Nurses: The Heart of Health Care 2024

Forournurses,aletter ofgratitude

Greetingstoallareanurses,

IamhonoredtocelebrateanotherNationalNursesMonth—mysecondinthe area—withthenursesofgreaterSt.Louis.

Icontinuetostandinaweofthewaysin whicheveryoneofyouprovidesextraordinarycaretothepatientsinourcommunities.Iamgratefultobepartofacommunity whereIwitnessthisdaily,asyougiveyourall andprovidecareforsomanypeopleinthe mostvulnerableofpopulations.

Mylifelongcareerasanursewasalways morethanajob.It’sacalling—aministry, even.Aclubwhereonlythoseinsideunderstandtheprivilegeofbelonging.Asnurses, wehaveaburningdesiretohelppeople— notonlybycaringforthemwhenthey’re sick,butalsobyeducatingthemsotheystay wellandadvocatingforthemwhentheyneed ourvoices.It’ssharingknowledgeinaway thatoffersinclusivitytoallpeopleandgives themachancetolivetheirlivestothefullest.

Ialsoknowthatnursingisnotanindividualcontributortypeofjob.Weworkin teams.Wecollaborate—witheachother, withmyriadotherhealthcareprofessionals,

withpatientsandtheirfamilies.Wearealso mentorstothosewhoarenewtotheprofessionorconsideringjoiningtheprofession.

BJCHealthCareisaleaderinthisregard.Wecreatepathwaysforaspiringnurses throughourPatientCareTechnicianAcademy,anacceleratedpatientcaretechnician trainingprogramthatallowsstudentsto helppeoplewhilereceivingtrainingtobegintheirhealthcarecareers.Thisisonlyone wayinwhichweencouragepeopletojointhe foldofwhat,inmyopinion,isthebestcareer pathinhealthcare.

Butwedonothavetorelyonformalprogramsalone.Wecanplayaroleincreating pathwaysfornewnurses.Takeamomentand thinkabouthowyoushowupinyourcommunityasthefaceofnursingoutsideofhospitalsanddoctors’offices.

Iwanttochallengeallnursestoreachout tonursingschoolsinyourcommunityandbe amentor.Byshowingthenursesoftomorrowthefaceofarealcaregivertoday,they willbeabletobetterpicturethemselvesin thesamenursingshoes.Thereismuchgratificationinhelpingnewernursesfindtheir wayintheprofession.

It’salsocriticalthatwesupporteachother.IwouldencourageallthenursesbelongingtoprofessionalorganizationsinSt.Louis topursuecollaborationsacrosstheregion. Providingeducationatscaletakestheburdenoffanyoneorganizationandmakesit easiertoholdconferencesandbringhealth careeducationtoourcommunityofhealth careworkers.

Finally,I’dliketooffermythanksto myfellowseasoned,practicingnurseswho tirelesslyandselflesslysharetheirknowledge.AndIthankthenursesjuststarting outforchoosingacareerofservice.Andfor everyoneinbetweenwhoallowedthispath tochoosethem.AndIwouldberemissifI didn’talsoexpressgratitudetoourteam memberswhosupportnursesin providing extraordinarycaretoourpatients.

AndIwanttoremindyoutotakecareof yourselvesasyoutakecareofeveryoneelse. Whilethejoysofnursingareimmenselyrewarding,weknowthatthedemandscantake

alotoutofusemotionally.Self-careisone ofthemostimportantwaysyoucancontinue tobringyourbestselvestoyourpatientsand yourfamilies.

Iamgratefulforthisopportunityduring NursesMonthtoappreciateallyoudoas caregivers,advocatesandeducators,andto expressmydeepestthanksforeverysingle oneofyouandtheworkyoudotirelessly, everyday.

Sincerely,

TommyeAustin,PhD,MBA,RN,NEA-BC

BJCHealthCareseniorvicepresidentand chiefnurseexecutiveoftheeasternregion Forinformationaboutnursingcareersat BJC,pleasevisitbjccareers.org/nursing.

TOMMYEAUSTIN ,PhD,MBA,RN,NEA-BC BJCHealthCareseniorvicepresidentandchiefnurseexecutiveoftheeasternregion PHOTOPROVIDEDBYBJCHEALTHCARE

This year,we honorall

BYERICAMILLS

St.Louisisproudtobeanationalleader inhealthcareandmedical/lifesciences research.Ourmedicalinstitutionsdraw toptalentfromaroundtheglobe.

Fortheeighthconsecutiveyear,the St.LouisPost-Dispatchreaffirmedthis reputationandhonoredthearea’snurses withtheNurses:TheHeartofHealthCare program-acontestandsectionsupported bypresentingsponsorBJCHealthCare andtitlesponsorsDelmarGardensand Mercy.

Thenursesencounteredthroughout theprogramshareseveralidentifying characteristics:compassion,respectand empathy.Theyworkinhospitals,clinics, schools,residentialfacilities,in-homecare andevenvirtually.Theyeducate,console, relate,comfortandendearthemselvesto patientsandfamilies.

ABOUTTHENOMINATIONS

Theprogrambeganwithacallfor nominations.Thepublicwasencouragedto nominatenursingprofessionalswhomade animpactonthelivesoflovedonesand thecommunityatlarge.Thecommunity answeredwithover260nominations.

ABOUTTHESECTION

Peers,patients,friendsandfamily sharedtheirstoriesandgratitudefor nursingprofessionalsacrossthearea. Nursenominationsweresubmittedby thecommunityfromtheirpointofview. Thefournurseprofilesincludedwithin thissectionwereselectedbyeachofour sponsorsasoutstandingnursesintheir organizations.

Celebratethesetirelessprofessionals andtheirunfadingrecognitionduring NationalNursesWeek,May6-12,2024.

ABOUTTHECOVER

MARYMARLEN

Givingbackandmakingadifference throughpatient-centricnursing

MaryMarlenhasbeenanursefor16 years,butshe’sbeencaringforpeoplesince shewasalittlegirl.Puttingcoolclothsonher siblings’foreheadswhentheyhadafeverand makingsoupwhenhermomwasn’tfeeling wellhaveevolvedintoafull-timecareerat MemorialHospitalin Belleville.

Marlen,originally fromthePhilippines, saysoneofthemainreasonsshewantedtobea nursewastogiveback toacommunityina countrythathasaffordedheropportunities andhelpedherbewhere sheistoday.

“I’vealwaysbelieved thehealthcarefieldwas mycalling,”saidMarlen, MSN,registerednurse. “AsanurseI’mableto connectwithpatients andbeapartofmaking adifferenceduringoneofthemostvulnerable timesoftheirlives,andnomatterhowbigor smallthatdifferenceis,itjustmakesmewant toworkharderandshowupforthem.”

jobyouhavetohaveacompassionateheart andtheabilitytoindividualizehowyoudelivercaretoapatient.Seeingthemhappyis validationIcanmakeadifference,evenif it’sinasmallway.”

Marlen’sadviceforanyoneconsideringtheprofessionisto understandnursingis morethanjustgiving medicationsandassessingpatients.

Seeingthem happyis validation Icanmakea difference,even ifit’sina smallway.

“It’stakingcareof thepatientasawhole andeveryoneonthe careteam,includingthe nurses,needtohavethat intheirheart,”shesaid.

“Thegoodthingis,there aresomanydifferent typesofnursingcareer pathsthatit’simportantforstudentstoreally diveintotheirclinical experienceandexplore thedifferentdepartmentsinahospitaltoseewhattheyenjoythe mostbecausetheopportunitiesareendless.”

ADIFFERENTFORMOFLEARNING

Evenwiththeyearsofschoolingandclinicalsrequiredtobecomecertifiedasanurse, Marlensaidit’sherpatientswhocontinueto teachherdayafterday.

“Eachpatientissodifferent,withvery specificneeds,andthewayyoucarefor themisbasedonwhat’simportanttothem,” shesaid.“Youcanalwaysdomoretraining orhavesomeonementoryou,butI’vealso realizedthatalotoflearningcomesfrom thepatientsandtheirfamilies.Todothis

Shesuggestsnewnursesworkayear ortwoonamedical-surgicalortelemetry floor,wheretheycanexpecttoreceiveavery well-roundedfoundationinpatientcare,as wellastheexperienceofbeingpartofahighlyefficientandcollaborativeteam.

“Thatexperiencepreparesyouforeverything,”shesaid,“Especiallysincetoday’snursesareplayingabiggerroleonthecareteam.”

CHALLENGESANDCHANGES

Marlenwelcomesthechallengesand changesthatcomeday-to-day.Shecurrently managesmorethan80nursesandvisitspatientsandtheirfamilieseveryday.

“Weareaverypatient-centrichospital, andthecareteamshereareextremelyloyal andselfless,”shesaid.“Iamenergizedby themeveryday.Theyaremyfamily.”

AFAMILYAFFAIR

Andspeakingoffamily,Marlen’sgiftof caringhashadapowerfulinfluencebeyond theworkplace.Her daughterPaulabecame anursefouryearsago andworksinthehospital’sintensivecareunit. Theirpathscrossoccasionally.Herstepdaughter,Claire,isgraduating fromanursingprogram inMay2024andhas acceptedanofferata medical-surgicalunitat Barnes-JewishHospital, anotherBJCHealthCarefacilitylocatedin St.Louis.

“Ithinkthey[PaulaandClaire]saw howhappyIwasinthiscareeranddecided thatitwasforthem,”Marlensaid.“Nursingcanbestressfulattimes,butit’sthe rewardoft heprofessionthatmakesthe difference.AndIcouldn’thavechosena betterpath.”

Itiswithdeep,heartfeltgratitudethatwehonorour nursenomineesandtheentireDelmarGardensNursing staff!Yourstrength,sacrificeandcompassiontoprovide theverybestcareandgenuinecomforttoourdear residentsisashiningexampleofgreatness!Thankyou foryourbrilliantdedicationtoourresidentsandfamilies. Alwayswithdeeprespectandlove, yourDelmarGardensFamily

CONGRATULATIONS

TO A L L O F T H I S Y E A R ’ S N O M I N E E S TOALLOFTHISYEAR’SNOMINEES

JANAVIAPLEDGER

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Thankyouforcaring.

ABBIEMEYER

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Forhergreatbedsidemannerandpositiveattitude.

Sheissokind,patientandpassionateabouther work.Abbyalwayshasasmileonherface.She neverseemstogetfrustrated.

AMYRAPP

MERCYHOSPITALWASHINGTON

Shegoesaboveandbeyondforherpatientsandis alwaysreadytohelpout.

BAILEYTONGAY

MERCYHOSPITALJEFFERSON

Forbeingagreatnurseandproviding impeccablecare.

BROOKEFOXWORTH

MERCYHEARTANDVASCULARHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Iappreciatehercommitmenttoothersandfor alwayslearningnewthingsandgrowinginhercareer. Thankyouforalwaysgoingaboveandbeyond.

