Piedmont Cartersville has named Mary Owens, RN, as its 2026 Nurse of the Year, recognizing her exceptional leadership, compassion and commitment to patient care.
Owens, a full-time charge nurse on 3 North, joined Piedmont Cartersville in July 2024 as a nurse resident after previously serving as an LPN at a local skilled nursing facility. She was first selected for the honor by her peers and coworkers on 3 North before advancing to hospital-level consideration by the Board of Directors and Executive Team.
Colleagues consistently highlight Owens’ ability to build meaningful connections with patients and support her team. One peer noted she “dives so deep into her patients’ background to really understand their situations” and “shines on 3 North,” while another described her as “the light in her patients’ darkest days,” providing both compassion and guidance to patients and families.
Owens has also earned recognition for stepping into her charge nurse role with confidence and dedication. “Mary is always advocating for her patients … and is absolutely awesome as a charge nurse,” a coworker wrote.
Based on overwhelmingly positive feedback and heartfelt nominations from her colleagues, Owens was selected as Piedmont Cartersville’s 2026 Nurse of the Year. She exemplifies the organization’s commitment to excellence, leadership and compassionate care.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael, their dogs — Mya, Millie, Macy and Maverick — and their cat, Marlee, as well as camping and boating with her family.
