Williams Recognized as Mercy Award National Semifinalist

MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – After being named the 2023 Mercy Award winner for North Alabama Shoals Hospital in May, nurse manager Stacy Williams was named one of 60 national semifinalists for the Lifepoint Health companywide Mercy Award.

Williams was on hand for a special ceremony last week in Nashville where four finalists (one per division representing Central, Eastern, Western and combined Rehabilitation/Behavioral Health) and the overall winner of this year’s companywide Mercy Award was announced. Terri Clark, director of growth and outreach at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital in Elko, Nevada was this year’s winner.

The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded. Williams was selected for North Alabama Shoals Hospital while Demetria Mason represented North Alabama Medical Center.

The Mercy Award is an annual recognition program that honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

Williams, who has been a registered nurse since 1994, came to work at Shoals Hospital in 1996. She currently serves as the nurse manager for the J.W. Sommer Rehabilitation Unit.

“Stacy is the perfect person to represent our hospital,” said North Alabama Shoals Hospital Chief Operating Officer Doug Holzbog. “She is a professional who is well-loved by her peers as well as her patients. We are extremely proud of her. To be among the national semifinalists is truly an honor.”

A native of Belgreen, Williams is known for her dedication to her profession as well as her community. She works rounds on all patients each day and ensures their experience is excellent. Patients frequently comment how much her small acts of kindness means to them.

Williams also led the charge in implementing bedside shift report by utilizing a “Rising Star” board. This created fun and friendly competition which spread among the team. The clinical team achieved mastery level rather quickly, which inspired other leaders to implement friendly competition among staff.

Williams is also dedicated to her community and church family as well. For the past 10-plus years she has been providing food and clothing for individuals at her church. She also provides needed items for her employees and has earned the title of “work mother” from many patient care partners who look to her for guidance and support.