Las Vegas Nurse Received National Nursing Award
Southern Hills Hospital nurse Suzie Macis was honored for saving a life during a hockey game.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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HCA Healthcare awarded the 2026 Excellence in Nursing - Compassionate Care Award to Suzie Macis in Nashville. Macis, a nurse at Southern Hills Hospital, earned the recognition for saving the life of a fan at a hockey game.
Why it matters
The award recognizes exceptional dedication to patient care and community service beyond the clinical setting. It highlights the life-saving impact of immediate medical intervention in public spaces.
Suzie Macis has served at Southern Hills Hospital since 2007. During the cardiac emergency, she performed 10 minutes of chest compressions and utilized an AED that shocked the patient twice.
The players
Suzie Macis
She is a long-term nurse at Southern Hills Hospital who received national recognition for her life-saving actions.
HCA Healthcare
This is the large hospital system that presented the national Excellence in Nursing award.
Jeannie Cunningham
She is the hockey fan whose life was saved by Macis after suffering cardiac arrest at a game.
The details
Suzie Macis resuscitated Jeannie Cunningham after she experienced cardiac arrest at T-Mobile Arena in December 2025. The two later connected through a social media fan group.
Timeline
Suzie Macis began her employment at Southern Hills Hospital in 2007.
Jeannie Cunningham suffered cardiac arrest at T-Mobile Arena in December 2025.
Suzie Macis was presented with the nursing award in Nashville in October 2026.
Market Landscape
Large hospital systems are increasingly promoting community-focused awards to bolster their public reputation and retain talent. This move positions HCA Healthcare as a leader in prioritizing compassionate care metrics within the competitive nursing market.
The story highlights the importance of public access to automated external defibrillators and basic life support training. Local residents can benefit by seeking out community CPR certification programs available in the Las Vegas area.
The takeaway
Quick action by bystanders trained in medical basics remains the most critical factor in surviving sudden cardiac arrest. Community members should consider obtaining AED and CPR certification to ensure readiness in public spaces.
Further reading
Find more updates and industry trends in our Nursing Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox5vegas.
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