PRESENTED BY
DEAR ST. LOUIS AREA NURSES, This Nurses Month marks the 3rd that we’ve celebrated
context. But nurses are driven
during the COVID pandemic. I have been a nurse for over 40
by love every day. They love
years and have never witnessed anything like the challenging
the most vulnerable among us,
times we’ve been living through. This region’s nurses have
especially when it’s hard to do.
devoted their lives to our community. They have been
They relieve pain and provide
challenged beyond belief in their work, in their homes, in their
spiritual and physical comfort.
minds, hearts and bodies. Some of them have lost loved ones
Nurses offer hope and healing at
and have been sick themselves, dealing with COVID at work
the happiest and saddest times
and at home. They’ve cared for the families of our patients
in our lives. If this isn’t love then
as well when those families couldn’t be at their loved ones’
maybe we should rethink the
bedsides. Nurses overcame staffing challenges and helped
definition. Nursing is loving at its best.
problem solve to continue to offer the best care possible.
During this time of celebrating nurses, we must look beside
They got tired of being called heroes, yet continued to do
and around us at all of the care team members who work
heroic work after public celebrations and well wishes were
together every day to deliver on our mission. Words alone
exhausted. Many people moved on beyond this harrowing
can never express my gratitude to everyone in our region
pandemic - but nurses continue to hold dying patients and
who shows up every day to care for - and love - our people.
comfort families.
Happy Nurses Month and God bless you for the work you do.
This has been a marathon and, gratefully, nurses are trained to go the long haul and win, but not without much sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Someone recently referred to caregivers as war-torn. Yes, many nurses would say they feel that way, yet they are always aware of the heartbreaking challenges others face. We hear stories now daily about nurses reaching out to Ukrainian families to offer their support, prayers and love. It’s funny that “love” is not often used to describe health care
Denise Murphy Vice President, Patient Care Systems and Chief Nurse Executive
workers. Maybe that word seems too personal to use in our
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This year, we honor all BY ERICA MILLS
St. Louis is proud to be a national leader in healthcare and medical/life sciences research. The area’s medical institutions draw top talent from around the globe. For the sixth consecutive year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reaffirmed this reputation and honored local nurses with the Nurses: The Heart of Health Care program — a contest and section supported by presenting sponsor BJC HealthCare and title sponsors Centene Corporation, Delmar Gardens, Mercy and St. Luke’s Hospital. The nurses encountered throughout the program share several identifying characteristics: compassion, respect and empathy. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, residential facilities, in-home care and even virtually. They educate, console, relate, comfort and endear themselves to patients and families.
ABOUT THE NOMINATIONS The program began with a call for nominations. The public was encouraged to nominate nursing professionals who made an impact on the lives of loved ones and the community at large. The community answered with over 230 nominations. ABOUT THE SECTION Peers, patients, friends and family shared their stories and gratitude for nursing professionals across the area. Nurse nominations were submitted by the community from their point of view. The six nurse profiles included within this section were selected by each of our sponsors as outstanding nurses in their organizations. Celebrate these tireless professionals and their unfading recognition during Nationals Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2022.
ABOUT THE COVER Six St. Louis-area nurses are featured throughout this section. From top to bottom: Yvonne Smith of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Connie Douglas of Christian Hospital, Julie Peden of Home State Health, Christina Denny of Delmar Gardens, Bridget Stubbs of Mercy and Ashley Ploesser of St. Luke’s Hospital. Nurse nominations were submitted by the community from their point of view. This content was produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch marketing department and Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com
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YVONNE SMITH Patient Care Director • Barnes-Jewish Hospital
A year of service inspired by amazing nursing care By Lori rose, Br and ave. studios contriButing writer
As a child, Yvonne Smith knew she image that comes to mind, she said, is that of wanted to serve others. She pictured herself a curling team, a sport played on ice in which as a veterinarian, caring for family pets. teams take turns to slide stones aimed at hitBut seeing the compassionate and dedting a target. icated way that nurses at Barnes-Jewish “You’ve got the people pushing the disk Hospital ministered to both her parents as down the ice, but my job is to be constantly they underwent cancer treatment shifted her ahead of them and smoothing the way,” she focus. said. “I get a lot of “I was joy and satisfaction 16 when my in removing roadmother died, blocks and making and I was 22 their jobs easier and when my father more successful.” died,” Smith One of the bigsaid. “Seeing gest challenges in them suffer so nursing today is much and seeretention, she said, ing the amazespecially in light of - Yvonne Smith ing care that a nursing shortage the nursing staff provided my parents and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. also how they cared for my sisters and me Smith strives to find ways to not only im— I don’t know how we would have gotten prove patient care but also help staff bring through it. That really changed my mind balance to their work and personal lives. about being a nurse and the unique role they play for both patients and families.” TUITION REIMBURSEMENT Smith has served as a nurse in a variety of Recruiting is an important part of the settings for 32 years. Her current role is paequation, she said. A major benefit that tient care director for women and infant serdraws prospective employees to Barnes-Jewvices and the in-vitro fertilization center at ish Hospital and all of BJC HealthCare’s 15 top-rated Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the same hospitals is tuition reimbursement. In addicampus where she was first inspired. tion to doing life-changing work, employees are supported and encouraged in advancing NURSING IS A CALLING their careers. “I really feel nursing in its purest form is Smith herself started with Barnes-Jewish social justice in action,” she said. “I love beafter earning her associate’s degree. From ing a nurse and I’m so proud of it.” there, she was able to work while earning Though her current position does not both her undergraduate and graduate deinclude serving patients directly at the bedgrees in nursing, with tuition reimbursement. side, she loves the challenges and rewards of “That’s for nurses and non-nurses — being a team leader. She is able to help bedwhether you’re a nurse wanting to get an side nurses work effectively to have a positive advanced nursing degree, or someone wantimpact on patients and their families. The ing to become a nurse and get into nursing
I REALLY FEEL NURSING IN ITS PUREST FORM IS SOCIAL JUSTICE IN ACTION.
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school,” she said. “Working for an organization that invested in me made me want to invest in them as well.” Highlighting the various pathways to becoming a nurse is also key, she said. “I tell young people, come shadow us,” she said. “Let us show you what it looks like. Get connected with a mentor or role model to talk about a career path to nursing.” There are many ways for nurses to help improve health care, from shift work in hospitals and ERs to providing care in doctors’ offices or working in home health, insurance companies or as a case manager or educator, she said. Nursing, she said, is definitely challenging but ideal for someone
while enjoying the chance to learn something new every day. Nationally-ranked BJC HealthCare comprises numerous hospitals and health service organizations across the St. Louis region. Increased compensation packages are now available to qualified nursing candidates. To learn more, visit bjcopportunity.org.
AREA OF FOCUS Patient care director for women and infant services and the in-vitro fertilization center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital
YEARS OF SERVICE 32
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w h o want s t o make a diff e r ence in life
y vonne smith, patient care director for women and infant services and the in-vitro fertiLization center at Barnes-Jewish hospitaL. photo provided By BJc heaLthcare.
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‘NURSING IS MORE THAN A PROFESSION. IT’S A CALLING.’ “I can’t think of a more noble pursuit than nursing,” says Jackie Tischler, BJC HealthCare’s chief people officer. “Not only does it answer a calling of the highest importance, but when you work for an organization like BJC HealthCare, you’re part of an incredible team of caregivers, and you have access to comprehensive benefits and rewards you just can’t get outside a health system.” “A nursing career offers rewards that few other professions can match,” says Adam Wait, Barnes-Jewish Hospital assistant nurse manager. “Those rewards go far beyond the monetary, and are even more important to people who want to make a difference in the world.“ Nursing has let Wait learn skills, build relationships and impact lives in ways he never imagined. And it lets him pay forward the support and guidance that’s been given to him throughout his career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “Nursing is more than a profession,” Wait says. “It’s a calling.” As a kid with a talent for biology and chemistry, Wait had considered becoming a doctor, but was discouraged by the time and money that would take. As an alternative outlet for his science aptitude, he entered nursing school.
In the unit, he witnessed clinicians, support staff and managers working together to give patients and their families the best care possible, no matter how critical the illness or how challenging the circumstances. Since then, his nursing career has centered on supporting and making a difference in the lives of those around him.
As a staff nurse on the Barnes-Jewish pulmonary progressive care unit (PPCU), an intensive care step-down, he helped wean ventilator-dependent patients off breathing support.
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While it might take days or even weeks to get a patient to take a single step, Wait and his team members persevere. “As they say, ‘A journey of a 1,000 miles starts with a single step,’” he says. Wait relished the challenge and savored the victories. Now, as an assistant nurse manager on a Barnes-Jewish medical/ surgical unit, he continues to develop leadership skills and broaden the scope of his impact on patient care and his team members. In his current role, he mentors his nurses on the floor and tries to foster supportive relationships among staff members, as his past managers who influenced his professional growth did for him. It has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reflects. Through the uncertainties and fears of dealing with a ruthless new illness, Wait says his staff has been able to continue providing the best care to patients because of the relationships and trust they have developed. “I’ve always felt supported in my career,” Wait says. “And I want to pay that forward to the nurses I work with.”
He had his first clinical experience as a patient care tech in a Barnes-Jewish intensive care unit. “The experience was eyeopening,” he says.
It hasn’t always been easy.
It’s difficult work for both staff and patients. Doctors, nurses, physical therapists and respiratory therapists, must work together to motivate patients to get back on their feet and breathing on their own.
While he understands why some nurses choose the immediate monetary incentives that come with other nursing paths, he finds his path brings its own rewards. “We take care of all kinds of people here. Where would they go to get this kind of care, otherwise?” he says. “It’s just great knowing that you’re making a difference in the world.”
