Burley, who was pinned during a special ceremony on May 12, was also recognized as the graduating senior in the Sandhills Community College nursing program with the highest grade point average. In recognition of her achievements, the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Auxiliary presented her with a monetary gift and an engraved silver jewelry box during the annual Nurses' Tea held at The Village Chapel.
"I had been so busy with school that I was completely focused on what I had to accomplish just to get through each day," Burley says. "I had no idea that I would receive this award. I was shocked when they called my name."
"Our organization strives to support the entire FirstHealth community," says Karen Chamberlain, the Auxiliary's hospitality chairman and treasurer, "and we believe that includes encouraging excellence in nursing care. Our award is not a scholarship; it is a gift meant to assist as deserving nurses embark on their new career."
A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Burley also earned recognition in 2005 as a first-year nursing student. She admits that her priorities have changed as a result of her experiences.
"I've always tried to do my best, but working and going to school has been a challenge," she says. "I've grown up a lot. I'm more accepting of myself and others, and I appreciate others' roles in the recovery process."
"Audrey sets high standards for herself," says Joy Martin, assistant director of 2 Neuro and Robbins ICU at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital. "When I interviewed her for a part-time nursing assistant position, she shared that she felt the work would help her prepare for her role as an R.N."
"I thought that working in the hospital while I was in school would help me understand how things really work," says Burley. "My job made all the pieces come together."
Burley, whose father was with the 82nd Airborne, grew up in the Sandhills. After high school, she worked in a family wallpapering business before enlisting in the Marines. She served in the military for five years, saving money through the GI Bill to continue her education.
"I was drawn to health care," she says. "I am the oldest of seven children, so I have always helped people. A lot of my friends told me I should consider nursing. When I visited Sandhills (Community College), I was impressed with the nursing instructors and decided to try. I actually got the very last spot on the very last day of registration. It was fate, and it's been a perfect match."
Burley, who is expecting her first child, will join the 2 Neuro staff as a registered nurse following her maternity leave and successful completion of her nursing board examination.
"I am excited about beginning my career as a nurse," she says. "I am very people-oriented, and I believe that I will be able to make a difference for patients and their families. I see nursing as the direct link where all the health services come together for the good of the patient. It's a tremendous responsibility."
"Nursing school is not easy, but Audrey handled it with finesse and grace," Martin says. "I expect her to be a great nurse. She is flexible and detail-oriented. She is always smiling and compassionate with patients and families. I am pleased that she will be staying with our team, and I am proud to work with her."
The MRH Auxiliary has supported Moore County's medical community and the nursing field for more than 75 years. One of its first projects in the early 1930s involved raising money to purchase a station wagon to transport nurses to and from the hospital. In 1939, the group raised money to construct a nurses' dormitory that opened in 1940.
After Sandhills Community College initiated its nursing program in 1966, the Auxiliary organized the special Nurses' Tea to honor nursing graduates.
