Carol Parks, a registered nurse who has provided patient care on the 5^th Floor of St. Mary’s Hospital since 2006, was awarded St. Mary’s highest honor – the Catherine McAuley Award – at the system’s annual event to recognize tenured employees June 2 at the Classic Center.

Parks, who lives in Jefferson, received the 11^th Annual Catherine McAuley Award in recognition of her dedication to St. Mary’s Mission and Core Values, including reverence for each person, commitment to those who are poor, justice, stewardship and integrity. The award is named in honor of the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, the sponsors of St. Mary’s. 

Parks was honored in front of nearly 200 of her colleagues and their guests by Sister Patricia Pepitone, RSM, of the Sisters of Mercy South Central Community in Belmont, N.C. The award was presented by Sister Pepitone and St. Mary’s President and CEO Don McKenna.

“Carol is one of our super-star nurses,” Sister Pepitone related, reading from the nomination submitted by Parks’ co-workers. “She brings a level of community and professionalism that serves as the glue for her unit.”

Sister Pepitone continued: “For every huddle or meeting related to patients, she makes sure that the social workers, chaplain and other staff are included.  She welcomes everyone to the table to share thoughts, cares, or concerns, and makes sure that each voice has a chance to be heard. 

“Our unit had a patient who received a life-changing diagnosis. Carol stayed with the patient, held the patient’s hand, and kept her other arm around the patient. She softly and gently answered the patient’s questions and allowed the patient space to try to grieve. It was one of the holiest moments I’ve ever experienced. 

“Truly, Carol not only works in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, but lives her life in her spirit, as well. Thank you, Carol,” Sister Pepitone concluded.

Parks was selected for the award from among the 12 most recent recipients of St. Mary’s monthly Spirit of Mercy Award. All recipients are selected by St. Mary’s Values in Practice Rewards and Recognition Committee, a peer-level group that handles all aspects of the nomination and selection process. In addition to Parks, the Spirit of Mercy Award recipients for the past year are: 

• David Allen, Engineering
• Vickie Carrier, ICU
• Alison Carter, Outpatient Rehab
• Lisa West, Center for Rehabilitative Medicine
• Justin Dillard, Radiology
• Diane Harrison, Surgical Services
• Gina Hobbs, Highland Hills Village
• Blaire Moyer, 5^th Floor
• Patsy Savage, Patient Financial Services
• David Spangler, Information Systems
• Brandi Thompson, Athens Internal Medicine 

Tuesday’s event also honored St. Mary’s staff for their years of service in 5-year increments. In all, 139 active employees and 9 recent retirees – with a combined total of 2,933 years of service to St. Mary’s – were recognized.

“Whether you have been with us for five years or 40 years, you are a vital part of who we are and what we do,” McKenna told those assembled for the ceremony. “Because of your dedication, we are able to accomplish great things that make a real difference for the people we serve. Because of you, we are saving lives and enhancing quality of life. Thank you!”