Adam Wait, RN, BSN
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES CARDIAC CARE BIANCA LITTLE-MCLEMORE, RN GRAPETREE AGENCY
Bianca is a true definition of dedication, advocacy and determination of doing what’s right. She brings positivity and laughter wherever she goes.
DARLENE HOpkINs ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
I have so much gratitude for her cardiac skills. I always appreciate her skills in an emergency. She assesses situations fast, and her coworkers and patients love her. We are blessed to have her.
JENNIfER CANgE CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
For being a good nurse and daughter!
JENNIfER fENDLER
DARCy pATTERsON
CHRIsTINE LOuIsE sTEpHANs
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
WEST COUNTY FAMILY PRACTICE
Darcy has been a nurse to COVID-19 patients who are confined to the hospital. She has been a comfort not only to patients, but also their families with whom she has contact with via the phone.
Thank you for being so kind and helpful! You always take the time to answer all of my questions, even if you are super busy. Thank you for going above and beyond.
Everything she does is done with excellent care and genuine concern.
HEATHER pILARskI
DAwN pARkER
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
HSHS MEDICAL GROUP
Heather is a fabulous nurse. She gives her all for her patients every day, and she always finds time to help other nurses as well. Her patients are so lucky to have her.
I have watched you put other people first my entire life and serve them with reckless abandon and fiery commitment. You have been there through everything for our family and I know you bring that same heart to your profession.
pAyTON guffEy ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
Payton gives her all to her patients, being there for them and families and taking long hours and shifts. I’m so thankful to call her my daughter and to be able to watch her become the woman she is today.
REBECCA AND THE REsT Of THE NIgHT sTAff Of MERCy 5TH fLOOR HEART HOspITAL MERCY HOSPITAL
Rebecca was amazing and attentive to my needs in the most caring and genuine way. I was in the hospital for five nights and she made my stay tolerable while healing. She calmed me when I was upset. She used her skills to find the best answer to whatever I was concerned about at the time. She is a gem.
sARAH MuELLER
REspIRATORy THERApIsTs DAwN pATRICk, Np
BJC, SSM, MERCY AND ST. LUKE’S
I want to thank not just nurses, but respiratory therapists as well. Respiratory therapists played a huge role during the COVID-19 pandemic, so let’s not forget them! We work side-by-side with physicians, PAs, NPs, nurses and clinicians who all rely on our expertise.
COVID-19 CINDy fIsCHER MEDICINE SHOPPE
She is a wonderful person that volunteered to give out hundreds of vaccines. 6
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AFFINIA HEALTHCARE
Dawn is passionate, loving, caring and understanding. She really enjoys working with the community.
JANICE MEyER MERCY PRIMARY CARE, KIRKWOOD
TIM pIONTEk MEDICINE SHOPPE
For volunteering to provide hundreds of vaccines.
Janice is not only very kind and patient, but also very knowledgeable. She gives patients all the time they need, never causing them to feel rushed. She makes you feel like you are the only patient.
LugAyCHI TuRNER
DOCTOR’s OffICE
WE CARE CLINIC, BJC HEALTHCARE
ALLIsON gAgE MERCY CLINIC PRIMARY CARE - GRAVOIS
Allison is devoted to all the patients she comes into contact with, even checking on things for them on days she is not in the clinic. Her knowledgeable, kind and real approach help her patients feel better and set her apart from other practitioners.
Thanks Lugaychi for being an awesome, reliable, hard-working and dedicated co-worker. Thanks for providing care to patients, including our veterans, on a daily basis. You are truly a hero in your role.
Her compassion and patience is unique in that the conditions she deals with often involve pain. Her phone and MyChart responses are stellar. If you are a person under her care, you are not just a condition or disease.
CHRIsTIAN HOspITAL COVID-19 VACCINE CLINIC NuRsEs CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL
When you speak about a passion for nursing, you are speaking about the nurses at this clinic. The nurses are empathetic and knowledgeable, caring and compassionate. Their positive attitude throughout the clinic encourages patients to come back for their second doses and boosters, as well as tell their families and friends to go there for their vaccines.
EMERgENCy ROOM | TRAuMA ALy RACkOVAN, RN SSM HEALTH, LAKE ST. LOUIS; BARNES-JEWISH ST. PETERS HOSPITAL
She works 16-18 hour days and still has the time to be compassionate, kind and upbeat. She nurses with a smile, along with care and dedication.
AMANDA MCBANE TuCkER ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
I love her so much for her hard work and dedication to helping each and every teammate in the ER. She goes above and beyond for her patients, takes her time and make sure she provides the best care to our patients. Amanda jumps right in with the most positive attitude. She truly loves what she does and we love her.
ANNA MCquINN SSM HEALTH
An ER nurse for SSM Health for nine years and counting, Anna is one of the best in the business. She has great caregiving skills.
MARIA, MEDICAL AssIsTANT
CAssIDy wATERs
For being so nice, attentive and knowledgable. She’s the best!
CENTER FOR ADVANCED MEDICINE, BJC HEALTHCARE
Tina is always helping someone. She has done everything from delivering babies to working in the GI lab to giving hundreds of vaccines, all while still being a wonderful wife and mother.
For being an advocate for the people that look like you in situations where they have no voice. ENDOCRINOLOGY FOR DR. VERONICA MCGREGOR
ALLIsON sNyDER
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Sarah is a great, caring nurse. She listens and is always kind and compassionate. She cares how everyone feels.
TINA R. pREsTON, RN PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
ST. LOUIS HEART AND VASCULAR
Jennifer has always gone out of her way to make sure every patient and co-worker are well taken care of and comfortable. Thank you Jen Fen for always going above and beyond.
TAMMy TAyLOR, Np
sTACEy wINTERTON CASA DE SALUD
Everyone in healthcare has had to ‘pivot’ and ‘be flexible,’ but Stacey has brought a zen-like grace and humility to her work during a truly tumultuous and challenging time. Thanks for being such an inspiration to the rest of us.
sTEpHANIE sMITH, fNp SIHF
Stephanie, thank you for dedicating your life to caring, advocating and helping every patient that you have encountered throughout your nursing career. She demonstrates all of the amazing attributes that nurses are supposed to be.
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MERCY HOSPITAL WASHINGTON
My daughter is one of the strongest women I know. She was in nursing school during COVID-19, had very few in-person clinicals and most of her classes were via Zoom, yet she never gave up. I’m very proud of her perseverance.
DONNA BAx MERCY HOSPITAL
She’s always there for her four kids and husband, working nights and weekends, many times picking up additional shifts. She endured a lot at the height of the pandemic but came out of it with her head held high.
JOHN kIsTNER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SHILOH
Thank you for taking great care of my mother when she fell down the steps in her house. John worked tirelessly putting Mom back together in the Shiloh ER so they could transport her to Barnes-Jewish Hospital downtown. BRAND AVE. STUDIOS
Lydie Rose Feliho
Sarah Willard
It is with deep, heartfelt gratitude that we honor our nurse nominees and the entire Delmar Gardens Nursing staff! Your strength, sacrifice and compassion to provide the very best care and genuine comfort to our dear residents is a Christina Denny
shining example of greatness! Thank you for
Mary Flotte
your brilliant dedication to our residents and families. Always with deep respect and love,
Your Delmar Gardens Family Samantha Karns
Pam Pherigo
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Mercy’s new workforce model combats burnout by prioritizing nurse work-life balance SPONSORED CONTENT BY BELL A FOOTE, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In the past two-plus pandemic-ridden years, the term “burnout” became closely associated with the word “nurses.” According to the 2020 National Council of State Boards of Nursing, in the next five years more than one-fifth of nurses plan to retire from the profession, largely due to burnout. With that startling statistic, the question medical leaders now face is: How can we stop the burnout from happening? Betty Jo Rocchio, Mercy’s senior vice president and chief nursing officer, has been working tirelessly alongside the chief nursing officers at Mercy’s dozens of hospitals to answer this question. Rocchio has a slightly different take on this pandemic-born mass resignation. She says the system has been on the verge of collapse for years, due to the slowdown in nursing school enrollment compounded with the increased need for care as the baby boomer generation ages. It’s the perfect storm, with
less supply and higher demand putting the health care system under immense stress, with no real solution. “This burnout among nurses was inevitable. COVID-19 sped it up by about five to eight years,” says Rocchio. Nurses work long hours — typically 12hour shifts. The pandemic highlighted the inflexibility of these shifts for some nurses, forcing them into a model that fits the needs of the health care system sometimes at the expense of their personal lives. During the pandemic, “nurses felt a call so profound that they put their life, health and welfare on hold. And now there’s nothing left,” says Rocchio. “So today, we are in a phase of recovery.” But what does that recovery look like, exactly? “What nurses need is a flexible model that meets their lives,” Rocchio explains. The model is being implemented at Mercy’s biggest hospitals across the four states it serves. It targets the “flex layer” in the workforce — individuals who work part-time or prefer gig work. Mercy trains these gig co-workers but does not require a commitment in terms of scheduling or required hours. “No longer is there a standard of scheduling in shifts,” Rocchio says. “This model is based on hours, and it’s all done in an app backed by artificial intelligence.” Here’s how it works: The fulltime, or core, co-workers choose their preferred shifts. After that, the flex co-workers will fill the gaps. This allows part-time co-workers to schedule by the hour as opposed to an entire 12 hour shift. Parents could choose to work from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. so they can pick up their children from school — something that wasn’t possible before. It all depends on the nurse’s schedule. Less-desir-
able hours, for example overnight hours, will pay a premium — an incentive to engage gig co-workers. And all of this is handled on an app, tailored to each co-worker’s preferences. With this model, Mercy leaders hope to bring back early retirees, working parents and others who have resigned because of inflexible schedules. Mercy has been developing this model since the onset of the pandemic, and introduced it to a few hospitals in the Springfield, Missouri, area in January. Mercy Hospital Springfield initially implemented the new model on four floors. “I’m able to meet the patient care needs in our intensive care unit and have seen an increase in the availability of nurses to work additional shifts,” says Karla VanHorn, unit manager and team leader at Mercy Hospital
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MERCY HOSPITAL
Springfield. “This is mainly because they can individualize the app to their preferences and shifts are clearly defined to pick up.” By the end of May 2022, this model will launch at all 45 Mercy Hospitals to be implemented in every unit. “We are seeing an increased fill-rate per shift and our nurse satisfaction scores are going up,” reports Rocchio. “We are finally starting to put the joy back in nursing.” For more information about career opportunities at Mercy, visit careers.mercy.net.
