Local Honor Guard Established By Two SJ/C Nurses
Nurses honoring nurses.
That is the simple but profound goal of the Coastal Georgia Nurse Honor Guard, the local chapter of a national organization created to celebrate the lives of nurses. The Coastal Georgia chapter was started by two St. Joseph’s/Candler co-workers and longtime friends, JJ Riley and Michele Roberts. This past August, the chapter celebrated its first anniversary.
“We heard about the National Nurses Honor Guard and ended up attending their conference in May of 2024,” Roberts says. “And we said, ‘Oh my gosh, we’ve got to do this in Savannah.’”
There are hundreds of Nurse Honor Guard chapters across the country, and each one is made up of volunteers. Anyone who is a licensed nurse in good standing is welcome to join. The Honor Guard is most well-known for the beautiful and solemn ceremony, known as the Nightingale Tribute, that they conduct at a nurse’s funeral or memorial service. This tribute, named for Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, honors the nurse’s life and career.
A central part of the ceremony involves a ceremonial lamp, the enduring symbol of a nurse’s calling—it is also traced back to Florence Nightingale, who used a lamp throughout the night as she checked on wounded soldiers during the Crimean War in the 1850s. Later, it became a tradition to present a lamp to nursing graduates as they began their careers.
During the ceremony, a Nightingale lamp is lit in the nurse’s honor. Then, the nurse’s name is called out as a request to report for duty.
After the third call, the nurse is relieved of her nursing duties, and the lamp is extinguished.
“It’s the final call for nurses who have served selflessly and dedicated their lives to the care of others,” Riley says. “The tribute
pink city
is a message to these nurses—your duties are done, your tasks are complete. You are going home.”
The extinguished lamp is presented to the family as a cherished keepsake. These ceremonies are done at no cost to the families; the Honor Guard is a non-profit which is able to provide these services through private donations.
Honor Guard nurses wear the traditional white uniforms and caps, along with a special navy blue cape with red lining. The cape is a callback to when nurses served in wartime. It would not only help keep the nurses’ uniforms clean and white, but the red lining also helped soldiers identify nurses on the battlefield.
“Our chapter also does services for nurses who are still living, to honor their service to the nursing profession by celebrating with them at their retirement or a milestone birthday,” Riley says.
After seeing the ceremony for the first time, other nurses often approach Riley or Roberts afterward to see how they can be a part of the chapter. Their enthusiasm matches how the two nurses felt when they first learned about the Honor Guard, and they hope it will help their local chapter continue to grow.
“We have a lot of St. Joseph’s/Candler nurses, of course,” Roberts says. “But this chapter is for all nurses in this area. Some of our members are retired. Some, like JJ and I, are still working. We have nurses from all walks of life in this chapter. Where you work doesn’t matter. This group unites all nurses.”
Co-workers who may need the services of the Coastal Georgia Honor Guard, or nurses who may be interested in joining, can contact JJ Riley at fergusonj@sjchs.org or Michele Roberts at robertsmi@sjchs.org
The City of Savannah lit its iconic City Hall dome in pink last month as part of our Paint the Town Pink campaign. SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey did the honors from Johnson Square with Mayor Van Johnson, Alderman Nick Palumbo and WSAV anchor Tina Tyus-Shaw by his side. The City Hall lighting started the countdown to Mammography Day. We will have the totals from that day and all of the Paint The Town Pink wrap-up news in the next issue of Smart Talk
JJ Riley (left) is President of the Coastal Georgia chapter and Michele Roberts (right) is Vice President.
moving forward
We will have a profile of Maria in the next issue of SmartTalk , but you can see photos from the ceremony and read the press release on the homepage of The Hub right now.
