Emory Healthcare nurse receives AJC Nurse Excellence Award

Emory Healthcare nurse recognized as exceptional in her field by AJC

May 23, 2025

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Jennifer Phillips

Sr. Media Relations Manager, Emory Healthcare

Kenosha Tillman (left) is one of the nurses recognized in this year’s program. Candace Morgan (right) nominated Tillman for the honor.

Photo by Emory Healthcare

ATLANTA – Emory Healthcare nurse Kenosha Tillman, MSN, CNL, has been named one of Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s (AJC) best nurses in the region. Tillman, along with nine other nurses across metro Atlanta, received the AJC Nurse Excellence Award during the AJC’s Celebrating Nurses award ceremony at Flourish in Atlanta. An additional nurse received the honor for excellence as a nurse leader.

“It still feels surreal to have been recognized for this nursing award,” says Tillman, who works at Emory University Hospital Midtown.“ My daily mission is to provide exemplary care while also advocating and educating my patients about their individual diagnoses.

“What I love the most about nursing is the ability to provide a safe space that promotes healing while providing quality care,” she adds.

Tillman’s love for nursing grew from a personal experience while navigating her late grandmother’s care. Now, she helps others as an internal travel nurse with Emory Healthcare — a program that provides a team of nurses the ability to adopt flexible work schedules and an opportunity to work at various units or hospitals within the Emory Healthcare system. Currently, Tillman is on rotation at Emory University Hospital Midtown.

“I adore the relationship that develops with the patient and me. Having the opportunity to see someone recover always does my heart well,” says Tillman.

Candace Morgan, MSN, RN, CMSRN, a colleague on the Emory internal travel nurse team, witnessed Tillman’s compassion and dedication to patients and nominated her for the AJC Nurse Excellence Award.

“She goes above and beyond in delivering exceptional care for her patients and their loved ones. Kenosha also demonstrates excellent leadership and teamwork,” says Morgan. “Her knowledge and skills make her a true asset to the nursing community.”

“Emory Healthcare nurses not only provide expert physical care to their patients but also give compassionate support for patients and their families. Kenosha’s recognition shows she embodies all aspects of healing, and we are so proud of her,” says Sharon Pappas, PhD, RN, chief nurse executive for Emory Healthcare. “Emory nurses believe human connection ensures their patients receive the best care possible.”

Tillman earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi. She also has a Master of Science in clinical nurse leadership and a post-master's certificate as a psychiatric mental health nurse from the University of Alabama.

A group of judges chose Tillman from more than 760 nominations received for the nurse recognition program. This is the 20th year the AJC has honored nurses based on the criteria of excellence, compassion and exceptional commitment to health care.

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