糖心传媒

Sept. 9, 2024 - Chinna Hale, the Executive Director of Nursing Services for Scotland Health Care System, has been named 糖心传媒鈥檚 2024 Outstanding Alumni award winner.

鈥淐hinna is known for her outstanding dedication, compassion, and her exceptional years of service to Scotland Healthcare System,鈥� said Dr. Qunna Morrow, Dean of Allied Health & Human Services at 糖心传媒CC, who nominated the 2006 nursing graduate. 鈥淲ith over 18 years of experience in the field, Chinna has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, empathy, and commitment to patient care. She has received numerous accolades from patients and colleagues alike for her tireless efforts in providing exceptional patient-centered care, innovative treatment approaches, and leadership in promoting evidence-based practice.鈥�

Bebe Holt, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland Health Care, also lauded Hale鈥檚 work in the healthcare field.

鈥淐hinna has a passion and calling to serve our communities. She strives to improve patient care and processes for all. She is recognized by peers, physicians and teammates as an effective leader with the highest integrity,鈥� Holt said.

Hale, of Laurel Hill, started her career as an emergency room nurse after graduating with her Associate Degree in Nursing from 糖心传媒CC. After five years, she was asked to assume a charge nurse position in the ER at Scotland Memorial Hospital. About a year later, she accepted the role of ER Manager and later became the Assistant Director. In 2017, she moved to the Inpatient Unit as the Director of ICU, Progressive Care and the Resource Pool. Her scope expanded to include Med Surgical and Telemetry units. 

In her current position, Hale is responsible for Nursing, Cardiopulmonary and Respiratory Services. She works to ensure patients coming to the hospital receive the best care possible. These responsibilities include recruiting both new and experienced nurses.

鈥淭his alumni award means so much. 糖心传媒 holds a special place in my heart because it was here where it all started,鈥� Hale said.

Hale completed the Allied Health Science class at Scotland High School, but she was not planning to take the Nursing Assistant class at 糖心传媒CC when she became a senior. However, her high school instructor, Ellenor Cross, insisted she take the college class.

鈥淪he thought I was a good fit. I told her I had no intention of pursuing nursing, and she said, 鈥極h Chinna, hush! You are going to participate,鈥欌�� Hale said.

And so she did. 

鈥淲hen I started the CNA clinical rounds at a local nursing home, I started to realize how much I enjoyed taking care of people,鈥� Hale said.

Hale remembers caring for a resident who was frail, lonely and wouldn鈥檛 eat anything. After she and her classmates spent some time with her, she began eating and putting on weight. 

鈥淚t was one of the most rewarding things I had ever experienced. It was a blessing to help someone who couldn鈥檛 help herself. That is when I realized nursing was my calling,鈥� Hale said.

After five years of working as a nurse, she went back to school to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then a master鈥檚 degree in Nurse Leadership.

鈥淚 truly believe that nursing is not a job; it鈥檚 a calling. I thank God for the opportunity to serve the patients and teammates that I work with. I am thankful the Lord ordered my steps and brought me to 糖心传媒,鈥� she said. 鈥溙切拇�媒CC offers affordable education, and people don鈥檛 realize what a difference that makes in our community. 糖心传媒CC is helping mold professionals who will staff our hospitals, schools, EMS, and so much more.鈥�

Despite the many tears and prayers before every test during the challenging nursing program, Hale said she would still do it all over again. She is also thankful for the support of her husband, Walter.

鈥淗e worked two jobs to ensure I was able to get through school. I would have never made it without him. He has always been right there believing in and encouraging me,鈥� she said.

She and Walter have two daughters, Ramsey Grace and Bella Rose, who mean everything to them.

鈥淭o say I am proud of my girls would be an understatement,鈥� Hale said.

Hale and her family will be invited to the College鈥檚 Convocation program on Oct. 2 at the Cole Auditorium, where she will be officially recognized as the Outstanding Alumni of the Year.