Ascension Saint Agnes Nurses Recognized as Baltimore Magazine’s 2026 “Excellence in Nursing” Award Winners

Six nurses from Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital have been named winners of Baltimore magazine's 2026 Excellence in Nursing Awards, recognizing the region's most outstanding nursing professionals.

The survey, featured in the May 2026 issue, received hundreds of nominations from peers, supervisors and patients. A panel of senior nurse advisors carefully reviewed all submissions to select the winners. The nurses will be featured in the magazine and honored at an awards event on May 7.

"These award-winning nurses embody Ascension Saint Agnes' values of service, care and integrity, demonstrating expertise, dedication and a commitment to patient-centered care," said Wendy Lincoln, Chief Nursing Officer, Ascension Saint Agnes. "Their accomplishments reflect the exceptional talent and professionalism of our nursing team and set the standard for excellence across the hospital."

We are proud to celebrate their achievements and invite the community to recognize their contributions.

Meet Ascension Saint Agnes' Excellence in Nursing award winners and learn what inspires their work in healthcare.

• Casey Davis
  • BSN, RN, Clinical Unit Coordinator一Pediatric Emergency Department
    • "I love working with families in the Southwest Baltimore community on often some of the most challenging days of their lives. Being trusted by the community to provide their care is a great honor and responsibility, and I know our pediatric emergency team is making a positive difference."

• Aleda Walters
  • RN, Oncology Nurse Educator一Ascension Saint Agnes Cancer Institute
    • "I have been in Oncology for nearly 26 years. Typically, when people find out what I do, their response is, 'Oh, I'm sorry.' I have never felt this way. This career has been very rewarding. I love my patients and love my work. I impact their lives every day. I wear many hats during the day when taking care of patients. I may not be able to cure them, but I can care for them! We become a family of sorts-guiding them, teaching them, and getting them through what is probably the worst part of their lives."

• Tongela Russoe
  • RN, Manager, Infection Control
    • "I love nursing because it's more than just a career. It's personal. You get to connect with lots of people and share meaningful experiences. Some experiences last with you forever."

• Jennifer Whitcomb
  • RN Lead, Intensive Care Unit
    • "I love nursing because it gives me the opportunity to truly make a difference in someone's life, and that is an honor. My job matters, and I truly love what I do."

• Stephanie Williams
  • BSN, RN, Nurse Navigator一Ascension Saint Agnes Breast Center
    • "As a nurse navigator I have the opportunity to guide patients through an oftentimes frightening diagnosis. I love being a small part of their journey and hopefully making the process more manageable for them and their loved ones."

• Joshua Kim
  • RN, Emergency Department