Baptist Memorial Health Care nurses are appreciated each day for their compassion and dedication. During National Nurses Week — May 6 through May 12 — our hospitals honored nurses with special events and extra recognition, including Nurse Excellence Awards. Please keep reading to learn more.
Baptist Anderson
Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center’s leadership team made rounds to deliver goodies, including burritos in the mornings and cookie trays in the afternoons, and a heartfelt thanks to frontline heroes. The fun continued with nursing units participating in a paper airplane challenge. Anissa Carter from 2 East took first place for the longest flight. The Cath Lab came in a close second. Baptist Anderson also held a Blessing of the Hands ceremony led by Baptist Anderson Director of Pastoral Care Troy Dukes.
Nurses Week concluded with Baptist Anderson hosting its annual Nurse Excellence Awards Ceremony to recognize the outstanding dedication, compassion and leadership of the nursing team and celebrate individuals who exemplify what it means to deliver exceptional care and support.
Baptist Anderson recognized the following nurses:
- DAISY Nurse of the Year: Jerome Adkins
- DAISY Nurse Leader of the Year: Sade Rogers
- DAISY Team of the Year: 3 East
- Friend of Nursing: Candace Williamson for her unwavering support and collaboration with the nursing team
- Nurse Excellence in a Traditional Setting: Julie Aviles for outstanding clinical care and leadership in a traditional care environment
- Nurse Excellence in a Non-traditional Setting: Pamela J. Parker for innovation and excellence in non-traditional nursing roles
- Clinical Setting Award: Brittany Bennett for exceptional patient care and clinical expertise
- Nurse Manager Award: Ginger Regan for exemplary leadership and commitment to nursing excellence
- Nurse Mentor Award: Lauren Reyes for her guidance, support and positive impact on fellow nurses
- Rising Star Award: Kathryn Grant for her promising contributions and future leadership potential in nursing
- Florence Nightingale Award: Julia J. Moore for embodying the spirit of nursing through compassionate care and lifelong service
Baptist Attala
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Attala celebrated Nurses Week with a “Nurses Are the Light of the World” theme, beginning with Light it Up Day. Nurses dressed in neon colors and enjoyed an ice cream social.
Throughout the week, nurses participated in a Finding Florence scavenger hunt in honor of Florence Nightingale. Nurses also enjoyed Glow All Out Day with a breakfast with coffee bar and Shining Star Day with nurses wearing star-shaped glasses and headbands. Halcyon provided lunch. On Disco Light Day, nurses enjoyed breakfast and a coffee bar.
Baptist Attala also presented Nurse Excellence Awards to the following nurses:
- Friend of Nursing Award, Non-nurse: Terri Biggart
- Nurse Excellence Award in Medical-surgical: Shaniqua Herron
- Nurse Excellence Award in the Emergency department: Nick Jones and Connie Parker
- Nurse Mentor Award: Joana Roos and Shantel Felton
- Nurse Excellence Award in Infusion, IOP or Surgery: Shelby Steele
- Nurse Excellence Award in Clinic: Shantel Felton
- Rising Star Award: Nick Jones
- SAGE Nurse Award: Wesley Rucker and Deborah Coleman
- Florence Nightingale Award: Deborah Coleman
Baptist Booneville
For Nurses Week, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville celebrated its nurses for their efforts to “Light Up Our World.” The beach-themed festivities included a kickoff breakfast from Horizon Health, treats throughout the week provided by Legacy Hospice and an “Energy Oasis” to keep staff refreshed.
Team members also enjoyed such activities as the Finding Florence scavenger hunt, a themed puzzle, peer-voted awards and a photo booth. Dr. Tejinder Saini, Dr. Mallie Vacheron, Nurse Practitioner Holly Wilson, Legacy Hospice, Yard Candy LLC and Horizon Health helped to make the week a success.
Baptist Carroll County and Baptist Jackson Outpatient Surgery Department
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Carroll County and the Baptist Jackson Outpatient Surgery department in Jackson, Tennessee, celebrated and recognized the incredible nurses who provide compassionate care to patients each day.
