During Nurses Week, UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham leadership presented awards to three nurses who go above and beyond in patient care, leadership, and education.
Nurse Leader of the Year: Stacey Pickle, MSN, RNC-OB
Stacey works in labor and delivery at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham. She is widely recognized for her calming presence and exceptional ability to motivate others. She openly acknowledges when staff are feeling overwhelmed while balancing the complexities of patient care, and she meets those challenges with empathy, encouragement, and genuine support. Her positive affirmations—and the sincerity behind them—are truly priceless.
In just over one year of her leadership, she has transformed the atmosphere and culture of the unit. She successfully bridged existing gaps, fostering a cohesive, collaborative team environment that promotes positivity and mutual respect. Her relatability and approachability, even in difficult or complex situations, make staff feel heard, valued, and supported.
Her flexibility and dedication were especially evident when she stepped in as interim manager for another unit while continuing to lead her own. Throughout this time, her open-door policy never wavered, and her commitment to staff and patient care remained steadfast.
The lasting impact she has made in reshaping culture and motivating her team exemplifies outstanding nursing leadership. For these reasons, she is truly deserving of the title Nurse Leader of the Year.
DAISY Lifetime Achievement: Jamie Lawson, BSN CGRN
Jamie began her nursing career in labor and delivery, where she developed a strong clinical foundation. She then transitioned to the Gastroenterology (GI) Lab, contributing 11 years of exceptional service at UAB St. Vincent’s East before transferring to the UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham GI Lab in 2011.
Jamie’s nominators share that she was instrumental in shaping the design and build out of the current GI Lab. Drawing upon her extensive GI experience, she provided critical recommendations that enhanced workflow efficiency, unit layout, and operational processes. Her forward-thinking approach and keen understanding of patient care delivery ensured the space was designed to best support both staff and physicians.
Her wealth of knowledge is invaluable. She is highly respected for her expertise in clinical processes, supply management, equipment and scope processing, and regulatory compliance. She works collaboratively with vendors to ensure providers have the necessary tools and resources to deliver safe, high-quality, and effective patient care.
She exemplifies servant leadership by consistently leading with compassion, humility, and a willingness to put others first. Her readiness to support colleagues and advocate for patients sets a standard of excellence for all. We proudly honor her outstanding achievements, visionary leadership, and unwavering dedication to both her profession and those she serves.
DAISY Lifetime Achievement: Belinda Thomas, RN
Belinda began her nursing career in 1983 caring for patients in the ICU at UAB. From the very beginning, she built a powerful foundation of clinical knowledge, compassion, and resilience that would define every chapter of her career.
Years later, she followed her calling into nursing education, where her passion for healthcare and teaching flourished. That calling led her into a leadership role with Jeremiah’s Hope, where her mission was clear and unwavering: to graduate nurses who were prepared, confident, and equipped with the skills needed to succeed. For more than a decade, she dedicated herself to shaping the future of nursing through education and mentorship.
In 2016, she began working in the GI unit at UAB St. Vincent’s Birmingham, where her impact was nothing short of extraordinary. Her devotion to patient care and her positive example are evident in everything she does. She embodies the true heart of a nurse and a servant. She is never too busy to go above and beyond, always placing the needs of others before her own. Whether through a simple act of kindness or countless hours spent helping patients navigate referrals, insurance concerns, or transportation challenges, she ensures every person receives the care they deserve.
Her contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of the advanced endoscopy program, and as many of our physicians will tell you, she is truly one of a kind. We honor not just her professional accomplishments, but also the compassion, faith, and unwavering dedication that define her legacy.