Latest Da Vinci Surgical System Installed At SJ/C
Already the region’s leader in robotic surgery, St. Joseph’s/Candler has added the latest da Vinci robot to its arsenal of minimally-invasive surgical options. The Intuitive da Vinci 5® surgical system was installed at St. Joseph’s Hospital in late September. Designed with the goal of further advancing technology used in minimally-invasive surgical care, the da Vinci 5 has 10,000 times the computing power compared to the previous version, allowing for safer surgeries and data analytics for personalized learning of each surgeon.
The new design of the da Vinci 5 expands upon core da Vinci Surgical System features, including wristed instruments, 3DHD visualization, intuitive motion and an ergonomic design. As with all da Vinci Surgical Systems, the surgeon is 100 percent in control of the robotic-assisted devices, which mimics their hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the patient’s body. This results in less blood loss, less pain and a quicker road to recovery.
(L to R): Mercy Housing’s Queen Gray, Selena Freeman, Princess Baker, LaKeisha Williams and Odesha Felix-Everett with Shana Ellington and Gabe Moses from St. Mary’s Community Center.
meet judy newell a co-worker profile
Judy Newell considers herself “the Mom” of her unit—not just because she has a huge variety of tasks that she is responsible for, but also because her co-workers are like family. Newell is the Infusion Operations Assistant at the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion on the Bluffton Campus at Buckwalter Place and on Hilton Head Island.
“I assist in making sure the day-to-day operations of the infusion unit run smoothly, whether that’s ordering and restocking supplies, fixing printer issues, monitoring certifications, checking authorizations or cleaning the breakroom. I mainly interact with staff but I also affect the patient
experience by keeping the team ready to assist their patients. I like that there is something new every day.”
In both the Bluffton and Hilton Head infusion units, the family atmosphere is bolstered by the SJ/C value of Teamwork.
“Everyone works in unison to provide the best experience for our patients. I know they would be there for me if I needed something. Oncology staff are a special kind of people— very compassionate and fun!”
Since its opening, the Bluffton Campus has made a huge difference for patients who live and work in coastal South Carolina. Newell
recalls when her own mother was a cancer patient years ago, and having to drive her to Charleston every week for treatment.
“This campus affords Beaufort County patients the choice to stay home for treatment if they choose. That is a big load off the patient and the caregiver.”
By Alicia Motley, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC Director, Professional Practice, Specialty Services & Infection Control, Magnet Program Director
The 2025 Magnet Conference in Atlanta was a remarkable celebration of nursing excellence, and St. Joseph’s/Candler proudly stood out on the national stage as we were recognized for our 6th consecutive Magnet designation. This honor reflects the unwavering commitment of our nurses to delivering exceptional, evidence-based, and compassionate care. To mark the occasion, we brought a diverse delegation of nearly 80 co-workers, including bedside nurses, nurse leaders, administrators, and special guests who represented the very best of our health system.
The energy of the conference was inspiring, with opportunities to learn from innovative research, share best practices, and connect with colleagues from across the country who are shaping the future of nursing. For our bedside nurses, the experience provided a chance to see firsthand how their daily work impacts patient outcomes on a national level. For our leaders and administrators, it was a moment of pride and reflection on the culture of excellence we continue to foster. The 6th Magnet designation is not only a milestone for our organization but also a testament to the strength of our nursing teams. We look forward to building on this legacy and continuing to raise the bar for patient care.
november events
6
PTO Cash Out Deadline
SJ/C offers co-workers with one year or more of continuous service the opportunity to convert accumulated Paid Time Off to a cash payment. This is offered only twice a fiscal year, in November and May, for up to an annual total of 80 hours. Remember, the cash-out value is 75 percent of your hourly rate.
The deadline for the November Cash Out is Thursday, November 6, before 2 p.m.
Requests must be made on the PTO Cash Conversion Form, located in the Forms Repository. Find the link to the Forms Repository on the homepage of The Hub, then search the Repository with keyword “PTO.” Fill out, sign and fax your completed form to Payroll at (912) 691-9264 or email Payroll@sjchs.org
Please note: forms received after 2 p.m. on November 6 will not be accepted. For questions about eligibility or any other concerns, call Human Resources at (912) 819-2442. Checks for PTO Cash will be a direct deposit into the same designated accounts for paychecks on November 12.
