Jefferson Memorial Hospital Nurse, Cassandra Barstow, Receives National Award for Nursing Excellence
7/31/2026
Cassandra Barstow, R.N., emergency department supervisor at Jefferson Memorial Hospital for three years, has received a national Nursing Excellence Award.
Barstow is one of ten national winners selected across all hospitals affiliated with Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading healthcare providers. Developing and operating healthcare delivery systems in 32 distinct markets across 12 states, the organization’s affiliates include Tennova Healthcare and 59 other hospitals.
“We are incredibly honored to celebrate Cassie for receiving this national award, a testament to her exceptional skill and compassion,” said Shane Watson, CEO of Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “She is a leader and true asset to our hospital, consistently elevating our standard of care and inspiring everyone around her. Nurses serve as the vital link between medicine and humanity, and Cassie perfectly embodies how their expertise and dedication directly transforms patient experience and outcomes."
She was surprised with the recognition during a ceremony with hospital leadership and Jefferson Memorial Hospital staff. Surrounded by her family, she was presented with flowers, a crystal plaque, and a symbolic check for the cash award she received.
The Nursing Excellence Award program was created in 2020 with the celebration of the “Year of the Nurse” as a means to recognize the tremendous effort and sacrifice made by nurses during the COVID pandemic. This is the sixth occasion for the peer-nominated award recognizing the vital work nurses play in our work to make the healthcare experience exceptional for our patients, our communities, and each other. Characteristics synonymous with nursing excellence include outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation, and reflect the efforts of someone who is a demonstrated team player and/or mentor to others, is a leader in times of crises, and who regularly promotes health in the community.
Barstow began her career at Jefferson Memorial Hospital as an emergency room tech in 2020, and started as a RN in 2023 upon receiving her degree, quickly advancing to a dual role of charge nurse and emergency department supervisor. Since then, she has spearheaded many ED performance initiatives including implementing sepsis activation in the emergency department. In her time at Jefferson, she has been a resource for the whole hospital and a mentor to nurses early in their career. She is now overseeing the house supervisors as their direct report in addition to her roles in the ED.
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