Forhercommitmenttoservingothers.

IthankBrookeforbeingaselflessandcaringnurse.

Forbeingaverygoodnurse.

COURTNEYREEVES

MERCYHOSPITALJEFFERSON

Sheisverycaring,patientandcompassionate.

DANIELLEREDMON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Daniellehasworkedtirelesslytotrainandonboard nursesforourcardiaccathlab.Sheisanexample forallofherstaff.Sheworkstoensurethather teamhasthetoolstheyneedtosucceed.She exemplifiestheBJCCRESTValues.

EMILYTHOELE

SSMHEALTHST.CLAREHOSPITAL-FENTON

Forhercaringanddedicationtohearthealth.

Emilyconsultedwithadoctorregardingmyhusband’s testsanddiagnosis,whichledtogettinghimintosee thecardiologistquickly.Thisledtoopenheartsurgery andrecovery.

JENNIFERCHATMAN

SSMHEALTHSAINTLOUISUNIVERSITYHOSPITAL

Foractuallylovingwhatshedoesandmakinga differenceinthenursingfield!

ForbeingsuchanamazingRNandalwayssosweet andgentlewithhercare.

JULIEBIRSINGERSTUMPF

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forbeingsodedicatedandcaring.

MARYCHRISTINEOLSEN

BARNES-JEWISHWESTCOUNTYHOSPITAL

Forhelpingmewithmyhealthcare.

MARYMONTGOMERY

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

MaryperformedCPRonmysonfortwohourson Sept.5,2021,savinghislife.

JOSEPHLENNARTZ

JOHNJ.COCHRANVETERANSHOSPITAL

NursePractitionerJosephgoesaboveandbeyondto careforhispatientsandtheirwell-being.Hegives theirdiagnosistheutmostconsideration.Healso treatseachpatientasfamilyandtrulylistensto theirneedsandconcerns.

KARENE.LYNN

WOODSMILLMEDICALASSOCIATES-ST.LUKE’S Kareniskindandagoodlistener,whilealsobeing efficientandresponsive.Sheworkedinseniormemory careformanyyears,andsheisclearlypatientcentered.Iamalwaysgladtoseeherinthedoctor’s office.SheandDr.GaryVickersareagreatcareteam.

KATYNAWILLIAMS

ESSEHEALTHSOUTHROADSINTERNALMEDICINE

My97-year-oldmotherhasbeenapatientofNurse Williamsforseveralyears.NurseWilliamshas demonstratedexcellentunderstandingofworkingwith thisagegroup.Shefollowsupwithmymomjustto checkonherseveraltimesthroughouttheyear.

KIMBERLYBUCK

BJCMEDICALGROUP

Kimberlyisattentiveandcompassionate.Shelistens tomyconcernsandcollaborateswithherteam membersandspecialiststoordertheappropriate tests.Theteamappliesinterventionstopromote symptommanagementandqualityhealthoutcomes.

RACHELGREGORY

DAVITANORTHCOUNTYKIDNEYCAREDIALYSIS

WewouldliketothankRachelforalwaysbeing willingtostepinandhelpwithpatients.Shewillgo aboveandbeyondwhatisrequiredtomakesurethat allpatientsgetexcellentcare.Additionally,sheis alwayssokindandmaintainsagreatsenseofhumor withherpatients.

SAMANTHACLARK

BJCMEDICALGROUP

Samanthahasalwaysbeenastarinouroffice. Sheisalwaysdemonstratingcompassionand understandingforpatientsinanywalkof life.Samanthaistheepitomeofthephrase “compassionatecare.”

TAMMYHIBDON

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Forherexceptionalcare.

TONYAMOODY

DAVITANORTHCOUNTYKIDNEYCAREDIALYSIS

WewouldliketothankTonyaforalwaysgoing aboveandbeyondtohelpoutTom.Shemakessure thathehaseverythingheneedsandisaverykind andupbeatperson.Wecreditherdialysistraining forhelpingtosaveTom’slife.Sheisanamazing nursewhotakesgoodcareofallofherpatients!

ADELISAB.

ANDREWBERRY

ADVANCEDENDOSCOPYCENTER-ST.LOUIS

Heisalwaysgoingaboveandbeyondforhispatients andcoworkers.Heisalwaysfirsttojumpinandhelp thepatients.

CHRISSYSCHOAF

BJCMEDICALGROUP

Fortreatingmyparentswithrespect.

CHRISTINASHOAF

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Christina’ssmilelightsuptheroom.Sheisthenicest nurseIhaveevermet.SheisthereasonIamstillalive.

EILEENFAHY

ST.ANTHONY’SMEDICALCENTER

ForSOmuchcareandconcernovertheyears.

JERRYHAMBLIN

VIVENTHEALTH

AlthoughJerryisanursehere,heneverhesitates tohelpoutwithfrontofficeduties.Hehelpswith insurance,andisalwayswillingtoshareknowledge andexplanationswhenneeded.

KRISTIROLWES

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Kristidisplaysthemostcompassionatecareforthe patientandtheirfamilymembers.Shetakestimeto understandtheproblem.Shegoestheextramileto helpfixtheproblem.

MANDYMARSHALL

SSMHEALTHMEDICALGROUP

Forherprofessionalism,friendliness,knowledgeand patience.Mandyiswellknowninthecommunity.She hasbeenthereforouryoungandolderfolksforyears.

MCKINZIEKIZER

BJCMEDICALGROUPCARDIOLOGYAT MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER Foralwaysputtingherpatientsfirst!

RACHAELCOVA

SSMHEALTHST.JOSEPHHOSPITAL-ST.CHARLES RachaelisnotonlyoneofthebestnursesIknow, sheisalsoanamazingteamlead!Asherhusband,I seefirsthandallthehardworkshedoesandthelong hourssheputsin!Shealsousesherskillsoutsideof theofficeaswell.

WASHINGTONUNIVERSITYORTHOPEDICS

Forhertremendouseffortsandaccomplishments.

COURTNEYAVERY

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Sheisdedicatedandahardworker.

DANIELLEFRITZ

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forherpassionforthecareerofnursing.For thewayshehandlesherworkandthepatients, coworkersandphysicianssheencounters.

DEANNALUSS

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forherselflessnessandpassionincaringforthe communitysheserves.

GUINEVEREFOSTER

HSHSHOLYFAMILYHOSPITAL

Forbeinganexcellentnursewhoalwaysgoesabove andbeyondforherpatients,communityandfamily.

DOCTOR’SOFFICE

Helpingstudentsdiscovera passionfornursing

SPONSOREDCONTENTBYTOMCONNOR,BRANDAVE.STUDIOSCONTRIBUTINGWRITER

OfthemillionsofAmericanswhoselives andcareerswereupendedbytheCOVID-19 pandemic,perhapsthoseimpactedmost weretheverymenandwomendedicated tohelpingothersduringtheworstnational healthcrisisinmorethanacentury.

Sincetheonsetofthedeadlyvirusinwinterof2019,hospitalsacrossthecountryhave reportedrecordlevelsofphysicianandnurse burnout,withalmostathirdofhospitalstaff surveyedsayingthey’veeitherleftorare planningtoleavethe profession.

Atthesametime,theU.S.populationhas beenaging,withabout10,000babyboomersturning65everydayuntiltheyear2030. Notonlyaretheyleavingjobsinhealthcare, they’realsolikelycandidatesforhospitalvisitsandstays.

AccordingtotheAmericanHospital Association,thepandemichaspushedthe healthcaresystemtothebrink.Theresult haslefthospitalsnationwideindesperate needformorenursesandmedicalassistants.

OneSt.Louishealth systemhasstepped uptomeetthechallenge—andincreaseits nursingpool—witharangeofinnovative programsthatenablenursingschoolstudentstoaffordtheireducationsandreceive

experttrainingintheirfields.

AtMercySouth,thethird-largesthospitalingreaterSt.Louis,theMercyNurse Externshipprogrampaysstudentsduring winterandsummerbreakswhileproviding themexperiencewithdirectandindirect patientcare,understandingnurses’rolesin anacute carefacility,andengaginginadditionalclinicalpreceptortimetoincreaseapprovednursingskills.

The“EarnAsYouLearn”programat MercySouthisanotherinnovativeopportunitythatpaysnursingstudentswhilethey completetheirclinicalseniorpracticum. Thisgraduationrequirementisapaidexternshipwherenursingstudentspreparefor NCLEXboardsandbecomeclinicalexperts whileemersedintheMercyculture.

TheUnlicensedAssistivePersonnelprogramletsanyoneentertheworkforce,even withzerohealthcareexperience.Another programpaysandtrainsstudentstobeprimarycareassistants.Regardlessoftheprogram,allnursingstudentsworkingatMercy Southareeligiblefortuitionreimbursement andloanforgiveness.

“Wewouldneverwantsomeonetonot getintonursingbecausetheycan’taffordit,”

saidLeahJensen,executivedirectorofnursingatMercySouth.“Thatwouldbeheartbreaking!Ifsomebodyfe elscalledtoserve inthenursingprofession,inanycapacity,we wanttomakethathappenforthem.”

ButthegemoftheMercySouthstudent programsisWinfromWithin,introducedin thefallof2020inpartnershipwithSt.Louis CommunityCollege.

StudentsenrolledinnursingatanyofSLCC’sfourcampusesreceivefinancialsupport fortuitionandrelatedexpenseswhilealso holdingpaid,part-timepositionsaspatient careassociatesorinnonclinicalsupportroles thatarescheduledaroundtheirclasses.In return,thestudentsagreetoatwo-yearwork commitmentatMercySouthaftergraduating.

ThisMay,11studentsfromSLCCare graduatingfromthecollegewithnursingdegreesandcompletingtheWinfromWithin programwithfull-timejobsatMercySouth, aswellassign-onbonuses.

Theprogramisgivingthesestudents morethanfuturejobs.

“They’reverygladtohavetheopportunitytoworkandtobegettingfinancialhelp,” saidKimKraft,districtnursingclinical

coordinatorandstudentplacementcoordinatorforSLCC.“Butthey’realsogettingprofessionalsupportandmentoringandtheopportunitytobecomepartoftheMercyculture.” WinfromWithinissosuccessfulthatthis semesterithasgrowntoinclude84students atSLCCparticipatingfromMercySouth. Now,thehospitalisindiscussionswithadministratorsatLindberghHighSchoolto introduceevenyoungerstudentstocareers inhealthcare.

“Wewanttohelp studentsfindtheirpassioninlife,”Jensensaid.“Hopefully,they’ll fallinlovewithourcultureandstayatMercySouthtoserveourcommunity.

“It’sagreatwaytostartofftheircareers, withoutgraduatingwith$100,000indebt!” sheadded.

ForinformationonWinfromWithin andothernursingprogramsatMercySouth, pleasevisitcareers.mercy.net.

