If there was one constant team that embodies the DAISY Award and constantly works together to provide the best patient care, it would be the Ortho Days Weekend Crew. Typically led by Charge RN Jenn Ray, she sets the precedent for professionalism, communication, and the ability to bridge the gap when other teammates need extra assistance. She fearlessly leads through all of the unimaginable situations, and is able to lead with positivity and strength. Working with Jenn Ray is the Weekend Crew of nurses! Ann Evans (Laura Evans), Mark Bradley, Casey Maynard (Peggy Maynard), Alexis Reilly work seamlessly together to provide exceptional patient care. Every weekend that I have had the opportunity to work alongside this team, I am encouraged by their infectious laughter and teamwork, conquering each and every shift with determination and care. Mark will jump in to help with any situation. Alexis brings a smile to every patient with her infectious personality and willingness to help. Ann supports this team in so many ways, especially her communication across patient and nursing staff members. Casey provides such a warm and loving environment to patients, supporting them through the ups and downs of a hospitalization. In addition to the wonderful charge RN and weekend nurses, Unit Secretary/PCT Brittany McKeever embodies the Piedmont spirit, making that positive difference for every life, supporting both the nursing staff and patients from behind the unit desk and out on the floor. I always know when I work weekends that this team is FLAWLESS and works so hard together, supporting each teammate with positivity and brightness each and every shift. Piedmont is blessed to have such a strong Weekend Dayshift Orthopedics Crew!!!

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The Orthopedic Unit at Piedmont Athens lives by Piedmont’s Purpose and Promise: to make a positive difference in every life we touch. We also demonstrate Piedmont’s core values and behaviors: Champion Patient-Centered Care, Be an Owner, Exemplify Teamwork and Connections, and Embrace the Future. It is with great pleasure to nominate the Orthopedic Team for the DAISY Team Award and to have the opportunity to show all of the accomplishments and growth that this team has had. The Orthopedic Team is at 100% for the total recall club. This shows our commitment to a culture of patient safety on the unit. We also have consistent safety huddles every shift and the team prioritizes attendance to each of these. The Orthopedic Team has been the Home for Brunch winner for the last 5 months. This has required intentional effort from all staff members and demonstrates our dedication to patient satisfaction, exemplifying our teamwork, connections, and patient-centered care. The Orthopedic Team has had three DAISY Honorees over the last year: Casey Maynard (May 2024), Monaco Bell (October 2024), and Mark Bradley (January 2025). Also, one of our very own Orthopedic team members, Marilen Rodriguez-Antunez, won the Clarke County Mentor of the Year award. In addition, in November of 2024, the Orthopedic Unit assisted in the DNV certification for Hip and Knee Replacements, making us one of two Piedmont hospitals with this certification. We have recently been trialing the “ED to Inpatient Handoff Process” on the Orthopedic unit and speaking from the role of Charge RN and Educator, our team has embraced this change with grace and positivity. It is a testament to our commitment to embracing the future and welcoming opportunities for improvement. The Orthopedic Team has successfully onboarded seven nurses and five PCTs over the last year. Nurses and PCTs have stepped up on the unit to precept and lead these new team members and truly make each one feel a part of the team. The Orthopedic Team is committed to teaching, educating, and growing the future of nursing through the many nursing students and practicum students that we have on the unit. The Orthopedic Team hasn’t just been taught Piedmont’s vision, they have caught the vision, and made it their own.