A shout-out for MUSC's outstanding nurses

Robert “Bobby” Sloan, R.N., Nurse of the Year for MUSC Health Florence Medical Center, followed an MUSC nurse into the profession.

Nearly four years into his career, Sloan, who grew up in Florence, said he was influenced by two Emergency Department nurses, mothers of close high school friends. One, in particular, inspired him. 

“Krista Dorrell [pictured below, far right] was an important role model for me when I was growing up,” Sloan said. “She had a high level of dedication to her job. She was always reliable, extremely professional and was everything I wanted to be when I grew up,” he said. 

Having worked on the orthopedic and neurology floor since graduating from Francis Marion University in 2022, Sloan said the Nurse of the Year recognition is particularly meaningful because it is named for another trailblazer, Costa K. Cockfield, R.N.

“This is such a big honor, particularly since it is named for our previous chief nursing officer,” Sloan said. “She was huge for our hospital and helped build us up to what we are now. She put in a lot of work and did so much to grow the Pee Dee Division.” 

And he’s quick to share credit with his colleagues. “I work with an amazing team who supported me through being a novice nurse and who took the time and had the patience to teach and mentor me. They are incredible and always willing to lend a helping hand. “It’s one of the reasons why I enjoy working for MUSC.”

 

Sloan is passing it on. One of the most gratifying parts of his job, he said, is being able to train other health care workers and seeing them succeed in their jobs afterward. “It truly is rewarding,” he said.

Even more rewarding for him is working with neurology patients. “Every day is different because of the complexity and different types of patients I engage with, from stroke patients to those who have seizures, hip fractures or undergone joint replacements,” he said. “Sometimes, the situation is acute; other times, it is emergent, but any time when someone is having a hard time – and usually being in the hospital is one of the lowest points – I want to be the reason that their life is a little bit better.”  

As he talks about his aspirations and nursing career, Sloan said it’s not for everyone, but he has found his calling. “I’m truly passionate about nursing and neuro,” he said. “You have to be dedicated and believe that the work you do is important. You’re taking on other people’s challenges as your own, and if you don’t go in every day with 100% effort and attitude, it’s going to be very hard.”

Next up? Sloan wants to obtain National Stroke Certification.

In addition to Sloan’s award, other nurses across the MUSC Health system were recognized during National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, for their exemplary contributions to the profession. Recipients are nominated and voted on by their peers and nursing leadership.

Spencer LeFlem, R.N., a Meduflex team member with the University Medical Center, was named MUSC Nurse of the Year for the Charleston Division. Luc Gagne, R.N., a nurse in Ashley River Tower’s medical-surgical intensive care unit, was honored with the Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes a nurse who has dedicated 25 or more years to nursing and has built a distinguished career in clinical or researchnursing. Gagne is the Charleston Division’s first recipient of the award.

Cheryl L. Jones, R.N., director of the Professional Excellence and Magnet Program, said the nursing profession is the foundation of health care. “Year after year, nursing has been the most trusted profession in the nation. Nursing is the underpinning and heart of any health care organization. Their critical thinking skills and caring presence are so important for someone to get well.”

Jones said the importance of recognition cannot be overstated. “Recognition is key to retention, not only for nurses but for all care team members. There’s a direct link between recognition and that feeling of accomplishment, appreciation and value that inspire care team members to do their very best.”

 

Nursing honorees

Charleston

2025 Daisy Leader Award: Diane Whitworth MSN, RN, CWON Nurse Manager Wound and Vein

2025 Daisy Team Award: MUSC Cardiac Device Team led by Eileen Sandlin

2025 Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award: Luc Gagne, RN who works in the MSICU

Clinical Practice Nurse Expert (CPNE) Awards:

Sara Cousins BSN, RN, CCRN from MSICU

Kim Nann, RN, PMH-BC from 1North IOP

Chrissy Scott, BSN, RN, SCRN from 9W MH

Tyler LeMatty, BSN, RN from Peri-op/Procedural Heart and Vascular

Mary Lassiter, BSN, RN, CPN

Novice Nurse Awards:

Hannah Leach, BSN, RN from Ambulatory

Heyden Goldiner BSN, RN, CCRN from ART

Troy Sully Austell RN, IOP

Amelia Woolard RN MH

Emily Haskell, RN Peri-op/Procedural

Jazimen Baker, RN SJCH

Experienced Nurse Awards:

Metz dela Rama MSN, RN, ONBC, Main Hospital 10W

Devin Quinto BSN, RN, CSL, ART 3W

Morgan Wolfe BSN, C-EFM SJCH Labor & Delivery

Terri Thompson BSN, RN, PMH-BC IOP 2N

Jassimine Baghdady BSN, RN Ambulatory Palliative Care

Tyler LeMatty BSN, RN, Peri-op/procedural heart and vascular

Other Charleston awardees:

2025 Nurse Manager of the Year: Bryson Waller BSN, RN Electrophysiology and Vascular Labs

LPN of the Year: Paula Raines, LPN, Ellis Oak Primary Care Clinic on James Island

NPD Rising Star of the Year: MaryKate Thomson

NPD Practice Excellence of the Year: Adina Garner

Preceptor of the Year: Amelia Poulsen DNP, RN from MSICU

 

Pee Dee Division

Nurse of the Year: Robert Sloan, RN – 4th Floor (Ortho/Neuro Recovery) (Florence)

Nursing Support Champion: Sheila Burroughs, PCT, IMCU (MICU, Florence)

Nursing Leadership Champion: Buck Turbeville, Director of Emergency Management & Security (Florence)

Advanced Practice Provider (APP) of the Year: Kim James, MSN, ACNPC-AG (Black River)

Physician Friend of Nursing: Matt Hanley, M.D. (Emergency Services, Florence)

 

Catawba Division

Rick Kirkley: Nursing Support Champion

Alexis Rutledge, BSN, RN: Rising Star

Allyson Timmons, BSN, RN, CNOR: Nurse Leader of the Year

Jessica Stillwell, MSN, RN, CEN, SANE: Nurse Innovator of the Year 

Chayne Bowers, RN: Preceptor of the Year

Moriah Blackwell, RN, CCRN, CNML: Lancaster Nurse of the Year

Joyce Kelly, BSN, RN: Chester Nurse of the Year

DAISY Team Award: Women’s Services

 

Orangeburg Division

Specialty Nurse of the Year: Hannah Herman, RN, ICU

Nurse of the Year: Petruta Williams, RN, 3 East

Nightingale Nurse of the Year: Karen McAlhaney, Women's Health