Michelle Houck, RN, TCRN is named S.C. ER Nurse of the Year

Charleston, S.C. — Trident Health’s Trauma Outreach Educator Michelle Houck, RN, TCRN has been named the Emergency Nurse of the Year by the South Carolina EMS Association.  The award recognizes excellence as a nurse in the emergency care setting. 

At the association’s annual event, Michelle was noted for, “earning the respect and admiration of her peers and EMS providers by consistently being regarded as the ‘go-to’ person in times of need. Her reputation as someone who gets things done efficiently and reliably is well deserved.” 

Trauma surgeon Seon Jones, MD, who serves as the medical director of Trident Health’s trauma program, said, “Michelle is an important part of our trauma program, and we appreciate her work very much.” Last year, Michelle led more than 150 community and professional injury prevention education programs throughout South Carolina’s Lowcountry.  She also serves as a key leader for educating nurses on treating patients with trauma. 

Last year, nearly 2,500 patients were treated for trauma at Trident Medical Center, more than at any other trauma center in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.  More than 170,000 patients received emergency care at a Trident Health emergency department. 

In addition to the emergency departments at Trident Medical Center and Summerville Medical Center, Trident Health also has four freestanding ERs — Brighton Park Emergency, Centre Pointe Emergency, James Island Emergency and Moncks Corner Medical Center.  Recently, Trident Health announced plans to start construction later this year on its fifth freestanding ER - Johns Island Emergency. 

In additional remarks at the annual South Carolina EMS Association meeting, it was also said of Michelle, “Beyond her clinical proficiency, she is deeply involved in community service. She takes the initiative to coordinate and manage EMS education and outreach programs and actively contributes to the improvement of EMS in the community through continuing education and unique course offerings that are not normally available to EMS providers.” 

Presenters of the South Carolina EMS Association’s Emergency Nurse of the Year Award concluded their remarks about Michelle by saying, “Michelle’s commitment to community well-being goes far beyond the hospital walls to the entire Lowcountry region. She provides Stop the Bleed classes at community events, works closely with local law enforcement agencies to distribute free gun locks and trauma prevention education to help prevent firearm injuries, and goes to local retirement homes to perform injury and fall prevention assessments and education. 

All of this demonstrates her passion for proactive healthcare and community engagement. Her exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to both clinical excellence and community welfare makes her truly deserving of this recognition.”