Cindy Wooten, Baptist’s system director of nursing practice and professional development, won the 2020 NightinGala Executive Nurse Hero award. The NightinGala Nurse Hero Awards recognize the outstanding contribution of registered nurses (RNs) in leadership positions. Criteria include promoting a culture where RNs are positive, challenged and involved; advocating for RNs and nursing in the health care setting; and being a positive role model and demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based best practices for all patients.
In her nomination, Baptist Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Susan Ferguson credited Cindy with helping shape the standard of care and nursing practice for frontline nurses and improving care and outcomes for many Baptist patients. Susan also calls Cindy a resource for the entire Baptist system who has helped the organization strengthen relationships and communication among all disciplines. Physicians, radiology and lab directors, pharmacists and many other groups routinely seek her guidance and input.
“Cindy’s calm spirit, curiosity and wealth of knowledge enable her to work with others in a way that is truly remarkable,” Susan wrote. “Her go-to phrase is ‘tell me more,’ and her willingness and ability to listen to ‘more’ is one of her greatest assets.”
Cindy is a 45-year Baptist team member, and she is responsible for developing system patient care policies, procedures and guidelines. As a strong proponent of continuing education and advanced certification, she also obtains and oversees grant funding for nurses seeking graduate degrees and often serves as their preceptor.
