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Bay Pines VA Nurse Exec. Earns SECVA's Award for Excellence in Nursing

Two women stand outside next to each other smiling in the daylight. They are both wearing white in honor of Nurses Week.
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Associate Director for Patient Care Services Carrie Hawkins (right) was recently awarded the 2024 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for Excellence in Nursing in the category of nurse executive. This achievement was made possible thanks to support from fellow leaders, like Bay Pines VA Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services Kelly Fethelkheir (left), and other nursing leaders across the healthcare system.
By Medina Ayala-Lo, Public Affairs Officer

Each year, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System joins the nation in celebrating the incredible, daily contributions nurses make to the lives of Veterans.

As the facility resumes their annual recognition, there is even more to celebrate because Bay Pines VA’s Associate Director for Patient Care Services Carrie Hawkins, earned the 2024 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Award for Excellence in Nursing in the category of nurse executive. 

This marks the third-consecutive year a Bay Pines VA leader has been selected as a recipient of the Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing.

“Ms. Hawkins epitomizes leadership in every capacity of her role as the senior nurse executive for our healthcare system,” said Bay Pines VA Director/CEO Paul M. Russo. “I, along with our executive leadership team and nearly 1,500 nurses throughout our organization, congratulate her on this tremendous achievement.” 

In the five years since Hawkins joined team Bay Pines VA, her continued advocacy for evidence-based practice and mentorship programs have earned her a reputation as a true Veteran advocate. As a direct result of her leadership, the healthcare system has applied innovative recruitment strategies and experienced improved nursing retention rates. 

Years ago, when the healthcare system embarked on their journey toward becoming a High Reliability Organization, Hawkins volunteered to be the executive sponsor and spearheaded the implementation of safety practices that allow Bay Pines VA to deliver the world-class care Veterans deserve.

“Ms. Hawkins is an advocate for nursing staff and supports nursing service through her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence in patient care,” said Bay Pines VA Deputy Associate Director for Patient Care Services Kelly Fethelkheir. “She is a force to be reckoned with, and under her leadership, Nursing Service remains focused on providing the highest quality care. It is an honor to work with and learn from her each day.”

In addition to the category of nurse executive, awardees were also selected in the categories of registered nurse/staff role, nurse/expanded role, licensed practical nurse, nursing assistant, and medical center director. On May 1, 2024, Hawkins joined the five other winners for the official award ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“This award is truly a testament to how amazing the nurses I work for at Bay Pines VA are,” Hawkins shared. “They are an example of the very best in VA nursing, and I am honored to support them in their ceaseless efforts to deliver outstanding health care to our nation’s heroes. I was both humbled and honored to be able to represent my team and VISN 8 during the prestigious award ceremony.”