Elaine Jones-Connor, RN-C, CHCQM-CM, CHCQM-PSRM, FABQAURP, a highly accomplished nursing professional with more than 45 years of service, has been inducted into the 2026 Georgia Nurses Foundation Georgia Nursing Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor recognizes her lifelong commitment to excellence in patient care, leadership, and service to the nursing profession.
Elaine’s career spans trauma-focused and medical-surgical nursing, hospital leadership, and military veteran care. She is widely respected for her compassion, dedication to mentorship, and unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and elevating standards of care.
A native of Swainsboro and Savannah, Georgia, Elaine is the daughter of the late WWII Veteran Elijah “Buck” Jones, Sr. and Eva Jones. She was the devoted spouse and caregiver of the late Vietnam Veteran Robert “Bobby” Connor.
Elaine began her education in the Warren County School System and graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1974, as an early graduate of the Class of 1975. She earned her nursing degree in 1977 from the Grady Memorial School of Nursing and continued her studies at East Georgia College and Georgia State University.
Her distinguished career includes service at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, Savannah Memorial Hospital, and in home health care across Atlanta and Savannah. She retired from Candler Hospital, part of the Magnet-recognized St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System. Elaine holds national certifications in Medical-Surgical Nursing, Quality Assurance, Case Management, and Risk Management, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians—credentials that underscore her commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in care delivery.
As a Head Nurse, Elaine demonstrated exceptional leadership by mentoring clinical staff, implementing best practices, and raising the standard of care across her unit. Her outstanding work that continued in her role as a Patient Advocate earned her the prestigious James R. Lientz Award, recognizing her humanitarian impact. Known for her accessibility and empathy, she often reassured others with the words, “I am just a phone call away”—a promise she consistently fulfilled.
Beyond her clinical contributions, Elaine has played an active role in advancing the nursing profession. She is affiliated with the National Black Nurses Association, Georgia Nurses Association, and American Nurses Association, and previously served as Secretary of the Savannah Black Nurses Association. She remains committed to supporting future nurses through mentorship, scholarships, and guidance grounded in both professional expertise and personal encouragement.
Elaine Jones-Connor’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and enduring service. Her influence continues to be felt through the patients she has cared for, the nurses she has mentored, and the communities she has uplifted.
Reflecting on her career, Elaine shares: “Though retired, my heart and spirit remain deeply rooted in the nursing profession with unwavering passion and dedication. I will always champion the values, integrity, and compassion that define nursing, striving to leave a lasting impact on the lives of patients and nurses alike.
