During National Nurses Week, Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation celebrated five incredible nurses who were inducted into the 2025 class of the Carol Wilder Pitman Society for Nursing Excellence. These nurses represent the best in patient care, leadership, and compassion.

Honoring Outstanding Achievement On May 7, 2025, family, friends, and colleagues came together to honor these special nurses. Dr. Mithun B. Pattathan, Hospitalist Medical Director at Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County, gave the keynote speech. Father John Ekwoanya led the opening prayer.

Meet the 2025 Honorees:

Molly Carroll, BSN, RN – Riverside, Surgical Services Molly leads with compassion and expertise. As a supervisor, she ensures surgical operations run smoothly, prioritizes safety, and mentors her team with care. She promotes best practices, improves workflows, and solves problems with a calm, thoughtful approach. Molly enhances patient outcomes and lifts team morale every day. Her dedication to excellence and willingness to support others make a lasting impact on everyone around her.

Monty Farrell, RN – Clay County Monty’s quick action during a postpartum emergency, spotting stroke symptoms and helping deliver life-saving care, and allowed a young mother to recover and walk out of the hospital. He is a true MVP in critical moments. Monty educates and uplifts his team, stays calm under pressure, and never hesitates to help others. His steady presence, clinical excellence, and patient-first focus make him an essential part of the team and a natural leader.

Opal Kareen Reynolds, RN – Riverside Opal provides outstanding, patient-centered care rooted in respect, dignity, and empathy. Her clinical expertise and critical thinking improve patient outcomes, while her warmth supports families during challenging times. Opal goes the extra mile to help her team and create a safe, supportive environment. She models excellence, professionalism, and ethical integrity in every interaction. Her leadership and compassion inspire her colleagues and embody Ascension’s core values.

Heather Tadlock, RN – St. Johns County Heather goes above and beyond through her deep empathy, shaped by her mother’s battle with cancer. She brings compassion, patience, and calm to every patient and team interaction. Her servant’s heart ensures that patients feel seen, heard, and valued during life’s most difficult moments. Heather supports her colleagues with humility and strength, embodying the very best of nursing. Her grace under pressure and selfless care inspire all who work with her.

Amanda Thompson, RN – Southside Amanda turned a patient’s final hours into a celebration of love. After he chose comfort care, she organized a wedding in his hospital room with simple decorations, cake, and heartfelt touches. The patient married his longtime partner and passed peacefully the next day. Amanda’s compassion, creativity, and leadership transformed grief into grace. Her actions show how one nurse’s kindness can leave a lifetime of impact.

Joining a Legacy These nurses are now part of a group of 90 honorees who have shaped nursing at Ascension St. Vincent’s. Each honoree receives:

• A monetary gift
• A place on the Honor Wall at the Debbie Gottlieb Center for Nursing Excellence
• Membership in the Carol Wilder Pitman Society
• A chance to mentor future nurses

Their Impact Lives On When the Chief Nursing Officers gave out the awards, they reminded everyone that this honor isn’t just about individual success. These nurses reflect the core values of Ascension St. Vincent’s: Service of the Poor, Reverence, Integrity, Wisdom, Creativity, and Dedication.

Carol Wilder Pitman’s vision lives on through these nurses. Their actions, whether saving lives or bringing joy in a patient’s final moments, show the profound impact of compassionate care.

“My goal was never to reward resumes,it was to honor hearts,” Carol said. “This Society is about recognizing nurses who show up with compassion, courage, and commitment every single day.”

We invite the community to join us in recognizing these amazing professionals. Their work proves how much great nursing matters.

Thank you to all nurses for your compassion, care, and commitment. You truly make a difference every day.