Betty Garrison Award

A tribute to Betty Garrison, RN, BS, MSPH

Metrolina (formally Mecklenburg) Council of Nursing Organizations President 2003 - 2005

Betty Garrison, who succumbed to ovarian cancer on August 18, 2007, was a much loved and well respected nurse in the Charlotte community throughout her nursing career. For 37 years, Betty was an integral part of the Charlotte Institue of Rehabilitation, now known as the Carolinas Rehabilitation, serving hundreds of patients in roles of management, quality assurance, and discharge planner. Her passion for patient advocacy was evident to both her patients and her medical peers. She went above and beyond what was required of her.

Betty was a career long member of ANA and NCNA and was always talking up the need for her nursing peers to become members. She never lost an opportunity to encourage nursing students with whom she came in contact to join ANA/NCNA upon graduation. Professionalism was at the top of her agenda!

Not only did Betty join her professional organizations, she served in many offices including NCNA Board of Directors, District 5 President and Board member, and on numerous committees. Betty was also a strong support of MCONO and agreed to serve as MCONO President for two years from 2003-2005. Additionally, she chaired the MCONO Door Prize committee for many years and was one of the most successful solicitors of door prizes ever! She loved it!

One of Betty's goals was to provide some free banquet tickets for senior nursing students. She never quite attained this goal so with the support of their respective school, students are able to attend the Celebrate Nursing Banquet. The students are selected by their faculty based on qualities evident in Betty's life and career. These qualities include patient care excellence, patient advocacy, involvement in the nursing profession, commitment to community service, love of nursing education, a good sense of humor, and a genuine kindness and friendliness for those one meets.