BET T Y JO ROCCHIO, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF NURSING OFFICER AT MERCY. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MERCY HOSPITAL.
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BRIDGET STUBBS Clinical Team Leader • Mercy Hospital South
This nurse helps cultivate the strong sense of community at Mercy BY BELL A FOOTE, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When Bridget Stubbs first attended college, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do — a common student conundrum. It was during her sophomore year that life intervened and Stubbs’ little brother ended up in the pediatric intensive care unit for a month. “Seeing him in the pediatric ICU, on the drip,” she says, “that was the moment where I realized health care was where I wanted to go. And Missouri State University had a great health care program, so it all really fell into place.” Now, with a nursing degree and nearly a decade’s worth of nursing experience at Mercy in St. Louis under her belt, she hasn’t looked back once. Stubbs currently works at Mercy Hospital South as a clinical team leader in the surgical neuro ICU, which is an integral part of the hospital’s - Bridget C omp r e h e n s ive Stroke Center and its trauma center, which just received the Beacon Award for Exceptional Patient Care. However, the past two of her nine years of nursing have been plagued by the demands of COVID-19. Along with many other things, the pandemic turned the world of health care on its head, and nurses like Stubbs were left reeling in its wake. She faced an ICU full of COVID-19 patients for more than two years. “We had to learn to adapt to no visitors,” she explains. “We found ourselves using video calling because of social distancing to
communicate with families about life-altering decisions.” MOVING FORWARD Now, in a world attempting to rebuild, the health care system has pivoted. “It’s totally family-centered care now,” she says. “Families, after being kept from their loved ones, want to ensure that they’re present to see all of the work we’re doing. We cherish their presence even more now, because we know what it’s like when patients are without their family and community.” That sense of community is something that Stubbs relies on for support as well. “What makes me go back to work day after day is the people that are going through it with me. The trauma my team experienced, especially during StuBBS COVID-19, only made us stronger,” she says. Stubbs explains the seamless way in which her team works together: “When a really critical patient comes to us, we’re like a car-racing pit crew. We’ll work in silence and then all just kind of fall into place and do our job. And when we leave the room, we debrief after.” In addition to the close community forged among her co-workers, Stubbs’ purpose lies in the bond she shares with her patients. “We see a lot of death,” she says. “It’s not
WHAT MAKES ME GO BACK TO WORK DAY AFTER DAY IS THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING THROUGH IT WITH ME.
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unusual to see a few deaths a week. But on the other end of that, we get to see the people we’ve worked so hard to make healthy again thrive, walk around and even come back to visit us. That’s why I do what I do.” She adds, even with the hard moments, “seeing people who are at the end of their life — even in those moments, we have the opportunity to make it as peaceful as possible.” National Nurses Week, from May 6 through 12 this year, is a time for us to acknowledge and honor the irreplaceable work our nurses do for our community. It takes a special person to be a nurse, and the
staff at Mercy thanks them for answering the call. To learn more about Mercy, visit careers.mercy.net.
AREA OF FOCUS Clinical team leader in the surgical neuro ICU at Mercy Hospital South
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BRIDGET STUBBS, CLINICAL TEAM LEADER IN THE SURGICAL NEURO ICU AT MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH. PHOTO PROVIDED BY MERCY HOSPITAL.
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EMERGENCY ROOM | TRAUMA LAUREL MEHRLE ASCENSION HEALTH, JANE PHILLIPS MEDICAL CENTER
For caring with a smile.
MELISSA BUCHANNAN
BRITTANY BEHR
KIM SUDBROCK
PREMIER HOME HEALTH CARE
ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL, CHESTERFIELD
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Her excellent home health care visits make living in a assisted living facility possible. She is a great friend and dedicated health provider.
Brittany is the most kindhearted and selfless person. She works long hours for days on end, is a single mother of three and gives 110% to her profession. We thank her from the bottom of our heart for her service! Her empathy, love and caring ways carried us through a very dark and uncertain time.
Kim is such an excellent role model for bedside nursing. She is so kind and patient and one of the best nurses I have ever met.
MERCY HOME HEALTH NURSES
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
This team, along with their peers, are the best of the best: compassionate, kind, smart and caring. You are in good hands with the Mercy Hospital South ED nurses, techs and medics.
Thank you to all the Mercy Home Health nurses for what you do every day. You go above and beyond to take care of all of our patients in their homes with outstanding care and compassion.
For taking care of patients with extreme patience and care. She is the best nurse I’ve ever known.
CHRISTY NEW
KRISTY WOGTECH
SSM HEALTH, LAKE ST. LOUIS
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
At work she goes above and beyond and helps where it’s needed. She works extra shifts and still comes home to her husband and girls and turns on mom mode. She’s a great sister-in-law to me and an amazing aunt to my son.
She is so kind and patient and she does amazing work for her patients in the ICU. Before COVID-19, she volunteered every summer at MDA summer camp. I’m super proud to call her my sister.
ERICA GRUZESKI
LAURA ROUSTIO
SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
For staying positive through COVID-19 and sacrificing her own time to keep others safe.
Laura is a nurse that always goes above and beyond for her patients. She made my stay at Mercy Hospital St. Louis feel like home. You could tell she really cared about me as a person, and more than just a patient in the hospital.
CAROL WALLACH BJC HEALTHCARE
Mercy HoMe HealtH - teaM WASHINGTON MERCY HOME HEALTH, WASHINGTON
TERESA FORREST, RN, BSN She is a dedicated nurse and loves her job at Barnes.
I love these nurses! I get to see them make a difference in somebody’s life every day. It’s not easy working out in the community, but they provide amazing care to all the patients they see.
TOM MAJOR
MICHELLE
Thanks for your professional knowledge when asked about medications that would relieve us of issues we were having.
EVELYN’S HOUSE | BJC HOSPICE
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
HOME HEALTH | HOSPICE AT HOME CARE NURSES AT HOME CARE
The nurses are rock stars. They have been a great help at my church by providing vaccines for almost a year.
I want to express my gratitude to Michelle for her compassionate care for my father. During this painful time, her care extended to his family. She embodied knowledge, skill and kindness. She is one of the best nurses I have ever met.
STEPHANIE BREEZE PARK SENIOR SERVICES CARE CENTER
Stephanie, an LPN at Breeze Park Senior Services Care Center, is the most passionate and caring person in the world. She is always willing to lend a compassionate ear.
JACQUE MAJOR MERCY HOSPITAL
Jacque is always available for a private consultation day or night, whenever we have a medical issue. As a hospice nurse, she can express her sympathy to all involved.
INTENSIVE CARE UNIT ANDERSON HOSPITAL ICU | IMU NURSES | TECHS | US | SITTERS ANDERSON HOSPITAL
KAREN SCHROEDER, NP DELMAR GARDENS HOME CARE
Thank you for your kind and compassionate care to my husband Wallie Pott at the end of his life. You recognized that he and our family had both medical and emotional needs and delivered your expertise to both. You exemplify what it means to deliver extraordinary and empathetic nursing care.
MARIA CHASE VNA HOME HEALTH
This VNA nurse has taken care of my swelling leg for more than two years. She has always been there for me and always cared about me as a person.
The staff of the ICU/IMU at Anderson Hospital rose to the challenge every day throughout the pandemic. They showed amazing teamwork, skill and support for one another, all while providing the best care possible to their critically-ill patients.
ANNIE WESTHOFF BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Annie does such a great job with managing patient care and exceeding expectations. She listens to her patients and makes sure all needs are being met. She truly makes them feel comforted and safe.
BRIE BAKER BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
MARY BLUE, “SUZIE”
DELMAR GARDENS HOME CARE
I want to give “Suzie” a million thanks for her thoughtful and loving care of my husband as he was nearing his end of life. It meant so much to me and the rest of my family.
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Brie is such a great nurse, friend and coworker. She has dedicated so much time to helping others. Brie is kind and compassionate and always puts others before herself.
MERCY HOSPITAL
Kristina is a wonderful and loving mother of two, a loving wife and a caring and passionate nurse. It’s amazing that someone would have enough love and passion for all three, but she does and then some.
MERCY HOME HEALTH
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT RNS AND FELLOWSHIP GRADUATES, 2021
KRISTINA SANDLER
ERIN SCHEPIS BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Thank you for leading an incredible group of critical care nurses. We appreciate your dedication and perseverance during these times. Your kindness and strength does not go unnoticed.
JESSICA MCCALL SSM HEALTH
MARY MCCOY MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
Mary is a rock. She is a mentor, a friend, quick to laugh and just as quick to jump in and help you. COVID-19 didn’t change any of that. She is an amazing nurse and nurse leader. Mercy St. Louis and the ICU is lucky to have her.
