patient comfort, are prioritized. She often stays after her shift to answer questions from families, offer comforting words or just share a smile. Here work ethic and heartfelt care uplift everyone around her."

Well deserved, Angel!