KEVINROSS

KevinRossdidn’tstartoutinhealth care.Farfromit.Withadegreeincomputer science,Rosswasusinghistalentsworkingforanaerospacemanufacturer.Whena friend’smother,whowasanurse,encouragedhimtofindajobthatbroughthimjoy, henotonlylistenedtoher,healsofoundhis life’scalling.

“I’vecometoconcludethateventuallywe needtotakecareofeach other,andwe’vegotto keepthatinmindwhen wehaveourcomplaints everyday,”Rosssaid.

Overtheyears,Ross hasheldvariouspositionsindifferenthealth caredepartments,from workingwithveterans, whichhecalled“avery beautifulexperience,” totheEmergencyDepartmenttothecardiovascularunit.Eventually,hefoundhiswayto Mercyin2007.

WORKINGIN HOSPICE

withitandareaccepting.

“Thebesttimesarewhenyougointo meetalittle95-year-oldladywhosays,‘I’m ready.Ihadabeautifullife,andI’mreadyfor thenextstep.’She’sstandingtall,andshe’s gotherheadup,walkingintoglory.That’s thebest.Weallneedloveattheend.”

Thoselittle moments ofjoyand fellowshipthat youget—I don’tthinkyou getinany othercareer.

Forthelastfiveyears, Rosshasbeenworking inhospiceasanintake nursewhohelpspatientsandtheirlovedones prepareforthefinalphaseoflife,answeringquestionsandgettingthemreadyand comfortable.

Thoughworkinginhospicehasitschallenges,witheachnewsituationthereisdeep satisfactioninbeingabletoguidepatients andprovidesupportandcomfortduringthe end-of-lifecare.Forsome,thetransitionis difficult.However,othershavemadepeace

Hospicenursesoftendevelopcloserelationshipswiththeirpatients.Infact,Ross remembersfondlythe nursewhoseparately tookcareofhisown parentswhenthey reachedhospice.Both ofhisparentshaddementiaand,duringthe endoftheirlives,Mercysentacompassionate hospicenursetotheir house.Rosssawfirsthandtheintegralrole ofthecaregiverasthey caredforandcomforted hisailingparents.Itwas thisexperiencethatinfluencedhisdecisionto workinhospice.

HONOREDFOR HISCARE

Duringwhatstartedwithastandardhospicepatientintakeprocess,Rossgotto knowthepatientandherlongtimepartner. Helearnedthattheirwishwastogetmarriedbeforethepatientpassed.Withlimitedtime,Rosshelpedarrangetheceremony inlessthan24hourswiththefamilyatthe patient’shome,andRosswasevenableto attend.Thepatientpassedjust24hoursafterthewedding.

Forthatwillingnessto goaboveand

beyond,MercySouthhonoredRosswiththe DAISYAward,aninternationalprogram thatrecognizesandcelebratestheextraordinaryskillsandcompassionatecaregivenbynurseseveryday.

TheDAISYFoundation supportsthishonorin morethan1,900health carefacilitiesinall50 states.

TRANSITIONING TOPRN

Rosswillsoonbe transitioningtoaPRN nurse.Heisinching closertoretirement andlooksforwardto spendingmoretime withhiswife.Withthis newschedule,he will onlyworkwhencalled tofillinforanabsent co-workerortocovera specialsituationafew timesamonth.

Fornow,Rossis gratefulforthetimehe

hasleftinhealthcare.

Accordingtohim,“Thoselittlemoments ofjoyandfellowshipthatyouget—Idon’t thinkyougetinanyothercareer.”

JANAVIABROWN

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forbeingagreatnurse!Keepupthegreatwork. Forshowingup.

Forbeingthebestshecanbe.

Foralwayshelpingothersinneed. Forherdedication.

Sheisadedicatedandhardworkingnurse. Forherpatienceandgreatattitude.

Sheispatientandkind.

Sheisaverydedicatednursewhoisveryattentive anddoeswhatneedstobedone. She’sawesome.

Forhercompassion. Forherkindness.

Sheissoknowledgeable. Sheiscaring.

JASMINEWATSON

VAST.LOUISHEALTHCAREANDSSMHEALTH

Forherhardworkandendlessdedication.

Forherdedicationtobeingthereforpeople.

JOHNKISTNER

MEMORIALHOSPITALSHILOH

Forthegreatjobhedoes.

JOYCEMUSKOPF

MEMORIALHOSPITALBELLEVILLE

SheworkssohardfortheED.Shecaresabout thestaffandisalwaysgoingaboveandbeyond forherpatientsandcoworkers.Hercompassion, determinationanddriveisafantasticexamplefor others.IwouldnotbethenurseIamwithouther guidance.

KATHERINEWILLIAMS

MERCYHOSPITALSOUTHST.LOUIS

Sheisphenomenalandhasthebestbedsidemanner. Anyoneinhercareisingreathands.Shehas beenheresolongthatsheknowsalot,andisvery informativeandverypassionateaboutgivinggreat care.

KRISSYCOOK

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forherincredibleworkethic,kindness,patientcare, compassionandbeinganamazingteamplayer.

KYLEPEARSON

BARNES-JEWISHWESTCOUNTYHOSPITAL

Foralwaysbeingwillingtohelp.

LAKEAHJAMES

SSMHEALTHST.JOSEPHHOSPITAL-ST.CHARLES

Iwanttothankthisnurseforgoingaboveand beyondeverydayatwork.Evenwhensheisoffwork shethinksaboutherpatients.Itisherpassionto takecareofherpatients.

LAURAANDERS

BJCHEALTHCARE

ForLaura’sskillsandsenseofhumorin difficultsituations.

LAURAWATSON

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

LauraisachargenurseintheED.Sheleadswith compassionandcare.Lauraisanexcellentnurse wholeadsbyexample.Sheisalwayswillingtohelp. Manynurseslooktoherasaresource.

LIZBATESSHEPPARDGREEN

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Fornevergivingupasshegivessoverymuchof herself.Thattrulyiswhatnursesaremadeof.

MADELINESIMON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Madelineshowsincrediblecompassion!

MARYELLENHIGGINS

Mymomworkedforover40yearsasanurse. Eachnightshewouldcomehomephysicallyand emotionallyexhaustedfromherwork.Thatbeing said,shealwayshadtimeforherfamily.Ibecamea nursebecauseofmymother.Iamproudtosaythat mydaughterbecameanurseaswell.

MICHAELHARTWICK

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forprofessionalism,compassionandrelentlessdrive toimprovehimself.

NANCYJASPER,RN,NP

MERCYHOSPITALSOUTHST.LOUIS

Forherkindness,knowledgeandadvocacy.

NICOLEBRINKLEY

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forbeingagenuinelykindandcompassionate personinallthatshedoes.

NICOLEJOHNSON

NORTHWESTHEALTHCARE,CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Foralwaysshowingcompassion,andbeingableto supportmeononeoftheworstdaysofmylifeby justgenuinelyshowingthatshecared.

PAYTONGUFFEY

COMPASSHEALTHNETWORK

Forhercommitmenttoherprofession.

SARAPRIDE

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

SaraPrideisthenurseofallnurses.Ourstaff callsherFlorencebecausesheisoneofthemost compassionateERnursesIhaveevermet.

STEPHANIEDOGGETT

PROGRESSWESTHOSPITAL

Thisnursegoesaboveandbeyondnomatterhow difficultthepatientortaskmaybe.Shecomesin withasmileandapositiveattitudetostarthershift. She’sbeenbedsideforsometraumaticcasesandstill smileslikenothinghappened.

SYDNEYDISTASIO

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Heroutstandingworkethictogoaboveandbeyond tohelpallpatients.

WESLEYMINOGO

BJCHEALTHCARE

Iwanttothankhimforallofhishardworkand dedicationtohispatients.

HOMEHEALTH| HOSPICE

BRITTANYSHEPARD

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forbeingawonderfulmomandnurse!

EBONYEVANS

Forbeingextremelysensitiveandhonest,and alwaysgoingaboveandbeyondformenandwomen withspecialneeds.

HEATHERPRYOR

FRIENDSHIPVILLAGE

WearesogratefulforHeatherPryor,thedirector ofnursingforFVatHome.Heatherhasbeenat FriendshipVillagefor15yearsandworkssohard togiveherpatientstheverybestcare.Herdaily contributionsincludeconductingassessments, collaboratingwithdoctorsand,probablymostofall, beinganadvocateforherpatients.

JUDYBALLEW

BJCHOMECARE

Judywasmypreceptorandasabrand-new, homecarenurse,Iwasreallyimpressedwithher knowledgebaseandallofthelittlethingsthatshe goesoutofherwaytodoforpatients.

MARÍADANIELS

OSFSAINTANTHONY’SHEALTHCENTER

Forherwonderful,dedicatedhospicecare.

ROSEMCKINNON

VISITINGANGELS

Forherwonderfulempathyformyhusbandwhowas dyingofcancer,aswellasformyselfandtherestof thefamily.

SHANNASETTLE

PREFERREDHOSPICEOFFARMINGTON,MO

Shegoesaboveandbeyondforherpatients.

ANNAGALL

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Annaisasilentleaderintheunit.Manyofthe nursesgotoherforknowledgeandexpertise. Shepreceptsthenewnursescomingintotheunit, welcomesthemandhelpsthemfeelcomfortable. Sheisthedefinitionofacaringnurse.Shetakes timewitheachpatientandwiththefamilyof thepatient.

ASHLEYO’BRIEN

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forcaringforapatientforoverayear.

BRITTANYRAGSDALE

PARKLANDHEALTHCENTER

Brittanyhasbeenagreatmentor.Sheispassionate aboutherpatientsandshowshercaringand nurturingsidetoeveryonearoundher.Sheisalways willingtohelpinatimeofneed.

DASHAWNSMITH-WASHINGTON

SSMHEALTHST.MARY’SHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Forhisdedicationtothepatientsunderhiscare.

DIANEMILLER

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

ForbeingadedicatedRNformorethan40years.

ERICAGRUZESKI

SSMHEALTH Forherthoughtfulservice.

ERINANDERSON

BARNES-JEWISHPARKVIEWTOWER

FormakingmefeelhumanwhenIwassosickand helpless.Thecareandkindnesssheshowedmeat oneofthelowesttimesofmylifereallygotme throughaveryroughperiod.Shewasasupernurse andIhopeeverybodyisblessedtoreceivethecareI didfromsuchawonderfulperson.

ICUCARETEAM

GATEWAYREGIONALMEDICALCENTER

Thisteamprovidedthehighestqualityandmost compassionatecareforourentirefamily.Dealingwith losingonefamilymemberandthenimmediatelyhaving theotherfamilymemberfallcriticallyillwasdifficult fortheentirefamily.TheICUteamwasAMAZING andwearesogratefulforalltheydidforus!

JACQUELINEFREY

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Jacquelineisanincrediblyhardworkingand dedicatedICUnurse.

KATIETHOMPSON

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forworkinglonghours,andherabilitytobounce betweendifferentdepartmentseasily.

