Ora and Lindsey: NSMC’s Health Care Heroes of the Year

Twenty-one years ago, Ora Nellum stopped by North Sunflower Medical Center to apply for a job.

“They called me right back and hired me the same day. When I met everyone, they were all nice, like a family. I knew it was the place for me,” Ora tells us.

Since then, Ora has become a respected and longstanding hospital fixture. The mother of four was named Non-Clinical Employee of the Year for 2022.

“I was shocked. I never expected it. They wanted to keep it a secret from me. I was so happy,” says Ora, the Ward Clerk for Acute Care.

Lindsey Flowers had a similar experience about ten years ago when she considered leaving her home health job. She planned to drop off her resume at North Sunflower. Instead, she spent two hours meeting the hospital team—and left with a job.

“They made me feel right at home from that very first day. I’ve had other opportunities, but I enjoy who I work with. I’ve made lifelong friends at North Sunflower Medical Center. I absolutely love it here,” Lindsey says.

Lindsey, the 2022 Clinical Employee of the Year, was also shocked by the announcement.

“I was very, very surprised. I had to pick my mouth up off the table,” says Lindsey, the RN discharge coordinator.

NSMC Employee of the Year Awards for 2022

Both Ora and Lindsey stress that while they appreciate the honors, they consider themselves part of a team united in caring for the community.

The award may have been a surprise to them, but to most everyone here at North Sunflower, honoring the two was a privilege for us. Ora and Lindsey’s dedication is inspiring.

Ora has two sets of twins and a new grandchild born just this month. As a ward clerk, Ora ensures everyone has the supplies they need, and she is a friendly voice for people calling the hospital.

“I like the fast pace here. I get to know the patients. I work with a lot of young people,” Ora says. “I tell everybody this is a good place to work. Everyone here is easy to get along with. This is just a nice place.”

Lindsey remembers the day she decided to become a registered nurse.

“My grandmother got sick and was rushed to the hospital. Seeing the hospital nursing atmosphere, that’s the day I knew where I wanted to be,” Lindsey tells us. “When I look back now, there was no other career for me.”

As discharge director, Lindsey hears feedback from our patients. She says she gets compliments daily about all the staff at the hospital, including the floor employees, doctors, nurses, and dieticians.

“Patients say, ‘it’s just top-notch here.’ I thank them for that because we truly love what we do. It’s a family here and team-oriented,” Lindsey says.

Lindsey tells us that her children, ages 8 and 3, were excited about the goodie bag that came with her award.

Ora says the plaque will have a special place in her home.

“I’m not going to take a chance of ever losing it,” Ora says.