MEDICAL CITY HOSPITAL CHIEF NURSING EXECUTIVE EARNS THREE TOP AWARDS FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE

Cole Edmonson Recognized by Leading Nursing Publications and Professional Association for Contributions to Nursing Profession

Backing its reputation as one of the best places to work for nurses, Medical City is proud to announce that Cole Edmonson RN, MS, FACHE, NEA-BC, vice president and chief nursing executive has been awarded three prestigious industry awards for his demonstrated leadership in advancing excellence in the field of nursing.

• Texas Nurses Association's (TNA) Nurse of the Year Award (District 4)
• Visionary Leader Award from Nursing Management magazine
• South Central Region Excellence Award for Advancing and Leading the Profession by Nurseweek magazine

The first of the three awards - the Texas Nurses Association's (TNA) Nurse of the Year Award (District 4) - was awarded to Edmonson in June for raising the quality of nursing care through research, writing, education and practice.  The award also recognizes those individuals who have increased RN job satisfaction and performance outcomes.

In September 2008, Edmonson received the Visionary Leader Award from Nursing Management magazine.  Nominated by his peers, Edmonson's contributions to the field of nursing were detailed in two main areas.  First was his ability to influence the work environment through the implementation of creative strategies designed to improve a professional model of care, nurse satisfaction and professional development.  The second was his ability to contribute to improved clinical practice through the implementation of strategies that support the advancement of nursing science.  The nomination highlighted Edmonson's contribution to the development of a new bariatric center, a cord blood donation center, a cancer resource center, and Associate Degree Nursing program, a Nursing Career Enhancement Model and a chest pain center at Medical City Hospital over the past seven years.

In October, Edmonson was awarded the South Central Region Excellence Award for Advancing and Leading the Profession by Nurseweek magazine.  Edmonson was selected based upon his ability to remain visible, accessible and responsive to nurses while promoting participative leadership at Medical City Hospital.  As a regional winner, Edmonson is one of 14 other candidates who have the potential to be selected by Nurseweek for the Nurse of the Year Award in the Advancing and Leading the Profession Category.

"Cole is a true leader and professional and we are privileged to have him on our team," said Britt Berrett, president and chief executive officer at Medical City Hospital.  "The awards he has earned are a testament to the level of dedication and service he brings to our patients and nursing staff each and every day at Medical City, and he is an example of what makes Medical City the top-notch healthcare facility that it is."