ABBYMEYER

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Abbytookgreatcareofmywifeinherlastdays.

AMYKUEHN

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Foralwaysputtingherpatientsfirstandpushingfor growthandeducationinthefield.

KELLE

BJCHEALTHCARE

Iwouldliketothankherforbeingselflessandavery caringnurse.

KELLEHALL

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Forbeingakindandthoughtfulnurse.

wısdom OF Words

Forthosenewtonursing,hereare5tipsfromthepros

TheAtlantaJournal-Constitution

Becominganursecanbebothexcitinganddaunting.There’ssomuchtoremember fromschoolandevenmoretolearnonthejob.

Thegoodnewsfornewnursesisthatthey’renotalone;abigpartinkeepingone’s sanityinthehealthcarefieldishavingacommunityofexperiencedcolleaguestohelp.

“Friendshipsatworkareoftenthebestsourceofemotionalsupport.Nurseswith strongconnectionstoothernursesreportedexperiencinglowerstresslevelsthanthosewithoutthese relationships,”notedNurseJournal.

ScrubsMagaskedexperiencednursesforadviceandtipsfortheiryoungercounterparts. Herearefiveofthebest:

1 Takecareofyourself

Asidefromgettingagoodnight’srest— whicheveryoneagreedwascrucial—several nursesfocusedontherelationshipbetween stressandpooreatinghabits.Stresscausesthe bodytoreleaseaseriesofhormonesthatcause ustocravebadfoods—especiallysaltyfoods. Ifyoufindyourselfrushingtograbsomesalty snacks,considersomethingwithasqueezeof lemoninstead.

“Lemonjuicereducestheneedtosaltfood. Thisisparticularlyusefulwhensomebody’son alow-saltdiet.SkiptheMrs.Dashandgraba sliceoflemon,”advisedScrubsMag.

2 Prioritize

Whetheryou’reworkinginahospital orasmallerclinic,healthcareisalways fast-paced.Tohelpkeepabusyscheduleintact, it’simportanttolearnhowtoprioritize.

“Asanurse,youhavemanytaskstomanage: takingvitals,doingassessments,performing nursingdiagnoses,administeringmedications —andallformultiplepatients.Atthesame time,somepatientsaremorecritical,andsome tasksmorepressing.It’scrucialtofindan organizationaltechniquethatworksforyou,” notedNightingaleCollege.

3 Tipforfindingavein

Findingsomeone’sveinscanbetricky —andcanbemademoredifficultbasedon anythingfromwhatthepatienthaseaten recentlytothetemperatureoftheexamroom.If tappingonthearmdoesn’tmaketheveincome forward,hotpatchescanhelp.

“Heatwillhelpdilateveins(dilationiswherea veingetsbigger).Keepingwarmbeforeinjecting willmakethemeasiertofind,”saidInjecting Advice.

4 Amatteroftaste

Ifyouhaveapatientwhodoesn’tlikethetasteof medicine,drinkingwatermightnotbeenoughtoflushcertain tastesoutofthemouth.

“Potatochipseatenimmediatelyaftertakingmetronidazolewillkeep thenastymetallictasteofthemedicineatbay,”notedScrubsMag.

5 Alwaysaskquestions

Asahealthcareprofessional,you’llneverstoplearning.Althoughyouryearsofschool,testsand examsareover,you’llconstantlylearnnewthings.That’swhyit’ssoimportanttoaskquestions.

“Askingabouttipsandtrickstobettermanageyourtaskscanhelpyoudeveloparoutinethatworksfor you,”saidNightingaleCollege.

EBONYWILLIAMS|

SALUTE AHERO

Showyourappreciationforthose whoserveorhaveservedourcountry.

Helpfornightshifters

Studysuggestslightexposure canhaveahugeimpacton nurseswhoworkevenings

HUNTERBOYCE

TheAtlantaJournal-Constitution

AccordingtoaJune2023studypublishedin SleepHealth,amultidisciplinaryjournalofthe NationalSleepFoundation,nursesexposed toatleast40minutesofbrightlight beforebeginningtheirnightshiftsfeel lessfatiguedandmakefewererrors onthejob.

Thebrightlightexposurealso ledtonurseshavingbettersleep

utesofbrightlight shiftsfeel r errors also eep

aftertheirnightshifts.

Toperformthestudy,57full-timenurseswhowork “rapidlyrotating”shiftsparticipatedinarandomized controltrialfeaturingeveninglightexposureandmorning lightavoidance.Everymorningandeveningfor30days, thenursesmeasuredtheirfatigue,work-relatederrors, sleepiness,moods,sleepdurationandsleepquality.

whichcouldbenefitboththenursesandtheirpatients.”

Duringinitialobservations,nursesworkingrotating shiftsmadeanumberofwork-relatederrorsincluding wrongmedicationdosagesandaccidentalneedlepricks.

“Healthcareworkersareexperiencinghighlevelsof fatigueduetostaffingshortages,difficultschedulesand heavyworkloads,”JayOlson,anauthorofthestudy,told McGillUniversity.“Further,thecostofmedicalerrorshas beenestimatedattensofbillionsofdollarsperyear inNorthAmerica.Ourstudyshowsthatfeasible changes,suchasgettinglightexposurebefore thenightshift,mayhelpreducefatigueand itseffectsonperformanceatwork,something

Thenurseswhowereexposedtoatleast40minutesof brightlightbeforetheirnightshiftsexperienced67%fewer work-relatederrors,lessfatigue,asmallimprovementin moodandasmallincreaseinsleepduration.

McGillUniversity. beenestimated inNorthAm changes, s thenigh itseffect

“Interventionsliketheonewestudiedarerelevantto alargepopulationofworkers,sincebetweenaquarter andathirdoftheworld’semployeesdosomeformof shiftwork,”MarieveCyr,oneofthestudy’sauthors, toldMcGillUniversity.“Althoughwefocusedonnurses workingrotatingschedules,ourresultsmayapplytoother typesofshiftworkers,aswell.”

PHOTOGRAPHER:DRAGOSCONDREA

DAWNANDERSON

Buildingconnections,showingcompassion andbringingpeacetopatientsandfamilies

Threethousandcolorfullypaintedrocks areartfullyarrangedinthelandscapedoutdoormeditationcourtyardatEvelyn’sHouse, apartofBJCHealthCare,aranch-stylehospicehomelocatedadjacenttoBarnes-Jewish WestCountyHospital.

Eachrockpaystributetoapatientwhohas spenttheirlastdaysof lifethere.Decorated bythestaff,thestones arevisiblethroughthe gardenwindowfrom thehome’scentralgatheringspaceforfamilies.It’soneofthefirst sightsvisitorsseewhen theyenterthefacility. Forthestaff,including nurseDawnAnderson, thestonesareaunique andmemorablewayto honortheliveswhohave passedandpreparethestafftocareforthose whohaveyettocome.

Evelyn’sHousefeelsmorelikeahomethan ahospitalfloor.

“There’safeelingofhominess,safety, securityandjustpeace,”shesaid.“I’vejust neverworkedataplacelikethisinmylife. Thereissomuchharmonyhere.”

The connection webuild withthefamilies duringtheir timehere isvery,very precious.

—DAWNANDERSON

BRINGINGCOMFORTANDPEACE

Ittakesaspecialpersontobeahospice nurse.ForAnderson,whohasbeenanurse forthepast15yearsandwhobeganworking atEvelyn’sHousewhenitopenedin2017,it’s themostrewardingcareerimaginable.

“Justbeingwithpeopleattheend oflife andprovidingthemcomfortandpeace,it’s magicalinaway,butalsoverysad,”shesaid. “Whenwecomeintotheworldit’swiththe knowledgethatwe’regoingtoleaveatsome pointand,whenwedo,youwantittobea goodexperienceforthepatientandthefamily.Theconnectionwebuildwiththefamilies duringtheirtimehereisvery,veryprecious.”

Andersonsaidpeopleareamazedthat

The18,000-squarefootranchhousefeatureswalkoutpatios offeachroom,acozy gatheringspace,and dedicatedmusicand arttherapyrooms. Thenaturaloutdoor surroundingsinclude awalkingpath,gazebo,playground,water fountainandexquisitely floweredlandscaping, allvisiblefromthepatientrooms.Otherfeaturesincludeameditationroom,beautysalonandspa.Icecream isavailablewhenapatientorfamilyhasthe urgetoindulge,too.

Andersonsaidwhatsheenjoysmost aboutworkingatEvelyn’sHouseisthesound ofthebirdschirpinginthebackground.

“Ourvolunteerskeepthebirdfeeders quitefull,sothesoundofnatureisalways thereinthebackground.It’sawonderful, cheerfulsoundthatissosoothingforboth ourpatientsandtheirfamilies,”shesaid.

Whentheweatherisnice,Andersonsaid, staffwheelpatientsintheirbedsoutsideto theirprivatepatiossotheycanexperience natureupclose.

DEDICATEDCAREANDSUPPORT

Evelyn’sHousewasdesignedtoofferpatientsandfamiliesanalternativeinspecial

circumstancessuchastheshort-termmanagementofpainandsymptoms,respitefor caregivers,andwhencareinthefamilyhome isnotfeasible.

“Wemakeeverymomentcount,”shesaid. Forher,themostchallengingpartofthe jobishelpingfamilymembersunderstand whatcomfor tcarereallyis.

“It’shardwhenyoudon’thaveamedical backgroundorjusthaven’texperiencedit,” shesaid.“Somefamiliesthinkthemedicationmaybecausingtheirlovedonestofeel asifthey’refading,butwehavetoletthem knowit’sthedisease’sprogresscausingthat symptom.”

Andersonsaideach familymemberreceives acopyoftheBJChandbook,“HoldMyHand,” whichwaswrittenbya fellowhospicenurseand includesinformationand adviceonwhattheycan expectduringtheirtime there.

“Wetellthemto

makethemostofthetimetheyhave.Alot ofpatientswillarrivealertandabletohave conversations.Butashealthcareproviders, weknowthosedaysarelimited.Soevery minuteyouhavewithyourlovedone,useit,” Andersonsaid.

Deathishardoneveryone,butforthe hospicenursewhowitnessesitonadaily basis,self-careisincrediblyimportanttobe abletosurviveinthatenvironment.

“Faithismyself-care,”Andersonsaid, “Whilethesepatientsarenotourlovedones, theybecomepartoftheEvelynfamilyand theirdeathnolesstraumatic.”

Stress relievers

3hobbiesnursescantrytocombatburnout

Getcoloring

Adultcoloringbookshaveexplodedin popularityoverthepastfewyears,andthereisa scientificexplanationtothecraze.Accordingto theMayoClinicHealthSystem,adultcoloring booksaregoodforyourhealth.

Adultcoloringbookspromotemindfulnessby allowingparticipantstomeditativelystayinthe moment.Asanoncompetitiveactivity,theyalso allowparticipantstoembracetheimperfectand promotetheircreativity.Italsocalmsthebrain andallowsthebodytorelax,relievingstress.