Not only are you good at what you do, you’re caring and passionate about nursing. Thank you for being a great nurse, friend and soon-to-be wife.
MARY MCTEARNEN
JILL IGOU
Mary is kind, compassionate and - best of all super knowledgeable. Mary is always there to help and never acts as if it’s a burden to do so.
We want to thank Jill for being the best nurse manager and always looking out for her nurses and the patients. You made us all feel like your favorite. You were patient with your teaching and inspired us all to be better, more competent nurses.
KATIE SCHNEIDER
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL, CRITICAL CARE UNIT
MEGAN HANSON SSM HEALTH, ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Megan’s commitment to excellence, and her desire to care for her community one patient at a time, deserves recognition and sincere appreciation.
SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
Katie goes above and beyond for her patients and their families regularly. From holding their hands while they take their last breath to comforting a grieving family member, she provides continuous and compassionate care.
KATIE THOMPSON, RN
MIA ZACHER, BSN, RN BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Thank you for being strong enough to start your nursing career during a pandemic, taking extra shifts, giving your patients the best of you and never looking back!
MERCY HOSPITAL
ROSIE
Katie is a caring and hardworking nurse, while also being the go-to nurse to her family and extended family. Despite this, she still has the energy to be an awesome wife and mother of two.
MERCY HOSPITAL CREVE COEUR
KELSEY VAN BUREN, RN, BSN MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
Rosie was so kind, understanding and respectful towards my father when he was in the ICU. Rosie was supportive of our whole family, being with my father during his last breaths. We were blessed to have her as our angel to watch over my beloved father.
She has shown true compassion and courage throughout the pandemic, taking on extra shifts to help understaffed units and exhausted coworkers. She puts her patients needs before her own. Absolutely selfless!
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INTENSIVE CARE UNIT SARA BRODSKY BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
For being the most caring and compassionate person, as well as medical ICU nurse, that I’ve ever met.
SARAH HADDIX ANDERSON HOSPITAL
She’s a great director and always helps us on the floor. She has advocated for nurses through the whole pandemic and we love her support.
STEPHANIE MUCHACHO PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
Thank you for the excellent care that you gave both my mother and mother-in-law during the last days of their lives. Your compassion for the family was much-appreciated. Stephanie is a strong patient advocate, while also being an excellent clinician.
VICTORIA PITENIS I want to thank Nurse Victoria for being so brave during COVID-19, and for being so dedicated to her patients.
LABOR & DELIVERY | MATERNAL CARE | NEONATAL | WOMEN’S HEALTH
KIM RUSH
ARNITA PITTS
SUSAN STUMPF
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR CLINICAL STUDIES
ANDERSON HOSPITAL
I want to thank her for her kindness. She constantly made me laugh, and constantly praised and encouraged me. She held my hand and gave me hugs. She was my comfort.
SHARISE “NICKI” MEYER
When I had my first child, she got up at 3 a.m. when my water broke and coached me through breathing. She made me so calm! Now, I have two children and she has been there every step of the way.
She has helped many - even in her “off time” - as they battled COVID-19 and is always available to help those in need. She puts others ahead of herself and I couldn’t be more proud to call her my sister.
Thank you for being helpful to patients in STL and for being a listening ear to your “adopted” children throughout the country. We can always depend on you to love us well and care about the fullness of our lives, even from a distance!
SOPHIE COOKE
CATHERINE ROGERS
MISSOURI BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HEMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT
SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
Big smile and a bigger heart!
A caring, intelligent nurse who has served as a mentor to many, along with myself.
SUE MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
I miscarried at 18 weeks and was induced to deliver my baby. Sue never left my side, constantly checked on us, held me while I cried my eyes out and delivered our baby. She made sure I had every wish fulfilled and really listened to me. She made me feel like her own daughter and I’ve never felt so much compassion and love from a stranger. She made the worst day of grief a little lighter with her love.
Dawn is the perfect example of a phenomenal nurse and great person. Her empathy expands beyond those that are in her care and extends to their loved ones, as well. She set and achieved her goals to become a selfless healthcare provider and is a shining example of what ‘ following your dreams, no matter what the obstacles’ looks like.
TAMARE BANKS
KATIE PETERSON
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
She works hard, hustles and cares for her patients like family. Anyone would be fortunate to have her at their bedside.
CHELSEA T. DAVIS
MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
SSM HEALTH INFUSION CENTER
SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
TaMare is a very hardworking and giving young lady. She always put her patients first and gives her utmost support to her coworkers.
This special nurse gives more than just excellent physical care: she cares for each patient as a whole person.
YVONNE SMITH, MSN, RN
KIM LANCIA ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
ANGELA HARRIS
DAWN MORRIS, RN
Yvonne is a powerhouse of a nurse, a leader and a human. We all burn brighter because she is the accelerant who fuels us. She shows up for us day after day, week after week and year after year with a vision of excellence. We are better because of her!
Kim is an exceptional, loving and caring nurse. She offers a unique strength and support to all she encounters.
ONCOLOGY | CANCER CARE
LAURA JOYCE
KRISTI MULDER WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
She is a chemotherapy nurse and makes a very hard time in her patient’s life a little easier with her care, compassion, love and smile. She also transfuses monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 positive patients. She helped save some very sick people who were on the verge of death and deserves all the recognition in the world.
THE ENTIRE STAFF SITEMAN CANCER CENTER, ST. PETERS
For my excellent care as I went through treatment for HL.
ORTHOPEDICS CINDY PASQUE, RN, MSN, CCTC BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Thank you Cindy for doing what you do. Every time I call, you take care of whatever my need is at that time.
DAROTHEY P. ROBERTS, RN RETIRED
I would like to thank my mother, Darothey P. Roberts, for becoming a second-generation nurse who led with love, compassion and strength in nursing. She cared for hospice patients, orthoneuro patients, as well as family and friends.
REGINA SPARKS ORTHOPEDIC CENTER OF ST. LOUIS
Thank you Regina for your unending commitment to excellent health care for your patients. She has always had a willingness to help others.
TIFFANY SCHMIDT SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
Tiffany-Amber has always been into helping people. She is an amazing nurse who always puts her patients first before anything else.
Kristi is our favorite nurse!
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Thank you for all you do each and everyday. Not only are you catching babies as a labor and delivery nurse, you were also my support while going through chemotherapy. With your knowledge and compassion, and being a loving cousin, you helped me get through that season. She is an excellent nurse and very supportive caregiver.
ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
ADAM MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
Thank you so much for taking care of our mother like she was your own mother. You are truly a godsend. Keep doing what your doing.
Laura goes above and beyond in all that she does. She is a dedicated nurse, a loving mom and she values family in every way. She puts others before herself and is always level-headed, even in tough situations.
MARSHALL FAYE SSM HEALTH INFUSION CENTER
JENNIFER KOSKELA PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
Jenni is the rock that keeps us centered. Caring deeply and passionately for people comes naturally to her. She can brighten a room with just her presence and comfort her patients with her caring demeanor. She will change the world, one patient at a time, because their experience matters most to her. Jenni went above and beyond as my labor and delivery nurse. She literally saved my sweet Josephine’s life! She advocated for my baby and I, and she barely left my side. She was with me every step of the way.
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ALL NURSES AT THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED MEDICINE LOCATION We are an amazing team - having skill, knowledge and compassion while working independently.
She is a phenomenal nurse. She truly goes above and beyond for her patients and knows her art. Her care and compassion for her patients comes naturally to her, and she warrants the term ‘healthcare hero’ in every aspect.
AMY WILLIAMS
SARAH MUELLER, BSN, RN
SITEMAN CANCER CENTER
SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
BJC HEALTHCARE
What an amazing nurse, wife, mom, friend, leader, healer and woman. You embody the true calling of what nursing is and can’t wait to have our daughter join the ranks of nursing this summer with you.
I’ve always said if you wake up in the hospital with this beautiful face looking down at you, you will think she’s an angel.
OTHER ABIGAIL GOFF, RN MERCY HOSPITAL JEFFERSON
Beyond being an amazing nurse, she now supervises our team and has continued to build us up and encourage each of us individually. We wouldn’t be as strong as we are without her taking the lead and supporting us.
ADRIENNE GREENLEE BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL, PATIENT PLACEMENT CENTER
Adrienne has been a nurse at Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the last 26 years in various roles from staff nurse to leadership. Adrienne has selflessly given up her weekends during the pandemic to staff the COVID-19 clinic and to ensure that our patients, families and friends receive their COVID-19 vaccines.
My daughter has a heart of gold! Any patient that has had her for a nurse knows they have the best.
