Across hospitals and clinical settings this spring, Galen College of Nursing students and alumni are being recognized for embodying Galen’s iCARE Compassionately values: Inclusivity, character, accountability, respect, excellence, and compassion.  

Recent awards from our HCA Healthcare partners spotlight the real-world impact of our students and alumni, connecting what students learn in the classroom to their experiences at the bedside.  

Here’s a look back at some recent awards and recognitions for Galen students and graduates.  

During her time on the Cardiac Neuro unit at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center in Round Rock, Texas, Galen bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) student Jenna Hebert made a lasting impression.  

A nurse on the unit, Neal Labrador, said Hebert “showed strong initiative, professionalism, and willingness to help with tasks throughout the shift.” Labrador added that Hebert displayed a level of awareness “far beyond her level of training,” and that she had a strong potential for nursing.  

The praise from Labrador led to the hospital awarding Hebert with a Flower Bud Award.  

“We are honored to recognize Jenna for her initiative and desire to learn all she can in her training,” said Krystal Chapman Herbeck, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center. “She has a bright future ahead of her!” 

Hebert is in the final term of her BSN program and is set to graduate this summer.  

Less than three years after its founding, Galen College of Nursing’s Roanoke campus completed another first this April.  

Associate degree in nursing (ADN) student Jose Galvan earned the campus’ first Flower Bud Award. Galvan was honored by nurse leaders at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery for his compassionate care for a patient while on clinical rotation at the hospital. Galvan was surprised with balloons, flowers, a pin, and a certificate to celebrate his professional and compassionate actions.  

Galvan is on track to graduate at the end of Galen’s summer term this June.  

In March 2026, Baptist Health Louisville awarded Galen graduate Dara Huff with a Daisy Award. 

According to the nomination information, Huff helped relax and patient during a difficult hospitalization, navigating the treatment and symptoms with calm and compassion. The family who nominated Huff noted that she repeatedly came to sit with her patient to help her “feel heard, valued, and comforted.” Huff also comforted and cared for the family when the patient became terminally ill in the hospital, and even after the patient’s passing, Huff checked in on the family.  

“Dara embodies compassionate, patient-centered care,” Baptist Health Louisville wrote in a Facebook post. “Her impact extends far beyond the bedside, and we are proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition.” 

Huff attended Galen’s Louisville campus from July 2022 through June 2024 and received her ADN.  

A Galen graduate thought she was attending an awards ceremony to honor one of her directors. Instead, it turned out she was the honoree.  

Galen College of Nursing’s Myrtle Beach campus graduate Kiira McDuffie earned the Excellence in Patient Experience award for the Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center emergency department. According to McDuffie’s Facebook post, she was mentioned eight times by patients for providing outstanding care.  

McDuffie graduated from Galen in 2024 with her ADN.  

From first clinical rotations to professional practice, Galen nurses continue to set a high standard for compassionate care. We’re proud to celebrate these recent award recipients and look forward to watching them continue to grow, lead, and serve their communities.