Congratulations to Robin Burse and Emily Kitchens, 2026 Celebrating Nurses honorees
Each year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution recognizes 10 of the region’s best nurses. This year, two of those 2026 AJC Nurse Excellence Award winners are from Team Grady!
Robin Burse, professional practice manager at Grady, told the AJC she draws on her military experience. “The structure and way things should be done just make sense to me.”
Through her “Lead Their Needs” sessions, monthly council meetings and constant presence on the units, Robin ensures front-line nurses are heard and that their concerns reach executive leadership, strengthening communication across all levels.
Read more of Robin’s story here.
Emily Kitchens brings a calming bedside manner to those recovering from surgery and their anxious loved ones in Grady’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit. As she told the AJC, “I think so much of the personal part of nursing is just important as the medical side.”
Always focused on patient care, Emily developed a strategy to help resource nurses in the cardiac ICU to efficiently manage critical patient needs while improving workflow, team communication and patient outcomes.
Read more of Emily’s story here.
Robin and Emily were chosen from a pool of 955 worthy nominations. Please join us in congratulating these two extraordinary caregivers!