20
Lighting Of The Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree
Every November, the Telfair Pavilion displays its Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree as an elegant symbol of hope and togetherness during the holiday season. The tree is lit during a special ceremony which includes a presentation from a breast cancer survivor, a wine and cheese reception and the recognition of Telfair Mammography Fund donations from several individuals and organizations.
This year’s ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, in the Telfair Pavilion on the Candler Hospital campus. To RSVP, call (912) 819-5499.
welcome to St. Joseph’s/Candler!
Please join us in welcoming the following new co-workers to the St. Joseph’s/Candler family:
Destiny Allen | OR, Candler
Vanobia Adside | Patient Registration, Candler
Katharine Armstrong, MD | Telfair Breast Surgery
Susan Atkisson | Ctr. for Hyperbarics & Wound
Care – Moss Creek
Jefferson Balleras | 5 North, St. Joseph’s
Mckenzie Behler | Amb. Surg. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Tyrone Beniman | Safety/Security, Candler
Quantica Berry | St. Joseph's Cardiology
Melissa Bertkau | Special Care Nursery
Cameron Bickley | Operating Room, Candler
Schanequa Blake-Mcneal | LCRP
Jean Boston | 6 South, Candler
Stephanie Bradley | Amb. Surg. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Rebecca Brady | Respiratory Therapy, Candler
Arnesia Brown | LCRP
Sakeena Brown | Lab Outreach Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Sha Miyah Brown | Communication Svcs.
Victoria Brown | Envr. Svcs., Candler
Ebony Bryant | Dietary Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Jade Bryant | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Parker Byrd | LCRP
Cole Carswell | Finance
Logan Carter | Intensive Care Unit, Candler
Crystal Class-Bonilla | Pat. Fin. Solutions Center
Patrice Clemons Daniels | Pelvic Floor & Continence Ctr.
Elena Concas | PCU, Candler
Cheyanne Cooper | Specialty Phys. Rev. Cycle
Dominique Covian | The Children’s Place
Karissa Anna Dabalos | Pathology Lab, Candler
Paulette Daise | LCRP
Aliyah Davis | Candler Specialty Pharmacy
Jennifer Davis | Primary Care in Richmond Hill
Latoya Davis | Envr. Svcs., Candler
Pallav Desai | Candler Prescription Center
Elizabeth Dotson, DO | PN – OB/GYN
Laquanna Drummond | Communication Svcs.
William Duff | Information Svcs.
William Embrey III | Primary Care in Pooler
Katarina Fleckenstein, MD | PN – OB/GYN
1 Sarah Antalek
Lee Bryant
Nathaniel Flynn | Transport, Candler
Jayna Forsythe | Special Care Nursery
Jade Garvin | Health Information Management
Lavina German | 6 North, Candler
Janette Gilbert | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Cecilia Glaize | 6 North, Candler
Mckinzie Green | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Miguel Green | Interv. Radiology, St. Joseph’s
Elizabeth Greenwood | ED, Candler
Kaylin Grover | CT Scan, Candler
Ethan Hall | Neuro Intensive Care Unit
Christopher Harris | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Hannah Harrison, MD | PN – Neurology
Lawrencia Haynes | Patient Registration, Candler
Willie Hendricks | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Lesley Herrera | Insurance/Payment Verification
Karen Hills | Patient Accounting
Hillary Hoelz | Surgical Oncology
Kyuana Holmes | ED, Candler
Destiny Hudson | Specialty Phys. Rev. Cycle
