Avery Smith, a nurse in the Emergency Department at Baxter Health Fulton County Hospital, has been awarded the Stroke Championship Bronze Club designation by the UAMS Institute for Digital Health & Innovation Stroke Program.
Smith achieved this recognition for achieving a door-to-needle time of just 49 minutes. The term refers to the time from a stroke patient's arrival at the hospital to the administration of clot-busting medication, which can significantly reduce brain damage. The established goal for this critical metric is 60 minutes or less, making Smith’s achievement particularly noteworthy.
"In stroke care, every minute counts," said Erika Need, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Fulton County Hospital. "Avery’s dedication to saving a brain is exactly what we want for every patient who comes through our doors. She moves with urgency and skill when it matters most, and we are so proud of her and grateful she is part of our team."
Smith’s swift and focused actions contributed directly to better outcomes for her patients, earning her recognition from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) program, which highlights excellence in stroke care throughout Arkansas. Stroke treatment outcomes often depend on timely intervention, making such achievements critical for patients and the broader community.