Some may say Alison White has lofty goals. She wants every patient who comes into her operating room to have the best surgical experience possible. And she wants them all to have a quick ride home with little traffic.

Her ability to make those things happen at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Pooler Campus—along with her tireless smile and selfless work ethic—is why Alison White is the recipient of the 30^th Annual McAuley Award.

St. Joseph’s/Candler President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey announced White as the recipient during a special ceremony at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The McAuley Award is named in honor of Catherine McAuley, who founded The Sisters of Mercy in the hopes of bringing education, healthcare, social justice, and spiritual guidance to those in need. White was among more than 120 co-workers who had been nominated by their peers for the award.  

White serves as the Clinical Nurse Manager in the Pooler Campus Outpatient Surgery department. It’s a very busy place, with two operating rooms and two endoscopy suites. Some of the procedures performed on the Pooler Campus include gallbladder removal, appendectomies, foot and ankle corrections, hernia repairs, ENT procedures, cosmetic surgery, GYN surgeries and gastroenterology scopes. White makes sure it all happens as smoothly as possible—not only for the patients but for her co-workers and physicians as well.

“Alison is everything the McAuley award stands for,” said one of several co-workers who nominated White. “She is compassionate, empathetic, strong, loving, fiercely devoted to her patients and co-workers. You can go to Alison with anything, be it an issue or just needing to talk, and she is there 100 percent for you.”

White is a Pooler native who is known for serving her community outside of work, even earning the nickname of the “neighborhood nurse” for her willingness to check on the wellbeing of her Pooler neighbors. From day one of the Pooler Campus opening, White was thrilled that people in Pooler and the surrounding areas did not have to drive to Savannah for many common procedures. Her co-workers consider her “an ambassador for the Pooler Campus” who goes “the extra mile—or two or three extra miles—to assist patients.” 

As the 2023 recipient, White will have her name and image added to the bronze McAuley plaque displayed in the lobbies of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Candler Hospital. She will receive a $3,000 honorarium, a one-year parking pass in the location of her choice, a one-month cafeteria meal pass, a gift certificate for a massage at SJ/C’s Wellness Center, a St. Joseph’s/Candler watch and the McAuley plaque and pin. 

What Alison White’s Co-Workers Said About Her: 

“She genuinely loves what she does. She is always willing to jump in and help solve problems or be an ear to listen. She cares so much for her team and her patients.”

“Her leadership ability is remarkable. She would never ask us to do something she would not do; she steps in to assist in hands-on patient care. She has the uncanny ability to see the big picture at all times, her multitasking sense is enviable, and she is able to do it all with poise and calm.”

“She is the nurse I want to take care of me!”