June 2026 Honoree
Emerald Watson, BSN, RN
I want to nominate Emerald "Krystye" Watson for her extraordinary care and compassion she provided for my sister, when she was admitted to CVICU, in Macon Georgia, Atrium Heath Navicent Heart Care Center.
After a long night in the emergency room, my sister coded about 6 am on Saturday morning. After she was stabilized, she was immediately put in the CVICU Unit.
When family members were allowed to see her in the ICU, we were overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty; then Nurse Kristye walked into the room. We immediately knew Kristye was going to care for her.
We felt reassured and supported. Kristye took the time to explain in detail to us what every step of D's care was. Kristye's presence, kindness, compassion, and her knowledge of D's condition made a difficult time much more bearable.
What stood out was her ability to balance professionalism with genuine human connection. She noticed the smallest details, such as any signs of D looking uncomfortable. If D had a request or concern, she would immediately respond.
After D's surgeries, she had a very difficult time; Kristye was there to help with her comfort and would explain to us our concerns about D's condition. When Kristye walked into the ICU, we could tell it made a difference in D's life. Kristye gave her the assurance she needed to get well.
During D's 12th day in the CVICU Unit, I was on the site daily. During my presence to and from D's room, I noticed not only that Kristye took care of D, but also that she took care of all her patients.
Her compassion for others as a nurse goes above and beyond. Kristye truly makes a difference in so many lives. Kristye's presence and her medical knowledge brought peace to D and family members.
After a long night in the emergency room, my sister coded about 6 am on Saturday morning. After she was stabilized, she was immediately put in the CVICU Unit.
When family members were allowed to see her in the ICU, we were overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty; then Nurse Kristye walked into the room. We immediately knew Kristye was going to care for her.
We felt reassured and supported. Kristye took the time to explain in detail to us what every step of D's care was. Kristye's presence, kindness, compassion, and her knowledge of D's condition made a difficult time much more bearable.
What stood out was her ability to balance professionalism with genuine human connection. She noticed the smallest details, such as any signs of D looking uncomfortable. If D had a request or concern, she would immediately respond.
After D's surgeries, she had a very difficult time; Kristye was there to help with her comfort and would explain to us our concerns about D's condition. When Kristye walked into the ICU, we could tell it made a difference in D's life. Kristye gave her the assurance she needed to get well.
During D's 12th day in the CVICU Unit, I was on the site daily. During my presence to and from D's room, I noticed not only that Kristye took care of D, but also that she took care of all her patients.
Her compassion for others as a nurse goes above and beyond. Kristye truly makes a difference in so many lives. Kristye's presence and her medical knowledge brought peace to D and family members.
Thank you, Emerald, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees