From the ED to excellence: Nema Shepherd named Piedmont Cartersville's FY 2026 Promise 360 Champion

Cartersville, Ga. (June 29, 2026) - Demonstrating exceptional dedication, quick thinking, and unwavering advocacy for patients, Eunema Shepherd, RN, of the Piedmont Cartersville Emergency Department, has been named the Promise 360 Champion for FY 2026.

Shepherd—known to colleagues as Nema—earned the recognition after going above and beyond during a high-pressure emergency department shift, exemplifying Piedmont Healthcare’s commitment to patient-centered care.

During the shift, a patient arrived via EMS experiencing a stroke with no family present and no known medical history or “last known normal” time—critical information needed to determine eligibility for lifesaving treatment.

Recognizing the urgency, Shepherd refused to accept the lack of information as a barrier to care. After multiple unsuccessful attempts through traditional communication channels, she creatively identified an alternate way to contact the patient’s family. When she reached a family member, Shepherd encouraged them to review a Ring doorbell camera, which ultimately provided a definitive “last normal” time for the patient. 

That information proved pivotal. With an accurate timeline established, the care team was able to quickly administer thrombolytic therapy for a hyperacute stroke—treatment that significantly improved the patient’s outcome and preserved quality of life.

Colleagues say it is this type of ingenuity, persistence and compassion that defines Shepherd’s approach to care. She consistently treats each patient as if they were family, ensuring no detail is overlooked and advocating fiercely for the best possible outcomes. 

“Nema exemplifies the very best of nursing at Piedmont Cartersville,” said Carter Seward, BSN, RN, Stroke Program Coordinator at Piedmont Cartersville. “Her quick thinking, determination and commitment directly changed the trajectory of a patient’s care.”

The Promise 360 program recognizes team members who live out Piedmont’s mission and core values, including championing patient-centered care, exemplifying teamwork and taking ownership in every situation. Shepherd’s actions reflect each of these values, as well as Piedmont’s broader promise to make a positive difference in every life touched.

As the FY 2026 Promise 360 Champion, Shepherd represents the highest standard of excellence across Piedmont Cartersville—demonstrating that even in the busiest and most challenging moments, one team member’s dedication can make a life-changing impact. She will represent Piedmont Cartersville at the system level with a chance to win the overall company’s Promise 360 President’s Award presented by Piedmont CEO Kevin Brown.