Cancer patients often compliment Sandy Williams, RN, of Scotland Cancer Treatment Center, by telling her “you’re such a great nurse.” Her co-workers agree wholeheartedly.

This widely-held opinion was validated in Greensboro in early October when Sandy attended the Great 100 Black Tie Award Gala where she and 99 other North Carolina nurses were presented the Great 100 award.

“Sandy is very deserving of this award,” said Dr. Chip Helms, radiation oncologist. “She is an outstanding nurse who makes a daily difference in the lives of our patients, many of whom are dealing with distressing symptoms of their disease and/or treatment, frequently complicated by other personal or social difficulties. She continually strives to expand her knowledge and skills to the benefit of not only the Cancer Center, but to other departments of the hospital as well. She is a dedicated and hard working individual who is a pleasure to work with, an inspiration to the staff, and a great source of encouragement and hope to our patients.”

The Great 100, Inc. is a grassroots peer organization honoring the nursing profession in North Carolina. The Great 100 recognizes the importance of registered nurses in diverse practice settings who positively impact the image of nursing and nursing as a profession. Each year only 100 registered nurses from North Carolina are selected to receive this prestigious award. While any registered nurse can be nominated for the award, only those nurses who demonstrate excellence in practice and commitment to their profession are selected as a Great 100.

Williams is the fourth Scotland Health Care System associate to earn this prestigious honor.

“I was so surprised and excited when I was notified of my nomination. To be nominated by my peers makes this recognition even more special. I love nursing and can’t imagine doing anything else,” Williams said.

She has been a practicing nurse for 26 years, the last 12 of those with Scotland Health Care System. She has provided care for the past five years in the Cancer Center.

Receiving the Great 100 award is not the only recognition Williams has recently earned. In September she completed all the requirements and passed the American Society of Pain Educators examination to become a Certified Pain Educator.

“The reason Sandy earned the Great 100 is because she functions as a nurse at such a high level,” stated Camille Utter, Director of Scotland Cancer Treatment Center. “She carries the credentials of registered nurse, oncology certified nurse, pain management nurse, and can now display the certified pain educator credential. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nursing and is quite valuable to the entire Health Care System. With experience in pediatric and surgical nursing, Hospice, Med/Surg, and pain management, Sandy is one of those nurses who seems to know everything. She serves as the Facilitator of the hospital’s Pain Quality Management Committee and is a valuable asset in assisting other nurses as they work through problems to help our patients.”

Sandy helps to educate other nurses within Scotland Health Care System on the latest updates in pain management, appropriate pharmaceuticals for certain types of pain, and complementary therapies to help alleviate pain, including meditation, Healing Touch, and guided imagery. She works with other members of her committee to help educate on a wider scale the nurses in the patient units. She also serves as a resource for the nurses when questions arise about different pain medications.

For more information concerning Scotland Cancer Treatment Center call 910-291-7630 or toll free 1-877-762-2735. Visit the Cancer Center on scotlandhealth.org for additional information about their services.