Throughout the week, nurses and staff enjoyed themed activities, treats and celebrations designed to show appreciation for their dedication and hard work. From Movie Monday treats and Tiny Bite Tuesday snacks to special recognition moments and fellowship among coworkers, the week was filled with gratitude and encouragement.
The Baptist Jackson Outpatient Surgery department also recognized several team members with nursing awards to celebrate excellence, leadership, compassion and teamwork.
Baptist Calhoun
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Calhoun celebrated Nurses Week with the theme “Nurses Light Up the World — Neon Style.” Nurses enjoyed glow-in-the-dark celebrations with delicious food and treats.
Team members also wrote encouraging words on the “Glow Wall of Gratitude” in both the Medical-surgical and Emergency departments.
Baptist Collierville
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville celebrated Nurses Week with a “Glow With Us” Parade and the Nurses Tea Awards.
Baptist Collierville awarded the Outstanding Nurses Award to these nurses:
- Preston Poole
- Carole Sneed
- Seth Ambuehl
- Jasmine Bonaparte
- Tyler Green
- Paulina Gumm
Baptist Crittenden
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Crittenden recognized nurses with several awards:
- The Calm in the Storm Award: Kyla Hicks
- The Heart of Care Award: Camisha Lipford
- The Human Sunshine Award: Candis Horne
- Rising Star Award: Rachel Gaines
- Nurse Excellence Award: Monica Patterson
- SAGE Nurse Honorees: Stacie Wirth, Kelly Lansdale, Sudonna Dye, Tina Rains, Jo Ann Tipton, Steve Earnshaw, Tabitha Bell and Wendy Mathenia
Baptist DeSoto
During Nurses Week, Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto honored Nurse Excellence Award nominees, and Chief Nursing Officer Randy White announced the winners at a luncheon on May 6.
Baptist DeSoto presented Nurse Excellence awards to the following nurses:
- Nurse Preceptor Award: Shelby Bailey
- Legacy Nurse Award: Charlotte Nugent
- Distinguished Non-clinical Nurse Award: Sheila Powell
- Rising Star Award: Jackson Foster
- Distinguished Clinical Nurse Award: Abbie Stewart
- Nurse Leader Award: Sofia Neira
- Friend of Nursing Award: Bobbie Taylor
Baptist DeSoto nursing leaders presented Brandon Holmes, registered nurse in the Emergency department, with the DAISY Foundation Spotlight Award for going above and beyond to save a life. Holmes’ service continues to inspire on a global level through the DAISY Foundation. Click here to read more about his story and the DAISY Award he received. Because of the impact of his care, Brandon has also been selected for a national spotlight with Lippincott, a premier publisher of evidence-based medical and nursing content.
Baptist Golden Triangle
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle honored its nurses who work tirelessly each day taking care of patients, as well as the team members who work in support, coordination and administrative roles. The hospital kicked off the week with a coffee and breakfast food truck. Later in the day, nurses received early access to three food trucks and a lemonade truck. Team members also enjoyed drawings for more than 200 door prizes donated by individuals and local businesses.
The hospital hosted a nurses station decorating contest and a Find Florence scavenger hunt with nurses following clues to find Florence. Nursing units put on a creative fashion show and hosted other fun activities. Team members also enjoyed shopping a vendor fair with wreaths, jewelry, homemade soaps and candles for sale in the Patient Tower courtyard.
Baptist Leake
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Leake celebrated its nurses during Nurses Week with the theme “Wild About Our Nurses.”
Baptist Memphis
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis celebrated Nurses Week with a tropical theme, including Mojo Monday, which featured a caffeinated treat. Team members enjoyed Tropical Tuesday with sweet treats and Wellness Wednesday with therapy dogs and a mobile photo booth.
Thrive and Shine Thursday featured the Nursing Excellence Dinner to honor outstanding team members. Nurses also enjoyed Fun in the Sun Friday with tropical goodies and island vibes.
