Stephanie McDonald

An Atrium Health nursing veteran for 28 years, Stephanie McDonald, chief nursing officer for Continuing Care, recently joined her colleague, Carmen Shaw, in developing a one-of-a-kind podcast dedicated to supporting Atrium Health nurses and the nursing profession at large. Launched just as the COVID-19 pandemic arose, the podcast “First Best Nurse” has captivated audiences, addressing important topics that impact this essential group of professionals.

Stephanie acknowledged the significance of her leaders' support as the podcast was launched. “We're so fortunate they gave us the green light to explore important topics that advance our nursing teams across the enterprise.”

Stephanie and her co-host don’t shy away from tough conversations, such as the importance of boosting nurses’ morale over the past two years. “First Best Nurse” illuminates innovative programs designed by nurses, for nurses, that honor the incredible commitment they make in patients’ lives every day.

Noting the impact that the Atrium Health Nursing Fund has made on programs designed to honor nurses, including the Atrium Health Nursing Stars Program, Stephanie emphasized the importance of one program in particular: the Nursing Honor Guard. This recognition program is led by more than 150 volunteers, most of whom are Atrium Health nurses, who memorialize fellow nurses in a meaningful way. Dressed in traditional white uniforms and capes, volunteers symbolically ‘release’ nurses who have passed from their duties. The overwhelmingly positive response from participants, Stephanie shared, has proven the power of the program.

Gifts made to the Atrium Health Nursing Fund ensure that the Nursing Honor Guard, and other innovative programs and resources, support the careers and wellbeing of Atrium Health nurses. Additional opportunities to support nurses include: advancing Atrium Health’s Virtual Nursing Observation Program, which began at Atrium Health Pineville and will expand to care locations in rural communities; supporting research; and developing training programs to enhance nurses’ wellbeing and resilience.