Champions Of Care Nurse Winner - Megan Elwood

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Behind every successful, skilled and confident bedside nurse is someone who supported and believed in them before they ever felt prepared to take on the immense responsibility of providing patient care. Megan Elwood is that person for countless nurses across Bothwell Regional Health Center. 

Elwood’s strong clinical background, gained over years of experience as an emergency department nurse, has enabled her to bring both knowledge and practical insight to her nursing education role. She understands the fast-paced, high-stakes environment nurses face because she has lived it, and she uses that knowledge to prepare new nurses to succeed. 

While nursing school provides a critical foundation, it cannot fully prepare new nurses for the realities and responsibilities of providing direct patient care. Elwood recognized this gap and has been instrumental in building and sustaining our nurse residency program. The program provides a structured, supportive transition from classroom learning to clinical practice. Her dedication has ensured that new graduates are not left to navigate this transition alone. Instead, they receive the guidance and mentorship needed to build strong clinical and critical-thinking skills, increase confidence, and improve retention within our organization. 

Elwood doesn’t just teach skills — she builds nurses. She strengthens the entire nursing care team, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Her impact is felt in every patient interaction, critical decision, and every new nurse who walks onto the floor who she has prepared and supported. Elwood exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care — not only through what she does, but through the countless others she empowers to do the same.

To view all Champions of Care nominations, visit MHA's website.