Forrest Health Names DAISY Award Winner for May

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (June 5, 2024) Forrest Health has named Hope Rushing, RN, Medical Nursing director, at Walthall General Hospital in Tylertown, as its DAISY Leadership Award winner for May. The DAISY Leadership award, which is presented monthly to a deserving nurse or nurses, exemplifies clinical expertise and compassionate care and is recognized as a role model in the nursing community.­

“Hope Rushing is an outstanding nurse leader who is much deserving of the DAISY Award,” said her nominator. “Hope leads by example and is the definition of a team player. As the director of Nursing at Walthall General Hospital, she has spearheaded many positive changes in the workplace. A couple of the changes include cross training and floating staff throughout the facility, creating a workplace culture built on team work and respect, and taking it upon herself to discontinue incentive payments to bring back nurses helping out because it’s SIMPLY the right thing to do.”

The nominator describes Hope as “humble, yet firm, and carries herself with dignity, no matter the situation. Hope expects nothing less than quality patient care be provided to every patient, regardless of who they are. Hope’s high expectations can be seen in positive patient feedback and outcomes, as well as exceptional patient engagement scores.”

“Hope is an asset to both Walthall General Hospital and to Forrest Health. As an administrator, I personally depend on Hope often, and she always exceeds my expectations, no matter the challenge or task. She has an ability to see the bigger picture, one that exceeds nursing, at times. I could not be more proud of Hope and look forward to bettering our facility alongside her in the future.”

Rushing, who received her degree from Southwest Community College in Summit, has been employed at Walthall General for two and one-half years. She worked at the Jefferson Davis Extended Care Facility prior to WGH. The Jayess resident said she chose a career in nursing because she loves helping people. “Seeing family members sick and not being able to help them, made me feel helpless,” she said. “I know nursing is a field where I can get knowledge, gain knowledge and educate people, so they can help themselves, especially in places that don’t have a lot of access to healthcare resources.” 

 “A nurse, like Hope, and others, who have been nominated for and honored with the DAISY Award during the past year, are an integral part of what makes Forrest Health such a caring and compassionate place for your healthcare needs,” said Phyllis Chambers-Berry, Forrest Health vice president. “I am so proud of Hope and how hard she works to make our Forrest Health patients feel appreciated and cared for in such a warm manner.”

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit www.forresthealth.org/daisy.  

ABOUT FORREST HEALTH

Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.