Two Oklahoma Co-workers Selected as Recipients of Markayla Hope James Scholarship Fund

Two Mercy co-workers were recently awarded nursing scholarships as they pursue career goals in the field of nursing. Tess Barrett and Holly Anderson were chosen to receive the Markayla Hope James Memorial Nursing Scholarship, established in 2021 to support a full-time or regular part-time Mercy co-worker pursuing an advanced degree in nursing.

Marc and Karyl James, along with the scholarship fund committee, selected Tess and Holly as the winners based on letters of recommendation. Karyl serves as chief nursing officer of Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City and vice president and chief nursing officer of Mercy in Oklahoma. Marc and Karyl’s daughter, Markayla, more commonly known as Kayla, died suddenly of a heart condition in February 2021 at the age of 20. Kayla was studying to become a nurse at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Her parents set up the annual scholarship through Mercy Health Foundation in her honor.

Holly Anderson

Scholarship recipient Holly Anderson, a clinical documentation specialist at the Coletta Cancer Center, pictured with Markayla’s parents Marc and Karyl James.

Holly is a clinical documentation specialist and works in the chemo clinic at Coletta. Leaders described Holly as a joy to work with, a positive and energetic presence who treats all patients with genuine kindness and dignity. Holly arranges volunteer events for her co-workers to use their VTO together. Her leader wrote:

“I couldn’t have enough time to share all the ways Holly is dedicated to the community and the nursing profession. How many people work a full-time nonclinical job AND go to school for BSN AND keep a secondary clinical job to “help out” and to keep up clinical skills?”

Holly has had a challenging year personally as she has navigated some major life changes. She described this scholarship as “so helpful in making my dreams come true and helping to pay for my nursing program.” Holly will complete a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree at University of Central Oklahoma in December.

Tess Barrett

Scholarship recipient Tess Barrett is a patient care tech at Mercy Hospital Tishomingo and Mercy Hospital Ada.

Tess is a patient care tech in the ER at Mercy Hospital Tishomingo and the medical surgical unit at Mercy Hospital Ada. She is attending the licensed practical nursing program at Kiamichi Technology Center. She is a certified preceptor and peer unit leader. Leaders described Tess as a kind, thoughtful, compassionate co-worker.

“Tess displays the rare leadership qualities that enable her to convey her elevated level of care in a way that inspires others and enables them to except input brought forth by her example and instruction. Tess explores the deeper why behind standard work for the purpose of following its spirit as well as the letter. She continually sought out education and assisted with Lean and other quality projects. Some lead directly to changes in policy and standard work. She accepts feedback with grace, with a keen insight into critical thinking. Self-reported errors or concerns. Always putting the patient’s safety and well-being first.”

Continuing the Legacy

The James Family hopes to provide more scholarships for Mercy co-workers continuing their education. If you’re interested in supporting the Markayla Hope James Memorial Nursing Scholarship, you may donate directly to the fund through Mercy Health Foundation Oklahoma City. From the dropdown menu, select the scholarship fund as the area you’d like to support.