By By Adam Prestridge
For six years, registered nurse (RN) Brigitte Covington has given her heart and soul to Atmore Community Hospital.
She was recognized for her dedication earlier this month when she was named Employee of the Year during the hospital's Christmas Party held for employees and family in the auditorium.
"It was great, it was a big surprise," Covington said. "It makes me feel really good that I've been recognized for the job that I've done. It makes me feel appreciated."
Covington is a 1993 graduate of Escambia County High School. She has lived in Atmore her entire life. She said striving to keep her patient comfortable and happy is her main focus.
"I make sure my patients are taken care of and are happy," she said. "I'm a dedicated employee. I'm always here and on time."
As for her work as a nurse, hospital administrator Bob Gowing believes she exemplifies professionalism.
"Obviously Brigitte's nursing skills are outstanding," he said. "Her character and personality just instills trust and confidence not just with patients, but with her coworkers as well. She really depicts the values of ACH."
According to a representative with Atmore Community Hospital, Covington began her career at Atmore Community Hospital as an RN on the Medical/Surgery floor. When Medical/Surgery staffing was critical, she offered to work extra shifts on either days or nights to help out.
"Her dedication, commitment and dependability have been much appreciated by her co-workers and supervisors," Gowing said. "She is committed to providing superior service and quality care to our patients and demonstrates this quality through her excellent clinical skills, critical thinking and sound judgment."
Covington's patients have often commented on her compassion and caring attitude and have mentioned her on the hospital's patient surveys under "someone deserving of special praise."
"Reward and recognition for outstanding performance is something that we do on a regular basis through celebrations and this is just another way to recognize outstanding employees like Brigitte," Gowing said. "Brigitte always maintains a cheerful, positive and professional attitude and often goes that extra mile to meet and exceed the needs of our patients. Our new employees appreciate Brigitte's expertise and she serves as a mentor to the student nurses on staff."
Covington said she enjoys spending time away from work with her husband, Boo, and raising their two dogs. The couple is expecting their first child, which will be born in May.
"Brigitte is truly an asset to Atmore Community Hospital and we are proud to recognize her as our 2005 Employee of the Year," Gowing added.
Covington was presented a plaque.