Tidelands Health nurses earn statewide Palmetto Gold awards

Tidelands Health nurses earn statewide Palmetto Gold awards
Two Tidelands Health nurses have earned statewide recognition for excellence in their profession.
Ashley Pritchett and Samantha Montague-Smith are recipients of Palmetto Gold awards, which are given by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation for excellence in nursing practice and commitment to the nursing profession. Only 100 nurses in South Carolina are selected to receive Palmetto Gold awards each year.
To earn the Palmetto Gold award, nurses must be dedicated to their patients, demonstrate leadership qualities, assist others in growth and development, serve their community and promote and advance the nursing profession.
“Ashley and Samantha demonstrate daily through their compassionate care of patients and dedication to the nursing profession why they are so deserving of this statewide honor,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at Tidelands Health. “Tidelands Health is proud of our Palmetto Gold award recipients and all the nurses on our team for their unwavering commitment to our patients, community and health system.”
Pritchett is a board-certified lactation consultant and registered nurse with more than 20 years of experience. In addition to her work with patients, she helps create new education programs for patients and the community while mentoring the next generation of nurses. Her dedicated work and extensive knowledge played an integral role in Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital becoming the first in South Carolina and second in the nation to earn advanced certification in perinatal care from The Joint Commission in 2023.
“Ashley uses her expertise within the lactation consultant specialty to investigate, collaborate, advocate and educate, which supports the clinical care excellence and patient outcomes we achieve,” Capps said. “By developing trusting relationships with patients during their prenatal visits, Ashley empowers women giving birth through knowledge and support.”
Montague-Smith, a head nurse with more than seven years of experience, leads by example through her dedication to patients and active role in the community. She routinely receives compliments from patients and their loved ones for the compassionate care she provides – helping to establish the culture of excellence that permeates her team.
“Samantha works tirelessly to help our patients prepare for procedures including hip and knee surgeries and spends extra time helping them understand the next steps in their care when they leave the hospital,” Capps said.
Pritchett and Montague-Smith will be honored with the state’s other Palmetto Gold winners during a gala April 27 in Columbia.
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About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.