It’s safe to say that Anitra Walker is a bright ray of sunshine to her patients at Alamance Regional Medical Center. Called “caring,” “compassionate,” and “committed” by those who know her best, Anitra is a woman on the move.

Perhaps that is why she launched Project MOVE, an initiative at ARMC designed to increase the percentage of patients who are up and out of their beds after a certain time period after surgery. She not only designed the effort, but onboarded it with her colleagues and was its strongest champion. But then, that sort “taking initiative” is all in a day’s work for her.

Anitra is well respected by her peers at Alamance Regional Medical Center. In 2015, Anitra was selected among the Great 100 Nurses in North Carolina, recognized for her professional ability and for the contributions she makes to improve health care in her community. In 2016, Anitra was a finalist for the Rising Star Award at the WRC’s 2016 Leading the Way event.

“I guess it is fair to say I am almost always on my way going somewhere,” Anitra said. “I like to stay on my feet since I know our patients need us.”

Caring for others is Anitra’s passion. When she found out that a patient celebrates a birthday while they are on her department, she gave the person a birthday card signed by everyone working on the department that day. The smiles she receives fills her heart.  Going above and beyond for the patients she cares for is a driving motivation in her life.

So, too is a commitment to giving back to the community.  Anitra has served as campus coordinator for last year’s and this year’s United Way campaign, and she was an inspirational leader of the effort.  This should not be surprising given her tireless work in the community. She has served meals at the Allied Homeless Shelter in Burlington. At Elon First Baptist, she was Vice President of the Youth Choir, president of the Women’s Ministry at Elon First Baptist Church. Currently she is a member of New Jerusalem Cathedral in Greensboro where she serves as the Secretary of the Nurse’s Ministry and a member of the Sanctuary Choir.  She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

“I was taught from an early age to be thankful for what I have been given, and to do all I can to pass that on to others,” Anitra said. “I don’t see this as necessarily something unique, but rather something we should all expect from each other.”

Powerful words.  WRC celebrates Anitra Walker for her compassion and commitment to others.