Laurie Jones, Monarch Caring and Community Award Winner

Monarch Caring & Community Award Submission, on Behalf of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center

Nursing: It’s a passion and not just a position.

It is with the utmost admiration and respect that I write this letter to recommend Laurie Jones for the prestigious Monarch Award. With over 30 years of service in the nursing profession, Laurie embodies the core values of compassionate care, clinical excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication that this award seeks to honor. She has worked as a nurse in many areas, including Med Surg, Infectious Disease and Pulmonary Care, Rehab, Progressive Care, ICU, Hospice Care, Cardiology, and Case Management. She was the Assistant Director of Acute Care Services at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center before taking on her current role as the Director of Quality and Population Health at Carolina Pines Medical Group. Laurie works hand in hand with the hospital staff to ensure quality care for the patients beyond what the Medical Group offers. Her motto is no patient left behind.

Throughout her distinguished career, Laurie has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, serving as both a tireless advocate for her patients and a mentor to countless colleagues. Whether working the front lines in high-acuity settings or guiding new nurses with patience and wisdom, she brings an extraordinary level of skill, empathy, and integrity to every interaction. She is a natural born leader and takes pride in teaching and leading.

Laurie is humble, kind and considerate. She would tell you that she is nothing without her team. Their collective effort, dedication and expertise combined is what makes their mission possible. Together, they create a supportive environment where they can achieve shared goals and provide patients with the highest quality of care. Laurie’s drive to see patients succeed in their health goals is second to none. She goes the extra mile to ensure the continuity of care is without fault. Laurie is dedicated to improving the health of patients through a systematic approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to disease prevention. She effectively communicates with the patients about the importance of their overall health and ensures equitable access to high quality healthcare services by focusing on the unique, individual healthcare concerns of each patient.

Laurie houses the Care Closet in her office - the Care Closet is stocked with necessities that some patients may not have, such as, food, toiletries, walkers and canes, clothing, and more. She also has created partnerships with pharmacies and state supported programs to ensure patients can afford the medications they need. She helps to overcome the economic hurdles for patients to live healthy lives. She recently has collaborated with the homeless shelters to make sure the tenants have access to transportation to and from the doctor. Simply put, Laurie is one-of-a-kind, and she is the type of nurse you want caring for you.

What sets Laurie apart is not only her clinical expertise but also her ability to elevate the profession through leadership and innovation. She has led quality improvement initiatives that have directly enhanced patient outcomes, participated in community outreach programs to support underserved populations, and has been a pillar of strength and support to patients and families in their most vulnerable moments.

Ashley Brown, RN has worked with Laurie for many years and she said, “Laurie is one of the quiet heroes in healthcare, weaving her compassion and expertise into every patient interaction. Whether you are a patient or coworker she has an extraordinary gift for making others feel seen and valued, even in the toughest moments. She turns every interaction with a patient into an opportunity to educate, comfort, and empower them in their health journey. Her unwavering passion for patient care and outcomes reminds us all that nursing is as much about the heart as it is about the hands.”

Her impact extends far beyond the bedside. Laurie has cultivated a legacy of excellence that continues to inspire those around her. Her career reflects a deep commitment to the art and science of nursing and serves as a powerful testament to what it means to serve with heart, purpose, and distinction.

I can think of no more deserving candidate for the Monarch Award than Laurie Jones, RN. She focuses on quality, patient-centered care and believes that by working collaboratively, we can transform healthcare into a resource that supports all individuals in our community. She represents the very best of our profession and continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of all who are fortunate enough to work with her or receive her care.