“Althoughcoloringisn’ttheultimatecure forstressandanxiety,sittingdownforalong coloringsessionholdsgreatvalue,”thehealth systemreported.“Asyoucolor,payattention toyourbreathingrhythm,ensuringsteady,full breathsfromyourdiaphragm,andtuneinto yourheartrateperiodicallyifyoucan.”

HUNTERBOYCE

TheAtlantaJournal-Constitution

Nursescombatanumberofchallenges onthejob.Staffingshortages, overwhelmingworkloadsand dauntinglylongshiftsareconstant burdensfortoday’shealthcare heroes.Thereisoneburden,perhapsaboveall, thatmodernnursestakehomewiththem:stress. Accordingtoasurveypublishedbythe NationalCouncilofStateBoardsofNursing, roughly100,000nurseslefttheU.S.workforce duringthepandemicduetostress,burnoutand retirement.By2027,900,000nursesareexpected toleavetheworkforce.That’safifthofallnurses, andwork-relatedburnoutisamajorfactor. Withthatinmind,herearesomestress relievinghobbiesthatareperfectfornurses.

Getcrafty

TheSemelHealthyCampusInitiative CenteratUCLAreportedthemental healthbenefitsofknittingtobe “remarkable.”Accordingtothe center,theactivitycanhelp calmboththebodyandthe brainthroughsoothing, repetitivemotions.

It’sahobbythat registerednurseChanda Kimstandsby.

“Iactuallyknitand crochettorelax.Imake anythingfromjewelryto prayershawls,”shetoldScrubs Magazine.“Ineverkeepanyofit formyself.It’salwaysgivenasapresent

ordonatedtocharity.Imakebabybootiesfor thelocalhospital.Ievenmadeashawlfora residentrecently.Shewasgoinghome onpasstoafamilyreunion,and wasconcernedbecauseshe didn’thaveanything‘nice’ towearinthepicturethat wouldhavehereightgreatgrandchildreninit.She wassohappywhenIgave ittoher,sheinsistedon showingitofftoeveryone. Igetalotofenjoyment outofseeingpeople’s excitementwhentheygeta handmadegift.Veryrelaxing afteradayonthejobwherewe don’talwaysgetthanked!”

Getoutdoorsforsomegardening

AccordingtoTheAmericanInstituteof Stress,gardeningisagreatstressreliever.By encouragingcreativity,engagingmentalfocus, vitaminDexposure,healthyexposuretobacteria andpromotingphysicalactivity,gardeningcan reducecortisollevels,improveyourimmune systemandyouroverallhealth.

“Whenwespenttimeoutsideinourgardens, weregulateouremotionsaremoreefficiently thatwewouldifcoopedupindoors,”the institutereported.“Partofthatisdowntothe vitaminDthatwehavepreviouslydescribed, partlydowntothefactthatweareengagingin mindfulnessandthusnotallowingourminds towandertounwelcomethoughts,andpartly because weareengaginginaphysicalworkout —whetherwe’reconsciousofthisornot.”

ADOBESTOCKPHOTOS

PHILIPSINN

MEMORIALHOSPITALBELLEVILLE

Forbeingawonderfulnurse!

REBECCABOGOWITH

MERCYCHILDREN’SHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forhavingthebiggestheart.

SARAHCOLLIER

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Iunderwentfoursurgeriesforabraintumor.Iknow Ihadmyupsanddowns.Ithankallofthenurses whotookcareofmeafterthesurgeries.Theywere allsokindandpatientwithme.

MALINDATURNER

ALTONMEMORIALHOSPITAL

She’sawell-knownOBnurseintheAltonarea. She’sbeendeliveringbabiesforover30yearsandso manypeopleknowherandtalkabouthowamazing shewasastheirnurse.

MARYHARRIS

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Forcaringformeinacompassionate,professionalway aftermysonwasbornquietonOctober22,1992. Shemadetheworstdayofmylifeamemorable experienceforagrievingmom.

PAMFOLLEN

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Pamisbothacheerleaderandadvocateforher patients!Sheofferssupporttonewmomswhoare learningtofeedtheirbabies.Sheisknowledgeable andseeksoutresourcesinordertobestsupportthe newmomssheworkswith!

PRINCEGIBSON

AMANDAGROVER

SSMHEALTHST.JOSEPHHOSPITAL-LAKESAINTLOUIS

SheisalabordeliverynurseandSHAREProgram Coordinator,supportingpatientsandtheirfamily experiencesofperinatallossorlossafterdelivery foraslongastheyneed.

CHRISTINATUREK

SSMHEALTHCARDINALGLENNON

CHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forgivingexceptionalcaretopatientsandtheir familiesintheNICU.Shehasbeenabedside nurseforoverfiveyearsandiscurrentlystudying tobecomeaneonatalnursepractitioner,providing lifesavingcaretooneofthemostpreciousand vulnerablepopulations.

HARLEIGHSCHENCK

Iwanttothankherforfollowingherdreamsand makingadifference.

JANEBUCHANAN

MERCYHOSPITALWASHINGTON

Forhercompassionatecareforthewomenand childrenwecarefor,andforherdedicationtothe unitandnursessheoverseesasclinicalsupervisor.

KATELYNWHITENER

HSHSST.ELIZABETH’SHOSPITAL

Forgoingaboveandbeyondtocareforherpatients andherfellownurses!

KATELYNNAPPELBA

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forbeingherself.

LASAUNJOHNSON

SSMHEALTHST.MARY’SHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Forbeinganamazingnurseandalwaysadvocating forherpatients.

JULIEBIERACH

WASHINGTONUNIVERSITYCENTER

FORADVANCEDMEDICINE

Julieiskindandcompassionate.Julieisahard workerandgetsthejobdone.Dealingwithcancer patientscandefinitelybechallengingbutshehas thehearttodoit.

MACKENZIEBYRKIT

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forherselflessservicetoherpatients.

MARTIZELLIN

SITEMANCANCERCENTER

Forhercareer.

RACHELSCHILLING

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

WewouldliketothankNurseGibsonforover 30yearsofservicetolaboranddeliverypatients duringheremploymentatMercyHospital,and anadditionalfiveyearsatDePaulHospital. Wehonorherforallthatshehasdoneinthe communityandforhercontinuedsacrificeto loveandcareforpeoplethroughoutherentirelife.

SHANNONSTOCKMAN

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

ForlovingthebabiesatMercysomuch.

HEATHERMARTIN

SITEMANCANCERCENTER-ST.PETERS

ForALWAYSbeingavailable,dayornight,to answerquestionsandcalmmedown.Aftermy breastcancerdiagnosis,shewastheoneItrusted withmylifeandmyfirstphonecall.Shecaresabout herpatientsandhasthemostcompassion!

JENNIFERHARRIS

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Jenniferworkslongshiftsaswellastaking wonderfulcareofmeeveryday.Shesharesstories ofherdaywhilewehavelatedinnerstogether, showinghercompassionforherpatients,aswell asme.Sheevenkneelsandasksherpatients’ permissiontopraywiththemintheirfinalmoments.

I’dliketothankJenniferHarrisforchoosingto shareherincrediblegiftofinsightfulcareand compassionwithherpatientsinallstagesofhealth, especiallymyfather.Jenniferpassionatelycares abouteachofherpatientsliketheyarefamily.

JORDANWIPKE

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

Forbeingextremelythoughtfulandthoroughwhile caringforpatients.Shecontinuouslygoesabove andbeyond!

Sheisextraordinary!NotonlydoesRachelgoabove andbeyondhernursingdutiesonourunit,butshe isalsoinvolvedonseveralcommitteeswithinour organization.Mostimportantly,shehascompassion forherpatients.

SABRINAWREST

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Sheiscaringandadvocatesforherpatientsalways.

SARAHMCCAFFREY

WASHINGTONUNIVERSITYSCHOOLOF MEDICINEINST.LOUIS

Forherever-faithfulcareandconcernforher cancerpatients.

SAVANNAHF.

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Savannahisanamazingnursewithaheartofgold. Sheisresilientandcaresforherpatientslikeshe wouldwantherownfamilycaredfor.Sheisan amazingnurse!

THECHEMOINFUSIONNURSES

SITEMANCANCERCENTER

Everyweek,theyaretheretosupportus.Theyare theretocelebrateeventhesmallestwinsandsupport uswhenthereisasetbackorstruggle.Theyare alwaysourbiggestfans.

TRACIHIRTH

WASHINGTONUNIVERSITYPHYSICIANS

Traciisthebest!SheisALWAYSthereformefor questions,adviceandpatience.

VALEDAKEYS

VALEDA’SHOPE

Fornavigatingwomenthroughthediagnosisof breastcancertotheendoftreatment.

SSMDEPAULORTHOPEDICNURSES

SSMHEALTHDEPAULHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Thankyouforallyoudo!

TRACEYMERRIFIELD

WASHINGTONUNIVERSITYAND

BARNES-JEWISHORTHOPEDICCENTER

Traceyisalwaysinagoodmood.Shealwayshasa smileonherfaceandalwayshasakindwordtosay tosomeone.Sheisahardworkerwhoisanadvocate forherpatients.

OTHER

ABBIEMARTIN

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Abbieisanintegralpartofourcareteam.Asa nurseeducator,Abbieonboardsnewnurses,provides ongoingeducationforourteamanddemonstratesa passionfornursing.Abbieprovideseducationinfun andcreativewaystokeepourcoworkersengaged.

ALEXANDRIAGIBSON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Alexdelivershigh-qualitycaretoherpatientswhile supportingherteameachday.Shebuildstrusting relationshipswithherpatientsandcontinuestoput safetyaboveallelse.

AMYALICEMARCHESI

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Forherdedication,commitmentandincrediblecare.

AMYL.MILLER

SSMHEALTHST.MARY’SHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Amyisagreatnursewhogetsupveryearlytogetto workby5:30a.m.Sheworksinsame-daysurgery andstaysuntilallthepatientsaregonefortheday. Shegoesaboveandbeyondherduties.

ANNFANN

SSMHEALTHSAINTLOUISUNIVERSITYHOSPITAL

Forbeingthemostloving,caringandcompassionate nurseI’veeverhad.

ANNEDENISON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Foralwaysbeingthe‘vibe-setter’andbringingthe funtoanysituation.Shemakesnursingeducation entertainingandlessstressfulfornewnurses!

ANNIEDENISON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Beinganexceptionalnurse,educatorandfierce advocateforherunit.

ANTIONETTEELLIOTT

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Foralwaysadvocatingforherpatients.

APRIL

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

IwasadmittedtoMissouriBaptistandshewent aboveandbeyondintakingcareofme.

MICHELLEBAUER

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Forbeingthereforeveryoneshecomesincontactwith.

APRILHUFF

MERCYHOSPITALJEFFERSON

Aprildisplaysamazingcare,empathyandcompassion.

