Today as we celebrate Nurses Week, we’ll take a look at some public health nurse trailblazers.

Today as we celebrate Nurses Week, we’ll take a look at some public health nurse trailblazers.
National Skilled Nursing Care Week is May 9-15, and this year’s theme is “Through the Seasons.” The number of hours and self-sacrifice skilled nurses have contributed to long-term care is nothing short of heroic, and DHEC cannot thank them enough for their dedication to South Carolina’s communities.
As the regulatory oversight of skilled nursing facilities, DHEC is proud of the continued flexibility and professionalism that South Carolina’s skilled nurses have displayed throughout the ever-evolving response to the pandemic. COVID-19 has certainly presented challenges that our skilled nurses could not expect. However, it was with their knowledge and experience, that they rose to the challenge and overcame obstacles.
Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, this observance is used to celebrate and recognize skilled nurses and their crucial role in healthcare, providing care for one of America’s most vulnerable populations. The week is the perfect opportunity to thank a skilled nurse for their unwavering dedication to the career and the community’s elderly.
Please join DHEC in celebrating the devotion and compassion these valuable healthcare professionals have exemplified throughout the past year and “Through the Seasons.”
In its 18th year, the Palmetto Gold Nurse Awards Gala recognizes exemplary Registered Nurses throughout South Carolina who are constantly raising the bar in healthcare. Through a nomination and selection process, 100 nurses are chosen each year and honored at the Gala. To date, over 1400 nurses have been honored with this award. This year, DHEC is proud to have 12 of our own recognized.
The gala was held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Join us as we congratulate our 2019 Palmetto Gold Recipients!
Officially recognized in 1993, National Nurses Week was founded to celebrate nurses and their contributions to society as well as encourage more people to join the nursing profession.
Whenever there is someone in need of care, you can count on a nurse to show compassion in tending to their needs. Nurses are critical in safeguarding individual and public health.
“We celebrate our DHEC nurses for protecting our communities one individual at a time,” said Rebecca Morrison, APRN, MSN, FNP-BC, director, Public Health Nursing. “Nurses Week is a time to celebrate their dedication and commitment to Public Health nursing.”
DHEC nurses provide care for clients in several programs, including: immunizations, sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, tuberculosis, family planning, children’s health and more. They are also in local schools and childcare centers. For a full list of services we provide statewide, visit: https://www.scdhec.gov/health/health-public-health-clinics/services-we-provide.
The nursing profession was founded to protect, promote, and improve health for all ages. Take time this week to thank a nurse for all they do.
Rebecca Morrison has been selected as the new DHEC Director of Nursing.
Rebecca has been a Registered Nurse for 22 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 18 years. Since 2005, she has served as the DHEC Immunization Nurse Consultant and has also served as a consultant on preparedness issues.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing – all from the University of South Carolina. Rebecca is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa and she is a National Health Service Corps Scholar.
Rebecca will be starting in her new role on Dec. 17. Congratulations, Rebecca.