Press Release: Portales nurse earns top award

Carol Morgan, RN, nurse manager for the New Mexico Department of Health in Portales, received the Excellence in Public Health/Community/School Nursing award, presented by ITT Technical Institute at the 2009 Nursing Excellence Awards.  The awards were hosted by the New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence and presented by Lovelace Health System Oct. 24, 2009 at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort. 
 
Morgan was nominated for the award by JoAnn Fuller of the Women, Infant & Children (WIC) Program in Portales, who described her as “always ‘on call’ for her community and its health needs.”  Morgan has been a nurse for 29 years, and has served as a public health nurse for 14 years.  Her two-person public health clinic typically sees a caseload of 1,000 patients annually.
 
Fuller cited Morgan’s teaching abilities, cultural sensitivity and outreach as outstanding qualities.  She explained that in addition to carrying a very full caseload, Morgan uses her evenings and free time to serve the community’s health needs.
 
Morgan is a member of the Roosevelt County Health Council, DWI task force committee and local emergency planning committee.  She provides diabetes teaching and screening at local health fairs, and is a presenter to the Consequences Class for kids convicted of crimes in Teen Court and Magistrate Court who put themselves and others at risk through substance abuse, dating violence, teen pregnancy and STD infections. 
 
In addition, Morgan presents emergency preparedness and health classes to high school students and students at Eastern New Mexico University and mentors Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate’s Degree in Nursing students who complete community health and leadership rotations under her guidance.
 
Morgan is a past recipient of the regional Nurse of the Year Award.  She is a current member of the New Mexico Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.
 
She has also personally cared for more than 60 foster children, and hopes to one day establish a rehabilitation “ranch” where mothers can receive treatment and stay with their children.
 
In nominating Morgan for the award, Fuller was also able to thank her for the care given to her own family when an individual was diagnosed with a serious, potentially fatal chronic disease.  “She led our family through a very dark time.  I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude to her for her kindness, yet I am only one of many who feel she truly deserves this prestigious award,” Fuller explained.