Employee Profile: Holly Carrington
Childhood illness led RN to nursing career
Holly Carrington knew she wanted to become a nurse when she was just 8 years old. She’d been in and out of the hospital with excruciating pain down her arm, and doctors couldn’t figure out what was causing the pain. It took 18 months before she was diagnosed with a pseudoaneurysm, which occurs when the wall of a blood vessel is damaged, causing blood to leak and collect in surrounding tissue.
“The aneurysm basically wrapped around all the nerves in my arm, and I had a very risky surgery to separate all the nerves,” she said. “They told me I might not survive, and if I did, I might never use my right arm again.”
As a young child in the hospital, Carrington felt alone and very scared. Her nurses stepped in to comfort her.
“The nurses explained everything in a way I could understand. I was terrified about surgery, and they helped me through all of it. I also found Jesus during this time, and I realized I wanted to become a nurse because this field is so mission based.”
Carrington’s surgery was a success, and the only lingering side effect is occasional tingling in her arm.
Now 21, she is a recent nursing school graduate and is working toward her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career at Baptist Memorial Health Care began in May 2022 when she became a personal care assistant at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto.
“I worked in the float pool,” she said, “so I called in to find out where I was needed each shift. I didn’t know what area of nursing I wanted to pursue, and this gave me a chance to see a little bit of everything.”
Carrington remained at Baptist DeSoto for her externship and internships, mostly in the emergency department.
In October 2024, she took on a new role as a registered nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. She’s a member of the mother-baby unit where she cares for postpartum mothers during a very vulnerable time.
“We get mamas and babies two hours after delivery,” she said. “These moms have gone through so much. Giving birth is one of the hardest things women go through, and I love getting to help them through this time, explaining what’s happening and making connections with them.”
Carrington noted many people don’t know what to expect after birth, so this time can be overwhelming for new moms.
“They might not know I’m going to need to massage their belly every few hours as the uterus contracts, which helps improve blood flow. They don’t realize how painful it will be to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. I help them with these things, and it’s very emotional to be a part of this process. When they light up to see their baby smile for the first time or the baby finally latches during breastfeeding, it’s so exciting to celebrate these moments with them.”
In January 2025, Carrington began additional shifts in the pediatric emergency department at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital.
“I love being with mamas and their babies during such a beautiful time of their lives, but I also miss being there for people during the scary times. The pediatric emergency department gives me a chance to think critically and meet new people all day. It gives me the opportunity to show people the love of Jesus during a difficult time.”
A childhood illness led her down this path, but the mission at Baptist has captured Carrington’s heart.
“Being at Baptist feels like working with my second family,” she said. “I love working in a Christian hospital because I can openly share my faith with coworkers and patients.”
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