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Nurses power Centene program improving the health of birthing parents and infants SPONSORED CONTENT PROVIDED BY CENTENE CORPOR ATION
Infant mortality rates have improved over the last three decades in the United States to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, but it still ranks 33rd out of 36 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries on the metric. For non-Hispanic Black infants, the rate is significantly worse — 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births. Centene Corporation’s Start Smart for Your Baby® aims to improve the health of birthing parents and infants, and it’s essential to the company’s health equity efforts. Nurses play a vital role in the program’s success. They often work directly with members as case managers to coordinate their care, and they oversee teams that are helping new parents navigate the healthcare system. “Nurses are critical to Start Smart’s success and the improved health of our members and their babies,” said Kim Henrichsen, Centene’s senior vice president of medical management. Henrichsen is also a nurse. “They’re able to use their clinical expertise and critical thinking skills that they’ve acquired to gain the trust of members and connect them to the resources and support they need to deliver healthier babies.” Nationally, Centene provides healthcare to more than 26 million people across all 50 states, including 15 million Medicaid members. It launched the Start Smart program more than a decade ago with an emphasis on early intervention in pregnancies and a focus on the whole health of the birthing parent. That means addressing social determinants of health — such as adequate housing, transportation and access to nutritional food — that can play a role in whether a pregnant member can access healthcare, in addition to medical issues. Start Smart employs advanced analytics, including sifting through publicly available consumer data, to better identify high-risk members, and it has significantly improved the prenatal and postnatal health of the birthing parent and baby. Participation in the program
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has steadily increased over its 13 years, while the number of very-low-birth- weight deliveries has decreased by more than 30%. Once an eligible member is identified, that’s often where Felicia Kellum comes in. Kellum, who joined Centene’s Missouri health plan, Home State Health, to work on Start Smart five years ago, leverages her years of experience as a nurse, providing direct care to patients in a variety of settings, and marries it with a background in social services. “I always want to meet the member where they are, and that is where we start,” Kellum said. As a care manager, she tries to build rapport with each member so that they open up about the challenges they’re facing, whether related to finding a doctor, social determinants, mental health or substance abuse. Putting together a plan for each person’s care is like assembling a puzzle. “The pieces tend to be all over the place, but I try to take it one piece at a time,” Kellum said. She works to connect members with the support they need so that they can focus on getting the right care for themselves and their babies. “If I’m hungry, you can’t talk to me about my health; if my electricity is going to be turned off, I’m not thinking about getting to a prenatal appointment,” Kellum said. The approach has paid off for new parents across the country, including for Home State’s members in Missouri, where low-birth-weight births have decreased and: • C-section rates were reduced by 1.8% from 2018 to 2020, including a 7.9% decrease in rural areas, and; • Preeclampsia diagnoses saw a 6.3% decrease during pregnancy for Black women and a 3% decrease for women living in urban areas. To complement the efforts of care managers such as Kellum, Start Smart also now offers participants the Pacify platform, an app for members with smartphones that gives
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CENTENE CORPORATION.
them 24/7 access to multilingual maternal and pediatric experts for lactation support, member education and telehealth options via phone and video. Under this program, Home State has demonstrated a decrease in neonatal intensive care length of stays when care management and Pacify were used together compared to care management alone. For parents whose babies require NICU care, the care management Kellum provides is part of an integrated neonatal team of medical directors and nurses. This team will monitor the baby’s progress and reach out to the baby’s physicians to help remove barriers of family engagement and to prepare for post-discharge needs. “Working with our hospital and physician
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partners, starting at admission, is the best way to limit family separation and ensure a successful NICU graduation home,” said Dr. Daniel Bruzzini, Centene’s National Neonatal Center of Excellence medical director. That individual attention — from pregnancy through post-partum care — is part of a Start Smart care management continuum that is driven by Centene health plan nurses and helps to improve the health of birthing parents and their babies every day. To learn more about Centene Corporation, visit centene.com.
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JULIE PEDEN Care Manager • Home State Health
Veteran nurse loves her role supporting foster children BY LORI ROSE, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Julie Peden has worked as a registered embarrassed to ask. nurse for 25 years in multiple settings, includPeden is experienced in working with ing the emergency room, intensive care unit, pregnant teens and was able to build a cardiac rehab and dialysis. But her current trusting relationship with the teen. She conrole serving foster children through Home nected her with resources for pregnant and State Health is one of the most rewarding yet. new moms, helped coordinate her medical As a care manager for foster youth, Peden appointments and mental health care, and draws from the skills she has developed supported her as she progressed through her through the years to help her young patients, pregnancy and learned how to be a mother. who make up “I was comone of the most pletely impressed vulnerable popwith how well ulations in the she managed her United States. life, raising the “ Ev e r y t h i n g baby and going has added up to to school,” Peden this,” Peden said. said. “This is ab“There isn’t a day solutely why I do that goes by that what I do. These I don’t get to use are the stories I something I’ve will always relearned to help member, and I someone. And think about her that is the best reoften. I did help ward in life.” her get the menA recent extal health help ample: a teen who she needed. I did came into foster give her support care was scared and the tools she and experiencing needed to be a a high-risk pregsuccessful teen nancy. She was mom. But I will - Julie Peden paired with Peden always believe she as her care manager through Home State is the actual champion.” Health, a subsidiary of Centene Corp. that Peden’s caseload ranges from birth to age provides managed health care for many of 25, all at greater risk for mental and physithe more than 14,000 foster care children in cal complications because of instability or Missouri. trauma in their lives. Peden said the father of the baby was not Some are teens who need resources for ininvolved, and though the teen had a supdependent living, such as how to establish a portive foster care guardian, she had lots medical or dental provider or how to obtain of questions, many of which she was too a Social Security card.
THERE ISN’T A DAY THAT GOES BY THAT I DON’T GET TO USE SOMETHING I’VE LEARNED TO HELP SOMEONE. AND THAT IS THE BEST REWARD IN LIFE.
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Others need help to learn how to take care of babies, from nutrition to breastfeeding, education and parenting. “Home State and Centene offer so many great resources to members to have a healthy baby,” Peden said. Those resources include transportation to medical appointments, meals delivered to their home, a list of places that supply clothing to kids in foster care, even a rewards system that builds points for money to spend at retailers for items moms or babies need. “I love this job,” Peden said. “I think all of us nurses have hearts that just want to help people. This is one of
them. It’s challenging — a little bit of everything — but that’s what I love about it.” To learn more, visit homestatehealth.com.
AREA OF FOCUS Care manager for foster youth through Home State Health
YEARS OF SERVICE 25
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t h e neediest populations and I’m glad to be able to connect with JULIE PEDEN, CARE MANAGER FOR FOSTER YOUTH THROUGH HOME STATE HEALTH. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CENTENE CORPORATION.
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CONNIE DOUGLAS Clinical Nurse Practitioner • Christian Hospital
A year of service inspired by amazing nursing care BY AMY LYNCH, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For Connie Douglas, nursing is more would be simple — making sure patients than just a profession. It’s a calling. have their medicines and see their doctors,” “Even as a young girl, I loved taking care she says. “Christian Hospital is located amid of people,” she says. “You have to have the a food desert in a zip code with low literacy right heart and a soul to do this job. I love and low employment. Many of these people figuring out the mystery behind a patient’s can’t afford to see their doctors or take their diagnosis, and seeing people go from a place medicines due to a lack of resources. My of no hope to havjob is to address ing hope.” their barriers and A clinical figure out what nurse practiworks for them.” tioner since 2009 As a nurse (and a practicpr a c t it ioner, ing nurse since Douglas is able to 1999), Douglas see patients, diaghas worked her nose illnesses and way through prescribe medicanearly every hostions — functionpital department ing in much the there is, from insame way as a pritensive care and mary care doctor. emergency rooms However, she adto burn care and mits she does miss gastroenterology. the bedside paNow, she leads tient contact that and manages nursing provides. - CONNIE DOUGlAS the Community Having earned Health Access her bachelor’s and Program at Christian Hospital, an acutemaster’s degrees in nursing from Maryville care medical center in St. Louis and part of University in St. Louis, Douglas is currently the BJC HealthCare system. hoping to complete a doctorate by the end of “We serve as a bridge for patients between this year. She credits the many fellowships the hospital and their primary care proshe’s done with instilling a well-rounded and vider,” she explains. “Our goal is to reduce patient-centric approach to patient care. readmissions and improve access to care.” COMPASSION AND OPPORTUNITIES AN EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE “I’m always making sure to be 100% paWorking with underserved communities tient-focused,” she says. has been an eye-opening change for Douglas Although a nursing shortage is still in efcoming from her prior position at another fect, Douglas advises prospective candidates hospital. to seriously consider the reasons for their in“At first, I thought community health terest in the profession.
YOU hAVE TO hAVE ThE RIGhT hEART AND A SOUl TO DO ThIS jOb. I lOVE FIGURING OUT ThE MYSTERY bEhIND A PATIENT’S DIAGNOSIS, AND SEEING PEOPlE GO FROM A PlACE OF NO hOPE TO hAVING hOPE.
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“Shadow a working nurse and figure out if this is exactly what you want to do,” she says. “So many people are entering the field because of job security, but they don’t have the compassion they really need to do this work.” Douglas also sees a lot of opportunity in the community health sector, where she hopes to continue making a difference and improving lives. “I just want to keep striving,” she says. “I’m doing this to set an example for my children. They all want to go into healthcare!”
Nationally-ranked BJC HealthCare comprises numerous hospitals and health service organizations across the St. Louis region. Increased compensation packages are now available to qualified nursing candidates. To learn more, visit bjcopportunity.org.
AREA OF FOCUS Clinical nurse practitioner at Christian Hospital.
YEARS OF SERVICE 33
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CONNIE DOUGL AS, CLINICAL NURSE PRACTITIONER AT CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BJC HEALTHCARE.
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OPPORTUNITY AWAITS. Join a world-class health care system with a reputation for innovation, excellence and inclusivity. You Belong at BJC.
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OTHER AFFINIA HEALTHCARE NURSES AFFINIA HEALTHCARE
All of our nurses (LPNs, RNs, NPs, DNPs) go above and beyond. The last several years have truly highlighted their resilience, compassion, strength and love for the community.
AIMEE MAYO
BRYAN CLONTS
CRYSTAL BAILEY
FRESENIUS KIDNEY CARE ST. LOUIS
JUSTICE CENTER
Bryan goes above and beyond to ensure everyone’s needs are met, even if it’s out of his nursing scope. Bryan exhibits unconditional care and love, not only to his patients but to families, coworkers and friends.
Thank you for your continuous community service.
I want to thank Bryan for his dedication, perseverance, selflessness and for being the kind, giving person he is. I have never known anyone that is more caring than he is.
