A 2017 Marion High School honors graduate was recently selected as the 2023 Methodist South Hospital Nurse of the Year.
Maggie Aureli, who works as a registered nurse in the hospital’s Labor and Delivery Unit, earned the award after first being nominated by her peers as a 2023 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Nursing Star, then being selected as the Nurse of the Year following a review by administrators in the Methodist Hospital System. The award recognizes extraordinary patient care, outstanding demonstration of professionalism, patient- and family-centered care, the use of innovation, exceptional interpersonal relationships, and community involvement.
Located in south Memphis, Methodist South is one of five hospitals in the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare System.
“I’ve been here for about 2.5 years, and I absolutely love what I do,” Aureli said. “I’ve come across so many amazing people, whether they be patients, coworkers, visitors, or more. Every day is different and some days are more challenging than others. However, no matter the day I always put my whole heart into caring for my patients.”
Working in the Labor and Delivery Unit, Aureli cares for patients during all stages of the labor and delivery process. This can include triaging, antepartum (pre-delivery care), intrapartum (care during the labor process), and postpartum care. She is also charged with providing instruction for two graduate nurses through their 18-week orientation. This includes coaching them on basic nursing skills along with more specialized skills for a labor and delivery nurse.
Aureli said she has a jar that she was given to her when she first started at the hospital. She puts pink and blue beads inside to keep up with her deliveries. In her 2.5 years of being a labor and delivery nurse, she said she has had the privilege of being the primary delivery nurse for 84 baby boys and 79 baby girls.
Aureli attended Arkansas State University, where she earned a bachelor’s of science in nursing and an associate degree of science. She graduated from college in 2021. But she is also quick to point to the education she received at Marion High School as an instrumental part of her career preparation.
“In high school, I was heavily impacted by my medical professions teacher, Mrs. (Jana) Blackford,” Aureli said. “She encouraged me and taught me some of the basics of what it meant to be a nurse. I would spend extra time in her classroom preparing for HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) competitions and learning more about becoming a part of the healthcare field. I always dreamt of becoming a nurse, and she helped me to make that dream into a reality. I believe that I would not be the nurse that I am today without her class and all of the great advice she would give.”
While in high school, Aureli was also a member of the Patriot volleyball team. She said that involvement has also served her well throughout her college and professional experience.
“During my time on the volleyball team we grew to be a family,” she said, “On and off the court, we were there for each other, and this taught me the meaning of being a team player. In college and every day on my unit, I work alongside a team where we show up for each other and for our patients to give them the best care we can provide. My nursing team has helped me to earn this award because they have shaped me from the little baby nurse that I was, to now a nurse that the rest of my team looks up to.”
“It has been an amazing year so far representing my hospital, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for me next!”
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade school, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.