(Photo of Shelly Laird Courtesy of Tidelands Health)

A Tidelands Health nursing leader has earned statewide recognition for excellence. 

Shelly Laird, director of women and children’s services, was honored with the prestigious Palmetto Gold award presented by the South Carolina Nurses Foundation. 

"Shelly's unwavering dedication and compassionate care have touched the lives of countless patients and team members,” said Ashley Capps, vice president of operations and chief nursing officer at Tidelands Health. "We are so proud of Shelly's achievements and grateful to all our nurses for their dedication to our patients and community." 

The Palmetto Gold award recognizes nurses with outstanding commitment to the profession and excellence in nursing practice. Each year, only 100 nurses across South Carolina are selected to receive this honor. 

“To be recognized for the work I do is a true honor,” Laird said. “Every day, I strive for excellence and do my best for our patients, community and health system.” 

With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Laird leads her dedicated care team by example and serves as a mentor for students pursuing a nursing career. Under her leadership, Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital became the second in the nation and first in South Carolina to earn advanced certification in perinatal care from The Joint Commission in 2023. In addition, Laird serves on a statewide committee focused on birth outcomes and is an advocate for programs to support women’s health and maternal safety. 

“Her focus on excellence and community service is evident in her work, making a difference in the lives of those she serves,” Capps said.  

Laird was honored along with the other award recipients Saturday during the annual Palmetto Gold Gala in Columbia.