MERCY HOSPITAL
Aimee has made it through the rigors of nursing school to become a great trauma nurse. Her personal life has taught her empathy and she has used her experiences to pass this on to her patients.
ALEX ENGLER AND PAIGE CHOATE BJC HEALTHCARE AND WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Alex and Paige graduated as nurse practitioners while working full time and during the COVID-19 pandemic. They always strive for excellence.
ALI SMUGALA MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
She works so hard every week and is in the process of becoming a nurse practitioner. I couldn’t be more proud of her.
ALL NURSES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Thankful for their dedication throughout the pandemic. I appreciated how hard they all worked, putting their life on the line day after day.
ALLI COMBS SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
I want to thank Alli for all her hard work as a nurse. She truly cares about her patients and wants to make a positive difference in their lives. Even when she is tired, she still puts her best foot forward and does everything in her power to help.
AMANDA WARDEN, RN
I have never known a more compassionate, hard-working and loving caregiver. The world of healthcare is better because of him.
DAWN BRANDENBERG MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
Thank you for always being willing to jump in and serve wherever the need may be. During the most recent COVID-19 surge, Dawn teamed up on non-procedure days and served on our inpatient step down unit. She provided much needed support while on the unit, becoming the “bath team.” Not only did this support their fellow RNs, but it also comforted patients during their stay.
CHANEY BELL, FNP
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Debbie has been our angel.
DENISE FOWLER BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Thanks Denise for always giving 110% each day and for always willing to help anyone out.
JEFFERSON BARRACKS VA HOSPITAL
DIANE HOWARD
Chaney Bell is caring, knowledgeable, persistent and strives to reach new heights. Just like those before her, Nurse Bell comes from a family of nurses. Being a nurse is more than just a profession, it’s in her DNA.
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
Diane, thank you for all you did for my husband when he was in your care. You are wonderful and very compassionate.
ELIZABETH FIELDS Chaney is extremely dedicated to caring for others. Not only does she advocate for her patients, she advocates for her staff as well. Chaney is very humble and once she leaves the clinic, she is still on duty for friends and family.
SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
Beth gives her heart and soul to her patients, as well as her fellow nurses. Her patients become her family and she makes sure they receive the best care.
ELIZABETH WINKELMAN
Mrs. Bell expresses dedication to her staff, students, patients and their families daily. She serves the underserved communities of St. Clair County, and she does so with empathy, patience and compassion.
Thanks for the hours of hard work under normal conditions, but especially for going above and beyond during COVID-19.
CHLOE ROTHERMICH
EMILY HAZELTON
SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
SSM HEALTH, ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
She has a positive attitude and does whatever is asked of her. She works extra shifts and is flexible in her schedule.
Thank you for always pushing me to be the best I can be. I already know you’re the best nurse any patient could ask for, and you’re going to continue to do amazing things.
AMY GROTE
CHRISTIANA MAYO, BSN
BARNES-JEWISH WEST COUNTY HOSPITAL
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BELLEVILLE
This is my wonderful daughter-in-law, who for years has dedicated her nursing career to taking care of the smallest and sickest babies at SSM. She puts her whole heart into treating each precious newborn and their families. Thanks for all that you do and for being the special person that you are.
She is extremely knowledgeable and talented. She truly cares for her patients, their families, her co-workers and family. She provides great comfort and compassion for all her patients.
ANGIE REINCKE BARNES-JEWISH WEST COUNTY HOSPITAL
Angie always has an uplifting smile and is so sweet and patient every single time.
ASHLEY WILSON, BSN, RN SSM HEALTH, ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Graduating college and beginning her RN career in the ER - all during the midst of COVID-19 Ashley immersed herself in the first responder role with resilience, a bright spirit and kind heart. She is now changing lives in the PACU. We couldn’t be more proud.
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GATEWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Thank you to all the nurses at Gateway Regional Medical Center for all they do for the community and their patients. Everyone from the OR to the medical floors to the quality department have shown their compassion, strength and dedication throughout the pandemic.
HEATHER SINGLETON BARNES-JEWISH ST. PETERS HOSPITAL
Heather is amazing, not just as a nurse but as a friend. She is caring and friendly, taking great care of her patients. She is always comforting, empathetic and kind.
DEBBIE YOUNG I have had the pleasure of working with Bryan since 1995 and have always admired his work ethic and commitment to his patients! Bryan deserves so much acknowledgement and respect. He is an unsung hero who so many patients owe their lives.
Emily was very supportive to me and my daughter Abby when my husband was in the SLU ICU in the fall. She is the best!
MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH, ACUTE REHAB
GATEWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER NURSES
CONNIE DOUGLAS
ERICA RUTSCH I want to thank her for being a loving, caring, compassionate and hard-working person.
FELICIA COOPER, RN ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT NORTH CENTRAL HEALTH CENTER
Thanks for your dedication and perseverance during these tumultuous times.
GARRETT SANSOUCIE
CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL
Connie supports our patients with a bedside approach that allows their input to be heard. Connie listens and ensures that the patients have a voice and that their care is paramount. She is accessible and always helps, even while juggling multiple projects.
RANKEN JORDAN PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL
You are an amazing nurse! What an asset to the nursing community. Keep up the great work, and thank you for your service with the Army National Guard.
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JANICE MEYER, FNP, BC MERCY CLINIC PRIMARY CARE
Janice is one of the most dedicated medical professionals one will ever find. Her compassion for my health issues has taught me to be kind and helpful to others in need, whether it is a healthrelated matter or not.
JEANETTE BUCKNER, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC VA ST. LOUIS HEALTH CARE
I would like to take this opportunity to thank this nurse for all the hard work and dedication she has given the community that she serves. On a daily basis, she goes above and beyond to provide safe, cost-effective and professional care to the community of patients she cares for.
JEANNE SMITH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BELLEVILLE
She is dedicated to making our patients and staff have a wonderful experience. Her nursing skills and compassion are beyond compare. Jeanne has the pleasure of retiring this year and she will be sorely missed by all of us here at BJC Memorial Hospital.
JULIE BOTTERBUSH, RN, MSN, OCN, NE-BC SSM HEALTH, ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Julie works to set and maintain excellent standards of care for both her staff and patients. Thanks for everything you do to provide quality outcomes for the patients and encourage your staff to succeed.
K. DIANE DALY, RN, CFCE MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
I’d like to thank K. Diane Daly for our friendship of 46 years and for her years of work in Fertility Care Services, which not only teaches and supports natural family planning. but also assists couples struggling with infertility.
KACEY GANT ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
Thank you for always being so helpful, patient and kind. The world needs more people like you.
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OTHER
KRISTIN, JENNY AND JACKIE LUEDERS
MICHELLE JENKERSON WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, BJC HEALTHCARE
She is currently an LPN, working to be an RN. Even through the pandemic, she has persisted towards her career as a talented nurse. She has made our family extremely proud and will be a wonderful nurse!
I am so proud of my three daughters, two nurse practitioners and a PACU nurse. Their compassion and dedication are amazing and they truly love what they do.
My wife has taken care of our three children from birth to adulthood and now provides her knowledge to our five grandchildren, all while holding a full-time position at Washington University.
LIA HUDDART
MICHELLE MORTIMER
MERCY HOSPITAL
CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL
For saving my life.
KATHY HOWARD
LISA ARMSBY
Michelle is a strong patient advocate, always caring for the patient as well as the family members well being.
SSM HEALTH, ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
For all her hard work and dedication to the profession.
OSF HEALTHCARE NURSES
KASSIE HELMS MERCY HOSPITAL JEFFERSON
Kathy Howard is one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever known. She strives for excellence in her work and her daily life. Kathy has given 110% of herself by helping patients get proper, accurate and personal care for over 40 years. She is an angel in disguise.
KELLY DIEL
ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL AND MERCY HOSPITAL
ALTON, ILL.
For her dedication and kindness.
All of the nurses at OSF HealthCare are caring, hardworking and dedicated nurses. They are all special.
MARY BRANDT
PATRICIA TRIPI
MARY BLESSING ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL
ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CORRECTIONS MEDICINE ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
You are such a resilient and dedicated team, and DPH leadership is grateful to work with you. Thank you for entering such a challenging environment so that we can deliver health care with equity. You truly change lives for incarcerated patients!
ST. LOUIS COUNTY JUSTICE SERVICES DPH TEAM ST. LOUIS COUNTY JUSTICE SERVICES
Thanks to all of you for working long shifts to take care of residents in the community. You all are amazing!
STEPHANIE AND JAMIE SSM HEALTH, ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL - ST. CHARLES
MERCY HOSPITAL
SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
She always puts her residents first and treats her support staff with the utmost respect. She is gentle, kind and does her work from her heart.
Mary is one of the kindest, smartest and most thoughtful perople I know. She is smart and always happy to share her knowledge with anyone.
Thank you, Patricia, for dedicating your life to providing care and spreading kindness. Your compassion and concern for people is at the core of who you are.
These two nurses got me to walk again after being bedridden for four months. They treated me with nothing but kindness even on days I was grumpy and not wanting to do the therapy. I can never say thank you enough.
KELLY GONZALES
MARY WILCOX
REBECCA HERMANN
STEPHANIE HESTER
TWIN OAKS ESTATES ASSISTED LIVING
MERCY HOSPITAL, CREVE COEUR
From the moment we discovered that I had tumors, Kelly has been my source of understanding. She provided the resources to get me to the doctors and surgeons I needed to see to treat my condition. She’s not only a daughter, she is a great nurse.
KELLY HANSELMAN BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
Kelly cares very much for each one of her staff and always advocates for us. She has taught me so much as a nurse and also as an assistant manager. She fosters a sense of teamwork that permeates the culture on our floor and always puts the needs of the floor before her own.