Delmar Gardens founder Barbara Grossberg: A legacy of love and compassion

“ThefirsttimeImether,Icouldfeelthe outpouringoflovecomingfromher.She heldmyhandandthankedmeforbeingthere fortheresidents.Ithought,thisiswhereIam supposedtobe.ThisisthereasonIwantto beanurse,togivepeoplewhatBarbaragave tome,toopenyourhearttocareforthem.”

That’showBrendaSchmidt,MSN,registerednurse,directorofnursingatDelmar GardensWest,remembersitsfounder,BarbaraGrossberg.Thatfirstencounterwas 33yearsago,whenSchmidt,thenanursingstudent,wasworkingthereasanursing assistant.

“Shewassuchagracious,warmhearted person.Shewouldsitwiththeresidentsand justlistentothem.Withthis,theyknewthey wereinagoodplaceandpeoplewouldbe takingcareofthem,”saidSchmidt.

Therewassomethingelse,too,that SchmidtnoticedaboutGrossberg—the numberstattooedonherwrist,numbers indicatinghertimeasaNaziconcentration campprisoner.

SURVIVINGTHE HOLOCAUST

GrossberggrewupinHungarywhereher father,aphysician,instilledinheradesireto helpherelders.Whenshewas13,theNazis invadedthecountry,separatedherfromher parentsandsenthertoconcentrationcamps.

“Shesometimestalkedaboutit,about howwhenshewentforashower,shewould neverknowwhichlineshewasin,whether itwasanactualshowerorthegaschamber,” Schmidtrecalled.

In1945,U.S.troopsliberatedDachau, andGrossbergreturnedtoHungary,onlyto learnthatherparentshadperishedduring theHolocaust.Shelatermetandmarried HenryGrossberg,asurvivorofaNazilaborcamp.Theyhadtwosons,Georgeand Gabe,andlifewasgood.Butin1956another politicalupheavaldisruptedtheirliveswhen theHungarianUprising,amovementtofree thecountryfromSovietrule,wascrushedby theirmilitary.

Eventually,theGrossbergsandtheirchildrenmadetheirwaytotheU.S.,wherethey settledinUniversityCity,Missouri—and that’swheretheir truemissionbegan.

ALIFETIMEOF CARINGFOROTHERS

Somehow,despite—orperhapsbecauseof—livingthroughthesehorrific

experiences,caringforothersbecamethe drivingforceofGrossberg’slife.

“Shebeganbytakingcareofpeoplein herhome.Shedideverythingforthem,anythingfromcookingtodoingtheirlaundryto bathingthem,”saidSchmidt.“Anditwasreallyencouragingtoseethattheownerofthe companyhadactuallydoneeverythingIwas juststartingtodo.”

The GrossbergsfoundedthefirstDelmar Gardensin1965.Today,itsstate-of-the-art skillednursing,extendedcareandmemory carefacilities—alongwiththeirindependentandassistedlivingcommunities—are runbytheirson,presidentandCEOGabe Grossberg.

ASPECIALPLACE TOWORK

“Gabeisverymuchlikehismother,givingwholeheartedlytotheresidentsandthe staff,”saidSchmidt.“He’swonderfulwith alltheemployees.”

Inthisway,healsoresembleshisfather, HenryGrossberg,whoshowedenormous considerationforthestaff,phoningin,even lateatnight,toseeifallwaswellandifthey neededanything.

Schmidttoocontinuesthistraditionof warmthandcaring.Thoughmanynursing directorsspendmostoftheirtimeintheirofficepushingpapers,you’llusuallyfindheron thefloor,attendingtotheneedsofpatients, theirfamiliesandherstaff.

After33yearsatDelmarGardens,she can’timagineabetterplacetowork.

“Ialwaysfeltlikethisisnotsomucha job,morelikeasecondhome,”shesaid.

FormoreinformationaboutDelmar Gardensskillednursing,rehabilitation, independentandassistedlivingcommunities,andcareeropportunities,pleasevisit delmargardens.com.

BARBARAGROSSBERG DelmarGardensfounder

MICHAELOLIVER

Helpingpatientshealathomeandtrainingnewnurses

Whenrecoveringfromarecenthospital stay,illness,injuryorsurgery,thebestplace forapatienttobeisatthecenteroftheircare team’sefforts—andpreferablyinthecomfortoftheirownhome.

Thespecializednursingteamswhodeliver in-homecarehaveauniquesetofskillsand talentsthatallowthemtomeetthepatient’s needswithoutaccesstomanyofthetoolsand resourcestheywould haveinahospitalsetting. Sometimesthesededicatedprofessionalsneedto engageina morecreative waytodevelopunique solutionsforaparticularpatient—achallenge thatcanmakethejob evenmorerewarding, accordingtoMichael Oliver,MSN,aregisterednurseanddirector ofinformationsystems andeducationatDelmar GardensHomeCare.

IN-HOMECARE

andthenkeepthemonuntilthey’vehealed.”

Oliverbecameintriguedwiththenursing professionaftergrowinguplisteningtostorieshisgrandmothertoldaboutherexperiencesasanurse.Herstories,richwithcompassionanddedication,ignitedhisinterest incaringforothers,hesaid.

Afterreceivinghisdiplomathroughthe BarnesHospitalSchoolofNursingandbecomingboardcertified asaregisterednursein 1992,Oliverspentthe firstdecadeofhiscareer onthemedical/surgical floortreatingchronic conditionsandinfectious diseasebeforejoiningthe homehealthcarefield, wherehehasremained forthepast23years.

Home healthcare requires adaptability,as wellasadeep understandingof anindividual patient’s needs.

ThoughDelmarGardensiswidelyknownfor itsstate-of-the-artskillednursingcenters,retirementandassistedlivingcommunities,the Chesterfield-basedcompanyalsoprovidesinhomeskilledcareandsupportservicesforpatientswhohavebeendischargedfromthehospitalandneedtransitionalhelpastheymove towardhealingandindependence.Inthesesituations,thecompany’sregisterednursesand therapistscollaboratewiththepatient’sdoctorsduringtherecoveryperiod.

“Manyofourpatientsarestrongenough togohomefromthehospitalbutnotstrong enoughtobealone,sowebecometheintermittenthomecare,”Oliversaid.“Wedohome visits,skilledassessmentsandinterventions,

“Itwasamovethat Iquicklydiscovered wasidealbecauseof theuniqueandfulfillingaspectsofthis field.Homehealthcare requiresadaptability, aswellasadeepunderstandingofanindividualpatient’sneeds—challengesIembraced,”Oliversaid.“Icouldmonitorthe impactofmycare,andfollowthepatients untilt heywerebetterandindependent again,whichwasveryrewarding.”

TRANSITIONINGTOTRAINING

Today,Oliverfocusesonsupportingthe DelmarGardensHomeCarestaffof50, particularlyintheareasoftraining,technologyandcompliance.Heguidesnewstaff throughtheirorientationandonboarding, helpingthemtransitiontothefield.

“Oneofthemostcompellingaspectsof homehealthcareisitsflexibility,”hesaid.

“Cliniciansenjoyadynamicwork-lifebalance,accommodatingpersonalresponsibilities.Thisflexibilityisunparalleledand proudlyvaluedbythoseinthefield.”

Andforthepatient?

“It’snaturalthatmostpeoplewouldratherstayintheirhomesforcare,”Oliversaid. “They’rehappierthere,theyhavemorecontrolovertheirenvironment,whichIfeelisa vitalcomponenttothehealingprocess.”

Buttherearechallengesinthehome healthcaresetting,too.

“Ifyou’readiabetic,forexample,and needfoodinahospital,youcanmakearequestandfoodappears immediately.Inahome situation,wehaveto workwithnotonlythe patientbutthefamilyto ensurethattheyarefollowingahealthydietand havehelppreparingthat

meal.There’sjustalotofnegotiationinwhich youhavetopartnerwiththefamilyandfinda situationthatisdoableintherealworld.”

HIGHEREDUCATION

Oliver,whocompletedhisbachelorofsciencein2016andmasterofscienceinnursing informaticsin2021,iscurrentlycompleting hisdoctorateof nursingpractice(DNP)at BradleyUniversity.Hisdoctoralproject: homehealthcarefocusedonpreventingpatientfallsinthehome.

JustonemorewayinwhichOliverputs hispatientsatthecenteroftheircare.

—MICHAELOLIVER

ASHLEYCALTRY

MISSOURIBAPTISTSULLIVANHOSPITAL

Forgoingaboveandbeyondforhercoworkersand allofherpatients.Sheisafloatnurse.Sheworksin theOB,ER,asahousesupervisor,inmed/surg,CCU andpsych.Shewillanswerallcalllights,helpwithIV insertions,assistwithNGtubeplacementsandfoley placement.

BETHRIEMER

MERCYHOSPITALSOUTHST.LOUIS

Forthewaythatshehasservedandcaredfor patientswithcare,loveandhumorforover40years.

BETSYBURBANK-ROBART

PRIVATEDUTY

Shealwaysdoesthebestjobpossibleforherpatients!

BONNIEEDWARDS

Bonnieisaphenomenalnurse!

BRIDGETCOLEMAN

BJCHEALTHCARE

Foralwaysinspiringmeandourcoworkerstobe ourbest!

BRIGIDDRISCOLL

SELECTSPECIALTYHOSPITAL-TOWNANDCOUNTRY

Foralwaysbeingwillingtohelphertechs!

BRITTANYSMITH

DAVITAKIDNEYCARE

Forherselflessdedicationtothoseinneedwhoare goingthroughmajorlifechanges.

BRYANAGORDLEY

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forbeinganamazingfriendandalwayshaving asmileonherfacenomatterhowtiredorrun downsheis.Thankyouforbeingyouandalways supportingme.

CTORNURSES

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Fortheircompassionandteamwork.

DEBRAALBRIGHT

MISSOURIEASTERNCORRECTIONALCENTER

Iwouldliketothankthisnurseforher40years ofdedicationtocaringforothers,especiallythe inmatesofthecorrectionscenterwheresheworks.

FIFIYUMA

VANORTHERNCALIFORNIAHEALTHCARE| VETERANSAFFAIRS

Forbeingamazingandbeingagreatmom.

GINAWICHERN-CHITWOOD

BARNES-JEWISHST.PETERSHOSPITAL

Beingcaringandpresentwitheverypatient,and standingupforpatients.

HEATHERWILSON

BARNES-JEWISHWESTCOUNTYHOSPITAL

Forgreatcare.

JENNIFER

SSMHEALTHSAINTLOUISUNIVERSITYHOSPITAL

Thebest,mostcaringnurseinSt.Louis.

JESSICAKARADJA

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forherhumor,humblenessandhonesty,andfor alwaysputtingthepatientsfirst.Bestpsychnurseever.

JOANNWORRHY

SSMHEALTHST.MARY’SHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Forbeingpassionate,caring,lovingandpatientwith thepatients.

