LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Several outstanding Baptist Health nurses were honored at the first-ever March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Gala in Arkansas, held Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Embassy Suites in Little Rock.
This inaugural event celebrated nursing excellence across the state, with nurses nominated in 14 specialty categories. Hundreds of applications were submitted from across Arkansas, spanning fields from Advanced Practice to Women’s Health. Each nomination was rigorously reviewed and scored by high-ranking nurse leaders. Through this competitive process, the top three finalists in each category were selected and invited to attend the gala, where winners were announced during the awards ceremony.
In total 13 nurses from Baptist Health were named finalists. The March of Dimes proudly recognized the following 2025 Nurse of the Year winners from Baptist Health:
- Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year: Nycole Oliver, DNP, Baptist Health Family Clinic–Massard
- Critical Care Nurse of the Year: Shannon Smith, RN, Baptist Health–Fort Smith
- Infection Control Nurse of the Year: Susan Molsbee, RN, Baptist Health
- Rising Star Nurse of the Year: Bailey Tolleson, RN, Behavioral Health, Baptist Health Medical Center–North Little Rock
The March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Gala honors exceptional nurses whose dedication, leadership and compassion help improve the health of Arkansas families. Baptist Health congratulates all nominees and finalists for their achievements and their unwavering commitment to patient care.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 300 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 75 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 12,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. Baptist Health is certified as a Great Place to Work and is honored by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app. Find us on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.