KELSEY PILGER SSM HEALTH, ST. CLARE HOSPITAL
She goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable.
KEVIN ELISCUPIDES MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
I want to thank Kevin for all his hard work and for sincerely taking care of his patients.
KONNISHA LOCKETT MERCY HOSPITAL
I would like to thank this nurse for always caring and showing up for her patients. While working through the pandemic, many nurses like Konnisha showed what true dedication and hard work is as a mother, student, nurse and business owner.
KRISTEN MAYO MERCY HOSPITAL
Her caregiving began at the age of four when she would draw pictures for anyone who was sick to make them feel better. She always loves to learn new ways to help her patients and to share that knowledge with others.
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MERCY HOSPITAL ST. LOUIS
BARNES-JEWISH ST. PETERS HOSPITAL
Thank you for being a dedicated and caring nurse for 41 years. You have touched so many lives over the years and our stroke patients are so lucky to have you coordinating care for them.
She was patient and kind to me as I navigated trying to become a new nurse. She has always been who I strived to be as a nurse, and now a preceptor.
MERCY RESEARCH NURSES
RENA MCNEIL
MERCY HOSPITAL
RETIRED
Thanks to the Mercy research nurses for their compassion and dedication every day in serving our patients.
My mother is my inspiration for becoming a nurse. Growing up, I witnessed her studying late at night, attending classes and raising five children while pregnant with the sixth. She always took pride in being a nurse.
MERCY SOUTH PACU MERCY HOSPITAL SOUTH
I want to thank all the nurses at Mercy South PACU. During the pandemic they have all shown such fortitude with the ability to adapt to any new circumstance thrown at them. They went into the unknown with bravery and a willing spirit to help those that were weary and overworked, dealing with death on a daily basis.
SARAH BORDERS PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
Nursing isn’t just a job for her, it’s her passion. Sarah truly cares about every child in the unit. Every NICU would be boosted sky high with her in it.
SHARON REIHER HSHS ST. ELIZABETH’S HOSPITAL
Michelle (Shelly) Allen, PAtriciA (triSh) MAdden, LAURA HOHNSTRATER MERCY HOSPITAL
I was a volunteer in the NICU at Mercy Hospital and witnessed the most compassionate, caring and love-giving nurses ever. It’s because of their skills and compassion that the little ones got better and went home.
I was in the hospital 28 days and she was always there, being my advocate and arranging for people to stay with me at night. If it were not for her, I would not be here 22 years later. Sharon is a dedicated nurse, helping others even after she retired.
MERCY HOSPITAL
Michelle is a wonderful friend and amazing nurse. I was recovering from a traumatic accident and she immediately stepped in to help prepare my home for my recovery. She would come over to change the dressing on my wounds, buy me food and ensure that I had the right vitamins. I can’t imagine how my recovery would’ve been if it had not been for her.
In January of 2019, I was in a really bad accident. Despite the bad road conditions, and it being her day off, Stephanie showed up in my room the next day. She proceeded to make sure that I had the best care during my week in the hospital. I honestly don’t know how things would’ve turned out if she had not stepped in.
STEPHANIE ROSENDAHL NEW HAVEN CARE CENTER
I just want to thank you for all that you do working with the elderly. You give your all every day with your heart and soul.
SuzAnne Sirko-cArney BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
When she dons her scrubs, I see a sense of pride that makes me proud as well. The best part is the sheer glee she exudes when she comes home to tell me about a patient that tells her that she made them feel safe. I’m thankful she said ‘yes,’ 15 years ago.
TAMMY ZUERLEIN GATEWAY ENDOSCOPY
She is the best!
tAtonyA robertS, FnP-c JEFFERSON BARRACKS VA HOSPITAL
SSM ST. MARY’S ENDOSCOPY STAFF SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
MICHELLE CHERRY
MERCY HOSPITAL
I would like to recognize the entire SSM St. Mary’s Endoscopy staff, Maurie Dunn, Joan Becker, Kathy Narens Oldfield, Marian Bergin Kostecki, and many more. They make difficult procedures as easy as possible for the patients.
STLTODAY.COM/NURSES
Tatonya is resilient, passionate, caring, honest, knowledgeable and devoted to her patients. Nursing someone back to health is second nature for her. Being a nurse is in her blood. It’s not just a profession, it’s who she is. Tatonya is an extraordinary person and FNP. She is a highly skilled, extremely knowledgeable, compassionate person who consistently displays and promotes the highest ethical standards for patient care.
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Delmar Gardens takes pride in treating both staff and residents like family SPONSORED CONTENT BY DELMAR GARDENS
“Whether nurse, caregiver, housekeeper or cook — the staff is the heart and soul of Delmar Gardens,” says Gabe Grossberg, second-generation owner, president and CEO of St. Louis- based Delmar Gardens. “The most unique thing about us is the depth of our family culture,” he says. “When you have staff who feel well cared for, the dividends are a hundredfold.” First and foremost, staff members are treated with the same love and care that Delmar Gardens extends to its residents. Second, the company recently increased starting pay rates for RNs, LPNs, CNAs and CMTs, with added shift differentials and flexible schedules. The increases come at a time when families are feeling the pressure of inflation while seeking work-life balance. For decades, Delmar Gardens has also offered tuition assistance and loan forgiveness for nurses and other clinical staff. Maintaining and nurturing a family culture within a company the size of Delmar Gardens — which cares for more than 4,000 seniors in six states — goes back to the company’s roots more than 56 years ago. The Delmar Gardens story begins when Holocaust survivor Barbara Grossberg, Gabe Grossberg’s mother, started caring for seniors out of her University City home. As a young girl in Hungary, she learned from her physician father to love and respect her elders. It was a lesson that stayed with her even as she found herself at Auschwitz at age 13. Barbara survived the Holocaust and went on to marry Henry Grossberg. The couple — with their two children, Gabe and George — made St. Louis home, where Delmar Gardens Enterprises was born in 1965. Today, it offers retirement and assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and respite care, home care, private duty, respiratory therapy, hospice and 20
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memory care, in addition to medical supplies and pharmacy services. “Until we had 15 residents, our late mom did all the cooking, cleaning, caregiving and everything,” Gabe Grossberg says. Her loving care extended to each new staff member and led to a corporate philosophy that survives today: Treat each staff member as one of the family. Today, Delmar Gardens employs more than 2,200 in the St. Louis area, including nearly 450 nurses and CNAs. Many, like Sherer Newton, are considered Delmar Gardens “lifers,” Grossberg says. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Newton has been with the company since 1990 when she took a job as a part-time nurse aide while attending college. “I fell in love with the place,” says Newton, an RN, MSN, who now serves as director of clinical services. “I fell in love with the residents and I realized I wanted to stay with geriatrics. I loved making a difference.” Newton says future nurses would do well to consider the growing career opportunities in the senior care industry. Not only will they practice complex nursing skills and work as part of an interdisciplinary team, but they will benefit from relationships built with incredible people who have a lifetime of knowledge and experiences to share. “Obviously, our population is aging and there is a great need for nurses to help care for our elders,” Newton says. “You get to build relationships, get to know them and be with them when their families cannot. It is very rewarding.” STEPPING UP IN TIMES OF NEED Even in the midst of a pandemic that threatened the physical and emotional well-being of residents and caregivers alike, Delmar Gardens’ long-held philosophy of
Sherer Newton RN, MSN and director of clinical services.
Gabe Grossberg Second-generation owner, president and CEO of St. Louis-based Delmar Gardens. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DELMAR GARDENS
love, care and understanding carried them through. “Everybody rose to the occasion to do the best they humanly could to help our dear residents feel safe and well cared for,” he says. “Even in bad years, come hell or high water, our traditions have to be maintained.” Some of the incentives Delmar Gardens offers to staff include a free CNA training program, as well as tuition assistance and loan programs for nursing students. Grossberg says he places a high priority on staff recognition, bonuses, special events and holiday gifts to show appreciation for staff. But he is especially proud of helping future nurses grow and succeed.
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“We promote 99% from within,” he says. “We’re always looking to boost our own. It’s more than just a job, it’s a great career path, and at Delmar Gardens you also inherit a surrogate family.” To learn more about Delmar Gardens, visit delmargardens.com.
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CHRISTINA DENNY Registered Nurse • Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care
A hospice nurse ensures patients approaching end of life get the respect and dignity they deserve BY LISA SHAMES, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As a hospice nurse taking care of peoof the body, mind and spirit. It’s an approach ple in the end stages of life who have chosen that is very much in line with Denny’s values. quality of life rather than curative treat“I love this company,” says Denny. “They ments, Christina Denny, RN, regularly gets are very kind and make you feel like you’re asked by the families of her patients: “How working with a family.” are you able to do such a challenging job on a FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS daily basis?” Her answer is always the same. In her role, Denny works with patients “The end of life should be given the same in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living as quality and respect as the beginning,” says well as in patients’ homes. “There are famDenny. “People make coming into this world ilies who feel they very special and can provide the meaningful, but care at home, so leaving it is often we assist to keep a different story. them in that enEveryone needs vironment as long somebody at this as we can,” she part of their life says. as much as they No matter need it at any where her day other time.” takes her, being Very early - Christina Denny flexible is key to in her career, success when working in hospice care and in Denny, who lives in Valley Park, Missouri, nursing overall. “As a nurse, every day you briefly considered a career in pediatric nursare faced with something different, and you ing. Thankfully for the many people she has have to find a way to fix it,” says Denny. “I helped navigate through this complicated like to be able to think outside the box.” and emotional process, Denny opted instead Another aspect of hospice that appeals to for a career in geriatric nursing, more speDenny is the close care she can provide. “In cifically hospice, which has now spanned 24 hospice care, our caseloads are small, so it years. “I am passionate about making sure gives us more time to spend not only with the my patients have dignity to the very end,” she patient but with the family too.” says. “I see patients passing every day and it In fact, it’s the families who often need never gets easier. I’ve always said that if it got more support than the patients, says Denny. easier for me, I was in the wrong profession.” “More than 50% of what we do every day is For the last five years, Denny has been education. It’s teaching about what to expect working with Pathways Hospice and Palliaabout the medicine, the equipment in their tive Care, a Delmar Gardens company which homes or the equipment they see on their provides senior healthcare services and sefamily member.” nior living accommodations to more than While geriatrics continues to be an area 4,000 seniors in Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, of nursing that often gets overlooked by Nebraska and Nevada. Pathways offers a hothose entering the nursing profession — in listic approach to care, focusing on comfort
THE END OF LIFE SHOULD BE GIVEN THE SAME QUALITY AND RESPECT AS THE BEGINNING.
