Jenny Shelton 3, RN

Nomination #1:
It is an incredible honor to write about someone who has not only shaped my career, but also my life. Jenny is more than a coworker to me. She is family, a mentor, and one of the most remarkable nurses I have ever known.

Our connection began long before I ever stepped foot into labor and delivery as a nurse. Jenny knew my parents, and in a full-circle moment that still amazes me, she was there the day I was born. Decades later, I would find myself standing beside her, working in the same unit and learning from the very person who helped bring me into the world. That kind of connection is rare and deeply meaningful, and it speaks to the longevity and dedication Jenny has given to this hospital with 40 years of service, care, and unwavering commitment.

For the past 13 to 14 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside her in labor and delivery. Throughout that time, she has been like a second mom to me. She has guided me, encouraged me, and challenged me to grow into the nurse I am today. So much of what I have become professionally is a direct reflection of her influence, her standards, her compassion, and her relentless pursuit of excellence.

Jenny is the person I want beside me in any situation, especially in the most critical moments. Her knowledge is unmatched, and her ability to remain calm and focused in high-acuity situations is nothing short of extraordinary. When things become unpredictable, as they often do in labor and delivery, she is the steady presence everyone looks for. She brings clarity to chaos and confidence to the entire team.

There have been countless occasions where she has been my saving grace. Whether it was stepping in during a difficult delivery, offering guidance in a moment of uncertainty, or simply providing reassurance when I needed it most, Jenny has always been there. Her dependability is something we all rely on, and her presence brings a sense of security that cannot be taught. It is earned through years of dedication and experience.

What sets Jenny apart is not just her clinical expertise, but her heart. She is deeply passionate about what she does. She shows up for her patients and their families with genuine care and compassion, making each one feel seen, heard, and supported. At the same time, she shows up just as strongly for her coworkers by mentoring, encouraging, and lifting others up. She has a way of making everyone around her better.

Jenny embodies everything the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award stands for. She is knowledgeable, personable, dependable, and fiercely dedicated. Her career is a testament to the difference one person can make over a lifetime of service. I truly cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.

Jenny has given so much of herself to this profession, to this hospital, and to all of us who have had the privilege to work beside her. To me, she will always be more than a colleague. She is my mentor, my role model, my second mom, and someone I love dearly.

There are not enough words to fully capture what she means to me or the countless lives she has touched, including my own from the very beginning. I only hope that in my career and in my life, I can reflect even a small part of the compassion, strength, and dedication she has given so selflessly to others.

Nomination #2:
I met Jenny Shelton a little over 4 years ago when she attended an interview session, and I was the candidate for Director of the Women’s Center. When I met her, I instantly loved her and understood immediately why she was loved by all!

She explained she had been at VTHH for over 35 years and had delivered so many folks in the community. When I met her in person, I felt like I was meeting a celebrity because I had already heard so much about her and her long-time commitment to the community in Tullahoma and Coffee County.

As soon as she said to me, “This is my home, and I'm proud of where I work and love what I do.”, I teared up a little. Her beautiful purpose and TRUE love for this department shined, and I knew if I ended up in the position, I had a responsibility to JENNY to run this unit and continue the excellent care that had always been provided.

Fast forward, and I did accept the position and have now had the opportunity and pleasure of working with Jenny for the past 4 years. To sum it up, she is the whole package!

She runs circles around everyone and is the expert and “momma” on the unit. When we are in a difficult situation at work or if I have questions about my performance or questions on how it used to be done, etc. I immediately call Jenny.

She is a mentor, an educator, a mother-figure, a preceptor, a bedside nurse, a NICU nurse, a charge nurse, a labor nurse, a postpartum nurse, a scrub nurse, a call nurse, and the most caring and conscientious nurse I have ever worked with.

She takes ownership in everything she does. She comes in and works every minute she is here, and makes sure the unit is as prepared as it can be for what is coming in for the next week!

She helps everyone problem-solve and find solutions, will take over “difficult” patients, and all of a sudden, that patient is happy!

Her impact on her patients, the families, and her coworkers is what I will always remember about Jenny. She goes above and beyond to make EVERYONE in every situation feel supported, loved, and respected.

She loves the nursing profession, and every single patient is a VIP to her. Everyone she cares for is impacted by her caring and servant heart and her determination to make everyone feel recognized and special.

The footprint Jenny has made in this community is nothing short of remarkable. Her dedication and love for her job and profession are absolutely exemplary, and I am one of the lucky ones who has been “touched” by her.

Nomination #3:
If you’ve ever worked with Jenny, you know exactly why she’s receiving this award.

For 40 years, Jenny has been the heart of our Women’s Center. She has done just about every job there is to do in our department, including the one I have now. Long before I became manager, Jenny was leading this department, helping shape the culture and standards that still exist today.

The foundation she helped build is something we continue to benefit from every single day.

What makes Jenny so special isn’t just her years of service; it’s the way she has spent those years serving others. Whether she’s caring for a laboring mom, helping a new family navigate those first few days with their baby, or tending to a family who is navigating a tremendous loss, teaching a new nurse, or jumping in wherever she’s needed, she does it with a servant’s heart and a smile on her face.

Fifteen years ago, Jenny took care of my son when he was born. I still have a picture of her holding him as a newborn. Back then, I never would have imagined that one day I would not only work beside her but have the privilege of leading the department she once led herself.

One of my favorite things about Jenny is seeing the full-circle moments that happen around her every day. She has been here long enough that some of the babies she helped deliver are now grown, working alongside her, and caring for patients right beside her.

Think about that for a minute. How many people can say they have touched generations of families in the same community?

Jenny has delivered babies, cared for mothers, mentored nurses, led our department, and quietly made a difference in thousands of lives without ever asking for recognition.

She is the nurse everyone hopes to have at their bedside and the coworker everyone hopes to have on their shift.

A Lifetime DAISY Award isn’t just about years worked. It’s about a legacy. It’s about the lives you’ve touched, the people you’ve inspired, and the difference you’ve made long after your shift is over.

Jenny’s legacy is everywhere. It’s in the families she cared for, the nurses she mentored, the leaders she helped shape, and the countless babies she welcomed into this world.

We love you, Jenny! This year has been so fun celebrating several awards with you! Congratulations!