Baptist North Mississippi
Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi celebrated its incredible team with a “Nurses are Sun-sational” beach-themed lineup of activities designed to recognize and uplift nurses. Festivities included a waffle breakfast, coastal cookies and “seaside sipper” dirty soda station with sodas mixed with flavored syrups. The week was filled with energy and sunshine, honoring the dedication, compassion and outstanding care nurses bring to every patient, every day.
Baptist North Mississippi also presented Nurse Excellence Awards during a reception to honor nurses who embody the very best of the nursing profession. These nurses, who were nominated by their peers, demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise, uphold the highest standards of professional practice and lead by example within Baptist Memorial and throughout the community.
Baptist North Mississippi Nurse Excellence Award winners:
- Legacy Award: Kelly Shideler
- Rising Star Award: Mattie Ruth Bailey
- Nurse Leader Award: Britt Sheffield
- Nurse Excellence Award in Clinical: Josh Ritchie
- Nurse Excellence Award in Non-clinical: Hana Bishop
- Friend of Nursing Award: Sheritta Hobson
Baptist Oktibbeha County
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha County celebrated nurses with a “Nurses Are the Light of the World” theme. Throughout the week, leaders honored nurses with Blessing of the Hands ceremonies and provided lunch and popcorn snacks. Some fun activities included dress-up days and a weeklong Find Flo contest in honor of Florence Nightingale.
On Friday, nurses participated in a “Glo All Out” contest with each nursing department “lighting up” their department with an assigned color by decorating the nurse’s station or wearing socks, headbands or other items.
Nurses Week concluded with door prize drawings for custom cutting boards, sunglasses, a signed baseball and tickets to a Mississippi State University baseball game, cake, cookies and gift cards.
Baptist Paragould
This year’s Nurses Week theme, “Nurses Are the Light of the World,” was reflected at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Paragould in fun, space-themed celebrations throughout the week.
Team members enjoyed lunch from Fazoli’s, provided by Greenbrier Companies. Other treats included tropical snow cones, chicken and waffles, and a special gift day featuring Magnolia Soap Company boxes provided by Baptist Corporate office. Celebrations concluded with Crumbl Cookie Day.
In addition to the daily celebrations, Baptist Paragould honored several nursing team members with awards highlighting their dedication and commitment to providing exceptional care to patients and the community.
Team members who received awards include the following:
- Nurse of the Year: Angelica Owens
- Patient Care Technician of the Year: Rylee James
- Debra Vassar Nurse Leadership Award: Nick Arnold
Baptist Tipton
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Tipton presented two DAISY Awards during Nurses Week. Tasha Ballard, registered nurse in Labor and Delivery, earned the DAISY Award for her compassion and willingness to assist colleagues. The physician who nominated her said, “As I spent most nights in the hospital this week, I could observe Tasha’s gentleness and teamwork that goes beyond a health care provider. Tasha repeatedly showed compassion to her coworkers.” The nominator said Ballard regularly covers for team members who are sick or have family emergencies.
Baptist Tipton also presented a Team DAISY Award to Ambulatory Surgery. The patient who nominated the team said, “From the moment I walked in until the time I left, I received professional, empathetic and respectful care from this team. I could feel the love and care for patients and the profession. The interactions showed their care for each other as well.”
Baptist Union City
During Nurses Week at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City, Chief Nursing Officer Lori Brown presented Robbie Taylor with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award for more than five decades of nursing excellence.
Baptist Union County
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County began Nurses Week with a Blessing of the Hands ceremony led by Chaplain Nathan Hamilton, director of Pastoral Care for Baptist Union County. Throughout the week, nursing colleagues enjoyed gifts, dirty sodas (soda mixed with syrups), games and mobile car detailing services.
The week ended with the Nurse Excellence Awards Ceremony for colleagues who go above and beyond every day to provide compassionate, quality-focused care to patients.
The following Baptist Union County team members earned Nurse Excellence Awards:
- Leadership Award: Mallory Quinn
- Clinical Excellence Award: Joann Burks
- Compassionate Care/Patient Advocate Award: Lisa Maxey
- Innovation and Improvement Award: Amanda Douglas
- Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Zack Pulse and Scott Dunahue
Baptist Women’s and Children’s Hospitals
Nurses Week kicked off on Monday at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital with snacks and treats delivered to team members during both shifts. On Tuesday, nurses enjoyed a yogurt and fruit bar.