Brittany Hughes | 6 North, Candler
Tiyanna Hurst-Miles | PCU, St. Joseph’s
Ellison Johnson | Surgical Oncology
Zaria Judson | PN – ENT
Mark Gil Jumao-As | 5 South, St. Joseph’s
Joanne Keith | Transitional Care Unit, Candler
Jeanah Kim, MD | Primary Care in Pooler
Jean Ledbetter | PN – Cardiothoracic Surgery
Tiffany Loftus, MD | PN – OB/GYN
Ashlyn Marcum | Interv. Radiology, St. Joseph’s
Lisset Marquez | Telfair BirthPlace
Erica Martin | CT Scan, Candler
Jasmine Martin | Sterile Processing, St. Joseph’s
Gladys Mccoy | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Grace Meacham | PN – OB/GYN
Lisa Miller | Good Samaritan Clinic
Yinessia Miller | Lab Outreach Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Isabelle Mills | Surgical Oncology
Lauren Murtha | Infusion Svcs. – Hilton Head Island
Deonca Myers | Transitional Care Unit, Candler
november birthdays
6
Amunda Campbell
Patrice Chisolm
Ma'Rya Gillespie
Kimberly Green
Judy Hancock
Charles Hargrove
Linda Hinely
Vanessa Lewis-Thames
Michelle Ramirez-Ringang
2
Timothy Butler
Javious Colson
Sahara Dowell
Janiya Johnson
Willie Kent
Patricia Newberry
Raymond Schneider III
Myra Tyler
3
Kathryn Coseo
Levonda Guichard
Royal Hilton
Ethan Holtzclaw
Lula Levy
McHenry Moseley III
Melissa Riley
Marcie Tolbert
4
Katharina Anderson
Tiffany Cox
Tindol Fowler
Deirdre Geraghty
Candace Hardin
Ricky Jerido
Cynthia Jones
Candyce Lanes
Carlton McNeal
Kelley McWilliams
Madison Merritt
Margaret Stevenson
Jennifer Thompson
Alexandria Tucker
5
Jason
Jonathan
Wynn
Wilcox
Jacqueline
Titika Ransom
Sharron
Daisja
Sandra Navarrete | St. Joseph's Cardiology
Brooke Norton | Neuro Intensive Care Unit
Nadia O'Neal | Operating Room, Candler
Nelly Ostergaard | Primary Care at Heartwood
Caleb Owens | PCU, St. Joseph’s
Angelina Pezanetti | 6 North, Candler
Brooke Purnell | Communication Svcs.
Lily Reed | 5 South, St. Joseph’s
Sonia Robbins | CT Scan, Candler
Mya Roberson | PN – Neurology
Aaliyah Rodriguez | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Lakeshia Ruth | Patient Registration, Candler
Laura Sands | Pharmacy, St. Joseph’s
Levent Scott | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Claire Sejour, DO | PN – OB/GYN
Jamequa Shellman | Envr. Svcs., Candler
Igor Shvahbeyn | Safety/Security, St. Joseph’s
Sheila Singleton | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Iva Sinyard | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Danielle Smith | PN – Neurology
Laura Smith | Primary Care at Heartwood
Lauren Smith | Post Anes. Care Unit, St. Joseph’s
Miranda Smith | Transport, Candler
Anna Spelts, MD | Primary Care in Richmond Hill
Paul Steve | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Tanya Swanigan | Georgia Infirmary
Yajra Talusig | PCU, Candler
Heather Thornburg | South Carolina Cancer Care
Lindsay Tulenko | Intensive Care Unit, Candler
Philip Villiotte | Oncology Savannah
Tierra Walker | Respiratory Therapy, St. Joseph’s
Malissia Ware | Operating Room, Candler
Virginia Ware | ED, Candler
Yi Wei | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Madison Wiklund | Pharmacy, Candler
Kiona Williams | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Selena Williams | Transitional Care Unit, Candler
Valecia William | Primary Care in Richmond Hill
Marlie Wingate | Pharmacy, St. Joseph’s
Skylar Womack | 6 North, Candler
Mcclellan
Rachel McGalliard
Darryl Purse Tracy Rains Mary Richards Daniel Szumski
Audrenique Albury