Foralwayshelping.Sheoftenfeelstired,butshe saysshecan’tquitbecauseherpatientsareher priority.Sheloveshelpingthosewhocan’thelp themselves.

KARACONCOTTA

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

Forexceptionalmanagement.

KATHERINEVALENCIA

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

Katieiskindandthoughtfultoallpatients.Hergoalisto makesurethateachpatientinhercareistakencareof duringtheirentirestayinthehospital.Thankyou,Katie!

KATHISHELTON

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Foralwaysgoingaboveandbeyondineverythingshedoes. Sheisanaturalleaderandalwaysstrivestolearnmore andbethebestshecanbeforhercoworkersandpatients.

KATIECRUSE

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

ForKatie’sdedicationtoeducatingourpatientcaretechs.

KELLYCLARK

MERCYHOSPITALSOUTHST.LOUIS

Sheisempatheticandcompassionate,andistotally committedtothepatientsunderhercareaswellas hercoworkersthatshesupervises.

KENYATTAGRIFFIN

AETNA

Thankyouforyouroutstandingdedicationand care.Yourcompassionandkindnesshavemadea realdifferenceinmyrecovery.Iamgratefulforthe exceptionalsupportyouprovidedduringmytime atyourhospital.Thankyouforyourunwavering dedicationtopatientcare.

KRISTISCHULTZ

Forbeingmyadvocatewhenhospitalizedandathome.

LACEYHERRIN

SELECTSPECIALTYHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS

Forbeingagreatnurse.

LINDAMILLIGAN

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Forover40yearsofinspiredservicetopatientsand mentoringstudentsatBJC.

MARIANNETORBERT

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

IwanttothankMarianneforgivingmoralsupport, forbeingawealthofknowledgeandforencouraging metobethebestnurseIcanbe.

MARTAYSHEPARD

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Foralwaysbeingthebrightestspiritforallofhis patientsonsomeoftheirdarkestdays.

MARTINAHAYDEN

BJCHOSPICE

ForMartina’slove,patienceandkindnesstohospice patientsandtheirfamilies.

MARYBETHFUNKHAUSER

SSMHEALTHSAINTLOUISUNIVERSITYHOSPITAL

Forherdedicationandknowledge.

MEGANDETHLOFF

BJCHEALTHCARE

Meganputssomuchheartintoeverythingshedoes.

MEGANMCCARRON

ALTONMENTALHEALTHCENTER

Foralwaysstandingupforwhat’srightforpatients, evenwhennooneelsewill.Theysayyoudotoo much,yousayyoucouldneverdoenough.

MELINDABLACK

SSMHEALTHST.MARY’SHOSPITAL-ST.LOUIS For38yearsofexceptionalservice.

MERCYRESEARCHNURSES

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

MercyResearchnursessupportresearchactivities acrosstheentireSt.Louisregion.Eachofthem embodycompassionandresilienceineverytaskthey undertake.

MONICEAHALL

FRESENIUSKIDNEYCARE

Foralwaysputtingthepatientsandhercoworkersbefore herself.Sheiswellknowninmultiplefieldsofnursing.

NURSEC

Sheisalifesaver.Inominateherforher professionalism,theabilitytotouchsomanyhearts, herthoughtfulness,unwaveringsupportandalways beingthereinatimeofneed.

NURSE-FAMILYPARTNERSHIPTEAM

ST.LOUISCOUNTYDEPARTMENTOFPUBLICHEALTH

Thankyouforyourdedicationtothefamiliesinour community.Yoursteadfastworktoimprovehealth equityanddecreasedisparitiesisadmirable.

PATRICKJ.BRYAN

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

Forbeingafriendandstoicteammateinhealthcare.

PAYALGREENE

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Payalisalwaysateamplayer.Sheworkstoensure thatherteamhaswhattheyneedtobesuccessful. Sheisapatientadvocateandworkscloselywiththe physicianstoensuretheygetwhattheyneed.

RENEEELLIOTT

MERCYHOSPITALWASHINGTON

Forbeingcompassionate,andneverfailingtomake herpatientsfeelsafeandcomfortable.

SHEMEKAFORD

DAVITAKIDNEYCARE

Forbeingaloving,compassionatenurse.

SHERRIEBRAXTON

IwanttothankSherrieforbeingawonderful director.

SLCHOPERATINGROOM

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Fortheirteamwork.

STACEYLINDLEY

CHRISTIANHOSPITAL

Forbeinganexceptionalnurseeducator.

STEPHANIENAUMANN

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

IwanttothankStephanieforherunmatchedability toshowcareandcompassionforherpatients.

TANISMILLER

COMWELLHEALTH

Forherdrivetocontinuouslyhelpindividualswith mentaldisabilities.

THENURSINGSTAFF

SSMHEALTHST.JOSEPHHOSPITALST.CHARLES&WENTZVILLE

Dayinanddayout,thenursingteamatSSM St.Joseph-StCharlesandWentzvilleprovides exceptionalcaretoourpatientsandtheirfamilies.Their dedicationtocareandcompassionforeachpatient,at eachencounter,isatestamenttotheircommitmentto theSSMmissionandtheprofessionofnursing.

TRACEYCAMPBELL

CITYOFST.LOUISDEPARTMENTOFHEALTH

Ms.Campbell’syearsofclinicalmanagementand willingnesstodedicatethenecessarytime,imagination andpersuasiontointernalandexternalcustomers haveservedthedepartmentwell.Herdedicationand commitmenttoSt.Louisandherdesiretoimprove healthequityforallareunparalleled.

TRISH,KIMANDSTAFF

BJCMEDICALGROUPAT

PROGRESSWEST-PRIMARYCARE

Fortheirguidance.

TRISHAKAPLAN

BARNES-JEWISHHOSPITAL

Thisnurseisthemostcaringindividual.Shehelps patientsgetplacedontheNationalKidneyTransplant list.Sheworksasthemediatorbetweenaboardof doctorsandthepatient.Shetellsherpatientsshecares.

ABIGAILFAULKNER

MISSOURIBAPTISTMEDICALCENTER

ThankyoutothewholeNICUteamatMissouriBaptist! Theyaretrulyamazing!Notjustthisnursebutthewhole team.Thankyoufromthebottomofmyheart!

ALLYSCHMITZ

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Allyfollowedherchildhooddreamofbeinganurse, followinginherNana’sfootsteps.Aftergraduating, herpassionlandedherthepositionshewascalled todo!

EMILYMILLER

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forshowingsuchgreatloveforthechildrensheserves.

GRACIEBROWN-SHANKS

SSMHEALTHCARDINALGLENNON

CHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Foreverything.Sheissuperkindandhasbeenreally helpfuleverytimeIhavegonetothehospital. She’soneofthenicestnursesI’veevermet. Thankyou,Gracie!

Gracieisanamazingadvocateforpatients,family membersandcoworkers.Shegoesaboveandbeyond tohelpanyonewhoneedsit.Shehasdedicatedher lifetonursinginpediatricsandhasmadesuchan impactonmycareer.

JENNIEWEFFELMEYER

MERCYHOSPITALST.LOUIS

WeffisanoutstandingnurseinthepediatricED.She isamentorandleaderinourdepartment.Shealways workshardwithagreatattitudeandmakesworkfun!

KELSEYCRAVEN

BJCHEALTHCAREANDRANKENJORDAN

PEDIATRICBRIDGEHOSPITAL

Kelseyhasworkedveryhardovertheyearstoearn herMSN.Sheworksbothasanurseeducatorand pediatricnursefortwodifferenthospitals.Sheis verydedicatedtoherpatients.

Forallofherhardworkwithchildrenandforher effortsineducatingnurses.

MICHELLEHOWARD

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Formakingadifference,onepatientatatime.

NICUNURSES

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Thankyouforbeingsokindandcaringtomy daughterduringherstay.

REGINAWINTERS

TRAVELINGNURSE,ST.LOUIS

Thankyouforensuringthatallofthebabies arewelltakencareof.Yourworkmayoftengo unrecognized,buteverybabyyounurturereceives thebestcareunderyourwatch.

STEPHANIESHANE

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Forhertirelessdedicationtothebabiesinhercare.

VICTORIABANDERET

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Fortakingsuchgreatcareofmysickchildwho hasLevel3NonverbalAutism.Shetrulymadethe experienceforhimlessscaryandwewereableto keepanIVinforfluids.

WENDYGREEN

ST.LOUISCHILDREN’SHOSPITAL

Fortakingsuchgreatcareofmysoninthehospital.

STEPHANIEPRESSON MICDS

Forbringingtheprofessionalismofnursingintothe privateschoolsetting,andbeingahighlyqualified nurseforthechildren.

TERIHERRELL

BUDERELEMENTARYSCHOOL

Terilovestotakecareofherpatients!Shegoesabove andbeyondtomakesureallinhercaregetallof theirneedsmet,andshedoesitwithloveinherheart!

VALERIEAKERS

STONECREEKELEMENTARY

ANGIEMIDNIGHT-OEST

ROCKWOODSCHOOLDISTRICT

NurseOesthassupportedourfamilysincewecame totheschool.Shehelpsgiveuspeaceofmindwhile ourdaughterisatschool.Shedoesthisallwitha lovingheart!

BRANDYMCCANN

JEFFERSONINTERMEDIATESCHOOL

Brandyisanamazingschoolnurse.Sheiskind, patient,understandingandcaringtoherstaffand students.Sheacceptsallstudentswithlovingarms andlisteningears.Shemakessureeveryone’shealth plansarefollowedandeveryoneissafe.

JANESINNOTT

PARKWAYSCHOOLDISTRICT

Janeisaverydedicatedandcaringnursewhogoes aboveandbeyondherregularduties.Shegives lovingandexpertcaretoherstudentsandfaculty.

JANISDOUGHERTY

ACADEMYOFTHESACREDHEART

Foralwaystakingcareofourkiddosandhavinga calm,positiveandpleasantdisposition.

JENNYHEIDEMAN

SPECIALSCHOOLDISTRICTOFST.LOUISCOUNTY

I’mproudofherforperseveringthroughsomeof thetoughesttimesinherlifeandlosingthreeofher closestlovedones.SheisdefinitelyanurseIwould wanttakingcareofanyofmylovedones.

KELLYCHRISTIAN

PRATHERELEMENTARYSCHOOL

Foralwaysbeingthereforherstudents.

LISAMESSMER

NOTREDAMEHIGHSCHOOL

Foradvocatingfortheelderlyandteens.

MICHELLEFOX

MICDS

Sheiskind,sweet,compassionate,agoodlistener, agoodinterviewer,respectful,empatheticandjust lovesthestudentssomuch!

PAULETTELUCKETT

SAINTLOUISPUBLICSCHOOLS

NurseLucketthasachievedtheNationally CertifiedSchoolNurse(NCSN)certification! Thisachievement,awardedbytheNational BoardofCertificationofSchoolNurses,reflects hercommitmenttoexcellenceandtherigorous professionalstandardsofschoolnursing.

