TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna has announced that Leslie Lions, RN, emergency services nurse, was named Emergency Nurse of the Year in the March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards that took place in Nashville on Dec. 12, 2016. Lions was nominated for the extraordinary care she provides to emergency room patients.

"Leslie has spent the last two years in the TriStar StoneCrest ER and we are truly blessed to have her," said Heather Bratcher, emergency room director at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. Every day she represents outstanding leadership, integrity and dedication to every patient.

Lions is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She moved with her family to Middle Tennessee and began working at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center in March of 2015. Lions earned her Associates Degree in Nursing at Chattanooga State in Chattanooga and her Bachelors of Nursing Degree from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. Lions said she never imagined herself as an ER nurse. However, after having the opportunity to work in the ER, Lions realized she loved the fast-pace environment and problem solving to work through different types of challenges that arise in the ER on a daily basis.

"I cannot imagine working in any other department," said Lions. "I love being the first line of care for our patients."

"We are all so proud of Leslie and congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award," said Lou Caputo, chief executive officer of TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. "Leslie exemplifies our mission-she is committed to the care and improvement of human life. She is the perfect representative of our core values: teamwork, accountability, caring, integrity, customer service, and positive attitude."

The March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards recognizes Middle Tennessee nurses who demonstrate excellence in various aspects of the nursing profession. This includes nurses who demonstrate their excellence through their administration of health care services; through their provision of clinical care, comfort and support to patients in various healthcare settings; their education of future nursing

Professionals; and their advancement of nursing knowledge through research efforts or through entrepreneurial or consultation efforts that advance the discipline of nursing.

Photo ABOVE: (Left to right)

Snow Willis, RN, assistant emergency services director

Lisa Smotherman, RN

Coty Schmidt, RN

Samantha Johnson, ER medic

Tedman Lee, RN

Lindsey Lions, RN, BSN (Emergency Nurse of the Year)

Lou Caputo, chief executive officer

Heather Bratcher, RN, director of emergency services