McDill Recognized as Mercy Award National Finalist

MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama – After being named the 2026 Mercy Award winner for North Alabama Shoals Hospital in May, Shea McDill, RN, was named one of 50 national finalists for the Lifepoint Health companywide Mercy Award.

McDill was invited to a special ceremony in Nashville, where the overall winner of this year’s companywide Mercy Award was announced. Shannon Carefoot, director of critical care services at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon, was named this year’s winner. Of the 137 facility winners from across Lifepoint Health, McDill was among the top 50 employees recognized as a national finalist.

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. McDill was selected as the 2026 Mercy Award winner for North Alabama Shoals Hospital, while Donna Tate was the facility winner at North Alabama Medical Center.

Lifepoint Health’s companywide Mercy Award is presented annually to one of nearly 55,000 Lifepoint employees who has profoundly impacted the lives of others and embodies the spirit and values upon which the company was founded. Established in 2001, the award honors the life and legacy of the late Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer (CEO), and is the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

At Shoals Hospital, McDill serves as a charge nurse in the Emergency Department, where she was recognized for her clinical judgment, leadership, and integrity. Her commitment to patient care has been reflected in multiple five-star reviews and patient satisfaction recognitions. She was also honored with the DAISY Award after personally providing clothing, shoes and other essential items to an admitted patient in need.

“Shea exemplifies what the Mercy Award represents through the compassion, leadership and genuine care she demonstrates every day,” said Braxton Holloway, COO of North Alabama Shoals Hospital. “Her willingness to go above and beyond for our patients and her fellow team members is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of Shea and honored that her dedication to others has been recognized among the top 50 Mercy Award finalists across Lifepoint Health.”

North Alabama Shoals Hospital has now produced semifinalists for the company-wide award in three of the previous four years. Other recent Shoals Hospital semifinalists include Phillip Fretwell (2025) and Stacy Williams (2023).