Valerie–NurseValtoherstaffandstudents–deservesaHUGEthankyouandrecognitionforher knowledge,efficacyandcare.NurseValisaherofor all.Thestudentsknowhowmuchshecaresforthem. NurseValalsocaresforallofourstaffaswell.

SKILLEDNURSING| ASSISTEDLIVING| MEMORYCARE

AMYMEEK

FRIENDSHIPVILLAGE

Mentalhealthissuesareveryfrequently undiagnosedintoday’sseniorssincetherewassuch astigmaaboutitinpriorgenerations.Amy’shelp inbridgingthegenerationalgapasaneducatoris incrediblyvaluable.SinceAmyspendssomuchtime aroundtheresidents,shecanseeifthey’reisolating, withdrawingorstrugglinginsomeway.

ASHLEYGOLDSMITH

VICTORIANPLACEOFOWENSVILLE

Thankyouforthetimeandpatiencethatyougive yourresidents.Youareanawesomenurse,neverforget that.

ASHLEYPOWERS

FOUNTAINBLEAUNURSINGCENTER

Forconsistentlygoingaboveandbeyond.

AVIASINGLETON

DOLANMEMORYCARE

AviaisthehousemanagerandnurseatSchuetz HouseMemoryCareCenter.

CHINA

LIBERTYVILLAGEOFMARYVILLE

Forbeingsocaringandgiving.

KAREEMAHMOMENT

PARCPROVENCE

Forbeinganexceptionalnurse. Forherkindnessandmakingpatientsfeellikefamily. Kareemahishelpful,outstanding,caringandshe’ll getonthefloorwhenshort-staffed. Forherserviceanddedication. Forbeinganamazingnurse.

KARENJACKSON

GARDENVILLASNORTH

Forherkindnessandcompassion.

KATHYPAGEL

BETHESDADILWORTH

Forgoingaboveandbeyond,takingonextraduties andtryingtodothejobofthreenursesatonce.

KELEIMITCHELL

MOTHEROFGOODCOUNCILHOME

Keleialwayshasthepatient’sinterestsatheartand iscaring.Shegoesaboveandbeyondfortheelderly anddisabledmembersofourcommunity.Her professionalismandattentiontodetailsetherapart inthenursingfield.

KRISTINE(KRIS)MUELLER

CHRISTIANEXTENDEDCARE&REHABILITATION

Forexceptionaldedicationasaleaderwholeadsby example.

MICHELEDAIN

FRIENDSHIPVILLAGE

Micheleisresponsibleforover350residentsin independentlivinganddoestheimpossiblejobof keepingupwithallofitsogracefully.Sheworks withourclinicalliaisonstoensureourresidentsin thehospitalhaveeverythingtheyneed,andmore importantly,makessuretheresidentissetupto succeedwhentheyreturnhome.

NATHANEMANUEL

COMMUNITYMANOR

Forexceptionalcareandprofessionalservice.

PAIGEKENTNANCE

PARCPROVENCE

Forheramazingdeterminationanddedicationto herjob.

Fortakingsuchgoodcareoftheresidentsand speakingforthemwhentheycannotspeakfor themselves.

Forallherhardworkanddedication. Forbeingacompassionateandcaringnurse. Forhercontinuousserviceanddedicationtoherpatients. Foreverythingthatshedoesonadailybasis.

PAIJKENT

PARCPROVENCE

Foralwaysbeingateamplayerandbeing understanding.Sheisalsoveryintunewithwhat goesonwithherresidents.

Foralwayscaringandputtingherpatientsfirst. Forcaringformyfamilymembers.She’sthebest. Iwouldliketothankherforherhardwork, dedicationandhercaringandlovingheartforher patientsandcolleagues.Sheisveryknowledgeable inherfieldofwork.

Forhercompassionanddedication.

IwouldliketothankPaijKentforthewayshe issocaringtoallpatients.Ifanythingisneeded, shewilltakecareofitimmediately.Paijisvery knowledgeable,patientandresponsible. Forallofherhardworkinthenursingfield.

Leaders PACK OFTHE

4lunchboxesthatareperfectfornurses

EBONYWILLIAMS| TheAtlantaJournal-Constitution

Whenitcomestoworkingalongshift,havingsomethingtasty—andhealthy —forlunchcanmakeallthedifference.Andthatmeanshavingagood lunchboxtostoreitin. • AccordingtoTravel+Leisure,findingtheperfect lunchboxisallaboutlookingfordurability,well-designedcompartments andgoodinsulation. • “Thankstomoderntechnologies,youcanenjoyyour lunchatnoonasfreshasthemomentyoupackedit,”saidtheoutlet. • Herearefourofthe bestlunchboxesfornurses,asrecommendedbyNurseJournal:

Yitotelunchbag

Yitote’sbagsaremadeof water-andtear-resistant nylon,withheavy-duty metalzippersandbartacks atmajorstresspoints.The bagsarepaddedwithEPE foamtokeepitemscold orhot,andarelinedwith leak-proofaluminumfoil thatiseasytoclean. Comeswithfourice packs.Availableon Amazon. $25.98-$26.98

L.L.BeanExpandable Lunchbox

Themaincompartmentexpandsup to2inchesandfeaturesaneasy-tocleanlining.Thislunchboxfeatures aninternalmeshpocketforanice pack(notincluded),azipperedoutside pocketandhandlestraps.Availablein severalcolorsatllbean.com. $19.95

PackItFreezable Hamptonlunchbag

Availableinsevencolorsand patterns,andfeaturingawide rectangularbase,thisPackItbagis easytocleanandfeaturesbuilt-in EcoFreezetechnologysoyoudon’t needseparateicepacks.PackIt alsosellsbentocontainersthat fitneatlyintothebag(not included).AvailableonAmazon. $22.99-$26.99

Miycoolunchbag

Thisdouble-deckerbag hasroomforeverything butthestethoscope. Thethickinteriorliner insulatesandprevents leakswhilekeeping contentswarmorcold. AvailableonAmazon. $24.99-$26.99

L.L.BEAN

PACKIT

MIYCOO

Enterdailyforyourchance towingreatprizes!

WINNERRECEIVES:

•Throwoutthefirstpitchplusall-inclusive ticketsonSeptember22

•AutographedCardinalsmemorabilia

•AuthenticCityConnectjersey

•Apairof2025seasontickets

SKILLEDNURSING| ASSISTEDLIVING|

MEMORYCARE

RACHAELSIMPSON

Beingagreatnurse,momandentrepreneur!

URGENTCARE

ABBYMEYER

ST.LUKE’SHOSPITAL

Thanksforbeingsoattentivetoeachpatient’s individualneedsandsorespectfuloftheelderly.

DJPARKSGROSS

SHANNONCOUNTYMEDICALCLINIC

Foryearsofcommunitysupportandserviceto ShannonCounty,Mo.andsurroundingareas.DJ wasextremelyhelpfulinpassinglegislationin JeffersonCity,Mo.thathashelpednursesacrossthe greatstateofMissouri.

WOUNDCARE

NICOLEMANLIN

SPECIALIZEDWOUNDMANAGEMENT

Nicolehasprovidedexceptionalcaretothelongtermcarecommunitieswhereshehasservedasa nursepractitionerforalmost19years.Shehasso muchpassionforwhatshedoesonadailybasisand strivestoprovidethebestpossiblecaretoeachof thepatientssheserves.

4ofthebestmobileappsfornurses fingertips At your

EbonyWilliams|TheAtlantaJournal-Constitution

Nursesstaybusierthanjustaboutanyone.Soit’sonlynaturalthattheyturntothemanyappsthatofferalittle helporganizingandstreamliningtheirduties.

Inrecentyears,therehasbeenahugeincreaseinthedevelopmentofmobileappsdesignedspecificallyfor nurses.Fromappsthathelpimproveaccuracyincaretothosethatpromiseincreasedefficiency,thereareplenty ofappstoconsider.

Herearefourofthemostpopularmobileappsfornurses.AllarefreeandavailableintheAppleandAndroidstores.

Nurse.comapp

Thisappistheonlysocialnetworkingapp that’sexclusivetonurses.Whileusingthe app,fellowhealthcareworkerscanbuilda communityspecificallydesignedbyandfor nurses.Theappalsoprovidesanarrayof educationaltoolsandresources.

Adni

TheAdniappisperfectifyou’relooking forcommunityandwheretogetthelatest gearinthemarketplace.Usedtosellandbuyproducts,the Adniappisadigitalresourceforclinicaltools,resources andshopping.

MyShiftPlanner

Ifyou’reworriedaboutyourconstantly changingschedule,theMyShiftPlanner appwillsenddirectupdatesinrealtime,and allowsyoutoseewhenyourco-workersare working.Itcanalsohelpwithpayrollissues andHRconcerns.

MedScape

Thisappisdesignedtoprovideimmediate clinicalanswers,thelatestclinicalnews, tools,andinformationondiseasesanddrugs. Theappoffersstep-by-stepvideosonproceduresand safetyinformationonmorethan9,200prescriptions.

TS

THATWILLM NURSESSM 3GIFTS

EBONYWILLIAMS| TheAtlantaJournal-Constitu

Whetherit’sanurseinyourownfamilyoronewho’sgoneaboveandbe admirationandgratitudewithagift.However,itcanbechallengingt andscrubsarepopulargifts,butifyou’dliketofindsomethingthat spaceforrelaxationorbringsalaugh—herearethreegreatgiftide

Aromatherapycandles

Aromatherapycandleshaveessentialoilsthat,whenignited, canreleasetherapeuticproperties.It’sagreatwaytostartor endtheday.Fromlavenderandlemontopeppermintand eucalyptus,acandlecanbeafantasticsourceofrelaxation. OnAmazon,theyrangefrom$10to$100.

“Whenyouinhalethesweetscents,yourbodysecretesfeelgoodchemicalscalledendorphins.Thishelpsrestorebalanceto yourhormonessothatyoucansleepbetter,andtheycaneven easeheadachescausedbystress,”notedNourishandLoveCo.

Journals

Ajournalisperfectforjottingdowngoals,troublesof thedayandaspirations.Journalingcanhelpnurses“release mentalblockadesandbemorepreciseaboutyourthoughts. Additionally,journalinghelpstounderstandyourdesires, prioritiesandworries,”saysSinemGünel,onMedium.

ution d beyond,it’ ngt • hat’ ideasfornur

Fungifts

say“IF merusbone)t ungiftc e whenthey’ s anexc y boost. yNurse.com, nurses ves e n l of ns ery

Frommugsthats Humerus”(withahumerus T-shirtsandpens,afungiftc smiletoanurse’sfacew atoughday.Aprescriptionpillbottlemug ($15.95onAmazon)isane iftheyneedanenergyboo AccordingtoDailyNur laughing“isawayfornur energizethemselv andtounitewithone another,anditisan especiallypowerful toolinlettinggoof thedifficultemotions thataccompanyever day’swork.”

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