The hospitals presented the Nurses Excellence Awards for explementary work during a luncheon on Wednesday.
These team members earned Nurse Excellence Awards:
- Clinical Nurse Excellence Award: Alissa Stark
- Rising Star Award: Holly Carrington
- Leader Award: Lindsey Graham
- Mentor Award: Matt Balmut
- The Art of Nursing Award: Shelly Mowbray
On Thursday, team members gathered for the DAISY Awards celebration honoring nominees and DAISY winner Jasimen Hill, registered nurse in the Mother-Baby unit.
Nurses Week wrapped up with nursing cookbooks, trivia games, posters for coloring and a potluck in each unit.
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
Mississippi Baptist Medical Center team members celebrated Nurses Week with an exciting movie poster contest, which generated enthusiastic participation from both nursing and support units and strengthened connection across the hospital. A total of 24 posters were submitted and displayed, including one from the executive leadership team called “Fellowship of Care.” The winning movie poster came from ICU East.
MBMC held a breakfast to honor DAISY Award recipients and their nursing leaders. The hospital also hosted a ceremony and reception to honor the 2026 MBMC Nurse of the Year. Kristi Thomas, who works on the 3 North Step-down unit, was chosen for the honor for her compassion and relentless dedication to achieving the best patient outcomes. She began her career at MBMC in 2019, and has continued her education, earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice at Louisiana State University.
NEA Baptist
NEA Baptist celebrated Nurses Week by illuminating the hospital building with blue lights and hosting a weeklong Find Florence scavenger hunt with daily clues. Nurses also enjoyed treats and fun activities throughout the week, including chips and cheese dip, a breakfast bar, sips and snacks, popcorn and pops, traveling games and a door decorating contest. Some specific activities included Paula-nesian Plinko, Sam’s Sunset Spin, Tiki Toss and Floating Flamingos.
The Intern Draft Day took place on Friday with 13 new nursing graduates “drafted” to become team members. Interns and their loved ones were invited to the ceremony where “draft picks” were announced and interns identified their mentors, who shared kind words about them. Interns received a team hat and blue NEA Baptist scrub cap.
During Nurses Week, NEA Baptist honored several nurses with awards. The hospital recognized 20 outstanding nurses with the Nurse Excellence Award and three nurses with DAISY Awards. Tori Ballard, registered nurse in the Cath Lab, earned the DAISY Student Nurse Award. Nurse Manager Trezere Brown won the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, and Staff Development Specialist Amy Browning received the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Two nurses received legacy awards, which were created in honor of nurses who passed away during their time serving NEA Baptist. The hospital presented Head Nurse Kelli Morgan with the second annual Royce Howard Legacy in Nursing Award, which is given to an NEA Baptist nurse in recognition of a distinguished lifetime career devoted to the compassionate care of others. Morgan serves as a beacon of inspiration to nurses at all stages and has made exceptional contributions throughout her career, enhancing patient care and touching many lives. The Royce Howard Legacy in Nursing Award honors Howard’s 31-year career as a nurse that left an indelible mark on the institution, especially on 3 East. Royce was renowned for her strong clinical expertise, which she consistently demonstrated in her daily interactions with patients, physicians and colleagues.
NEA Baptist Clinic presented the first annual Lana Gander Legacy Award to Practice Supervisor Joyce Files, who has served NEA Baptist for more than 30 years. Those who nominated Files shared there isn’t just one story to tell because she goes above and beyond her title as a nurse every single day. She is deeply passionate about her patients, and she takes time to personally call them, reassuring them and addressing questions or concerns so they feel supported, informed and truly cared for. The Lana Gander Legacy Award is presented to an NEA Baptist Clinic nurse who reflects Gander’s enduring example of excellence in practice and service. During her time at NEA Baptist, Gander served in many critical roles and dedicated her 25-year career to service, excellence and quiet leadership.
