Sandra Meredith-Neve, BScN, RN, CPN
Executive Nursing Director – Ambulatory Service Line, Regional Programs & Integrated Medicine
Please join the Center for Nursing Excellence in congratulating Sandra Meredith-Neve, BScN, RN, CPN
Executive Nursing Director – Ambulatory Service Line, Regional Programs & Integrated Medicine, for being selected as the July 2025 UAMS DAISY Nurse Leader Award recipient! This award expresses gratitude for courageous leaders fostering an environment where compassion and courage can thrive.
Sandra is a Executive Nursing Director – Ambulatory Service Line, Regional Programs & Integrated Medicine and was nominated by a UAMS co-worker and an Easter Seals employee. The comments below are taken from her nomination which speak to each characteristic as an outstanding nurse leader.
Creates an environment where attributes of trust, compassion, mutual respect, continued professional development and ethical behavior are modeled and support.
Sandra is a compassionate individual who identified a need at Easter seals for adults with special needs to receive quality medical care in a safe and comfortable environment without the usual waiting room experience. She worked tirelessly to collaborate with Easter seals and UAMS to establish a clinic within the adult center at Easter seals. Sandra also ensured that a nurse who understands the needs of individuals with special needs and top-notch doctors were recruited to work at the clinic.
Furthermore, Sandra became aware of the need for dental care for adults with special needs in the area. She worked tirelessly to secure a dentist and funding to establish a clinic that could cater to the dental needs of these individuals.
Sandra has been my supervisor in the Integrated Medicine Service line for over 5 years now. Since the first time I met her, I felt that she was someone I could trust. She has always treated me professionally and really seems to respect me as a provider and nurse. She has consulted with me on various projects over the years. She supported me in my decision to leave UAMS when I did, knowing that I was feeling overwhelmed with my responsibilities at the Neighborhood Clinic and the drive-thru COVID clinic during the height of the pandemic. When I chose to return to UAMS to pursue the specialty area in Obesity management, she was fully supportive and encouraging and spoke highly of me to the hiring director and physicians.
Motivates staff with a shared vision and enthusiasm to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients and families.
When Sandra gave the UAMS team of doctors and nurses a tour of the Easter seals building, she had already passionately communicated her vision to them. Her unwavering enthusiasm for the program and her deep affection for the patients at Easter seals were truly infectious. One of the doctors, initially hesitant due to time constraints, was so inspired by Sandra’s vision that he decided to make time to be a part of the clinic. Sandra’s remarkable ability to instill her vision and passion in her staff, motivating them to work tirelessly for the patients and families she serves, is truly commendable.
Sandra is always encouraging me to pursue more in my career. She strongly encouraged my first move from the Internal Medicine clinic to the Neighborhood Clinic in Maumelle, not only because she felt like I could really help patients there but because she felt like it would personally benefit me too, knowing that I lived in the area. She now fully supports me in my leadership of the Medical Weight Management clinic.
The UAMS Medical Weight Management Clinic was created under the direction of Dr. Dinesh Edem. When he decided to leave UAMS, Sandra recognized the value that the clinic had and supported me in taking over the leadership of the program so that it could continue to thrive. She helped me to continue to see the patients we already had established in the clinic. She encouraged continued growth of the program in helping me troubleshoot the challenges we faced by not having an MD in the clinic. She helped us in hiring another dietitian to join the team and then later incorporated to board certified MDs and another APP/ PA to help with taking on new patients into the clinic.
Promotes and enhances the image of nursing within the organization, the community and the profession including engagement, recognition, and retention.
Sandra dedicates her time and effort to volunteering at Easter seals Arkansas, where she wholeheartedly supports their mission. Her passion for making a difference in the community led her to establish a program at UAMS to assist all adults in need. Sandra’s impactful work not only embodies the values of nursing at UAMS but also extends beyond the confines of her office, reaching various areas in need. Her leadership empowers other nurses, fostering professional growth, such as the nurse at our Easter seals clinic. Sandra’s unique approach and dedication truly set her apart in her field.
Sandra directly touches so many areas of nursing within the organization. Her role of being the Executive Director of Nursing for IMSL means she oversees so many clinics and inpatient areas. She is constantly on the go, checking in with leadership and staff in all of the clinics and she makes it a point to know everyone by name and face. I feel very fortunate to have Sandra to reach out to when I need help or advice.
Sandra is over all of the UAMS Regional programs. She is constantly on the go, making it a point to visit all the locations on a regular basis. She makes it a point to know all the staff under her leadership by face and name. She stays engaged with the staff and encourages them to succeed.