BRAND AVE. STUDIOS
fact, only two students in her RN training program, Denny included, opted to specialize in it — Denny wouldn’t have it any other way. “I know this sounds corny, but today I saw four actively dying patients and I know I helped them, or I was able to make a family member more accepting of what is going on,” she says. “Not many people want to work with the elderly, but we wouldn’t be where we are today without them, so we need to take care of them too.”
To learn more about Delmar Gardens, visit delmargardens.com.
AREA OF FOCUS Registered Nurse at Pathways Hospice and Palliative Care, a division of Delmar Gardens.
YEARS OF SERVICE 24
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CHRISTINA DENNY, RN AT PATHWAY HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE, A DIVISION OF DELMAR GARDENS. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DELMAR GARDENS.
SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2022
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OTHER
PEDIATRIC
TERESA PASLEY
ANNE GILDEHAUS
MERCY HOSPITAL JEFFERSON, PULMONARY/STROKE UNIT
SSM HEALTH, CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
I would like to thank Teresa for all of the knowledge and flexibility she brings to our facility everyday. She is always ready to add additional patients to her floor when necessary while encouraging her staff to do the same. She never asks her staff to do something she wouldn’t do and often works right beside them.
If I don’t know where to start or who to contact for even the silliest of issues, I know I can start with Anne. It’s not her job to do all she does, but she does it, and she does it with a grateful heart. I wouldn’t be the person or mom I am today without her.
ASHLEY UNDERWOOD THE ENTIRE 4TH FLOOR CENTRAL STAFF BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
For all their patience, kindness, professionalism and attentiveness during my 18-day stay last May.
MERCY HOSPITAL
She treats her pediatric patients like her own children, going above and beyond everyday. The love and care she pours into her job is second to none.
BROOKE ZAVAGLIA THE ENTIRE NURSING STAFF HAWTHORN CHILDREN’S PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL
The nurses at Hawthorn Children’s Psychiatric Hospital are a dedicated group of individuals that serve kids with significant mental health issues and/or trauma. Our nurses (and nursing staff) dedicate their work to the kids, showing them over and over that they can be safe, that they can learn healthier coping skills, that they can face their situation and choose to succeed.
THE WHOLE TEAM AT BARNES 11300 BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
My husband was recently a patient here and he had the greatest team of nurses caring for him. They are the best!
TIFFANY WHITAKER ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL AND COMPASS HEALTH
For being caring, compassionate, kind and extremely knowledgeable. She is always willing to go the extra mile for someone. Tiffany is caring, compassionate, kind and good to the very core of her soul. She goes above and beyond her job description. She is an angel and the nursing profession is better because she is in it.
VALERIE SIEMER BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL
She is a wonderful, kind and caring person to all her patients, their families and her associates. She is very deserving of recognition for her many years of dedication to her profession.
VANESSA CUTHBERT
KRISTIE KOPP
APRIL GUNTHER
GATEWAY PEDIATRICS
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
For over 24 years, my wife has dedicated her life to working with children at the same pediatrician’s office. She never complains and doesn’t take days off. She is our hero.
For being an amazing role model and educator over the past few years. She has given me valuable insight that I will always carry throughout my career.
L. KATY WATKINS
BARB FORD, RN
ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
HOLY INFANT SCHOOL
She never missed a day off work during the pandemic and was sent where needed during that time. She is very dedicated and knowledgeable of her position.
Barb demonstrates compassion, understanding and security to those who look to her for advice. She is fully-vested in her job and will do anything to help those in need.
MADDIE RUSSELL
CHRISTINA PATRICK
RANKEN JORDAN PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL
ROCKWOOD SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
I am so proud of my daughter for becoming a nurse and working with sick and recovering children. She puts her heart and soul into her work. She has always worked very hard for the things she wants in life, and to help children is so rewarding.
She has worked hour after hour to keep our students and staff safe, well beyond the responsibilities of her contract. As a school nurse trying to do the best for our community, she has been on the front lines. I don’t know how she does it, but she has managed to do this all with grace and compassion.
ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Thank you for being caring, knowledgeable and patient to those that you care for in the hospital. Your passion for your profession is appreciated by those that you serve and work with each day.
BROOKLYNN M. DEVITT ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Nurse Devitt is the epitome of dedication, commitment and perseverance. Even while carrying the load of family, she still dedicated countless hours away from home to the nursing craft during the most challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and her continuous improvement in the nursing field.
CHERYL KINSELLA, PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER DAVID C. PRATT CANCER CENTER, MERCY COMPLEX CARE PEDIATRIC CLINIC
MARIAH BOULCH PROGRESS WEST HOSPITAL
She took on the very difficult career of being a nurse and she’s one of the sweetest, kindest and most generous people I know, caring for others day in and day out. She is truly a blessing to everyone that she crosses paths with.
JESSICA HEIDORN MEGAN THOMPSON
ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
We would have been lost without her ability to keep students and staff safe by constantly going above and beyond with her organizational skills and promptness in emergency situations. Her kind, caring and compassionate spirit helped guide us over the years with confidence.
He goes above and beyond for his patients. He truly cares for each and everyone.
KAREN MALIK
Thank you for putting in the time for your patients.
SAMUEL SLAUGHTER
GREEN TRAILS ELEMENTARY
TAMMY PLACKE
She goes above and beyond for her patients and her staff. If you need someone to help out with the smallest task, she will be there in a heartbeat. If you need a kind, caring ear to listen, she will be the first one to pull up a chair and a coffee. She has a way of making her patients feel physically, mentally and socially better every time they leave our office.
Tammy is one of the most caring and kind nurses that I have had the pleasure of working with and there have been many. She is loved by all patients, parents and other coworkers. Her sincerity in dealing with all is what makes her the best!
CLAIRE RAMSEY
SCHOOL NURSE
CARDINAL GLENNON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
You are not only an amazing nurse, but a truly selfless and caring person. You put the needs of others before yourself and you truly care about the people you help get better. St. Louis Children’s Hospital is lucky to have an amazing person like you there.
EMMY J. BYRD
Not only does she take care of patients, she also takes care of us - her parents. She has so much compassion, ambition, dedication and drive. Keep being the amazing nurse and leader you are.
ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
KEYSOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ABBY HEILAND SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
For helping Sarah be the best she can be and being there for everything Sarah needed for two years! She is one amazing nurse and works so hard.We miss her.
ADRIENE ANDERSON
Even when not on the job, Emmy is always there. She is the most caring and loving woman and her beautiful smile is all you need to see to know it.
JOHNELLE EARNEST ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
GLASGOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Glasgow Elementary School wants to thank Nurse Adriene for being everything that we needed even before the pandemic started. She continues to make hard decisions with understanding.
I admire her hard work and dedication to her patients and families. She has the sweetest heart of anyone I know.
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Aside from working with students, parents and teachers during the school day, she is now working with these families 24/7. Between emails and questions about COVID-19, contact tracing and quarantine, she rarely has a break. We appreciate Nurse Malik more than words could say.
KARI KOPP
ST. LOUIS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
DAVITA DIALYSIS
Christina is so patient, kind and caring. Kids love her, but her staff loves her even more. She has worked endless hours over the past two years making sure our school is safe through COVID-19 and she deserves all the recognition in the world.
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Our Nurse Kari is the heart of our school. She’s so kind and sweet that students love going to see her. This past year has been especially stressful as she helped our school navigate the pandemic while monitoring the health and well-being of students and staff alike. She is truly a gem.
KAYTE CALHOUN MERAMEC HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY
Kayte is the biggest asset to Meramec Heights Elementary! She is always going the extra mile to do whatever is necessary.
KIMBERLY WEBB SHENANDOAH VALLEY ELEMENTARY
Nurse Webb not only juggles little one’s skinned knees and bruises, but she manages constant phone calls, calls on the walkie, students getting sick and everyone asking questions and seeking help. Nurse Webb is kind-hearted, calm and supportive. We are very lucky to have her at Shenandoah Valley Elementary.
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Friendly work culture, competitive salaries and bonuses beckon nurses to St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield SPONSORED CONTENT BY MARY MCHUGH, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For nurse Heather Thompson, caring for patients and their families in the midst of an illness or trauma puts life into perspective. And performing those duties within a welcoming and homey environment makes it all the more meaningful. “Caring for another person and having that special relationship with them during what could be one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, in terms of their health, is truly an honor for nurses,” said Thompson, senior director of nursing and interim chief nursing officer at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield. “We are witnesses to incredible moments of joy and sadness, and no matter how challenging, we have the ability to impact someone’s life for the better.” For those up to the challenge of helping others, St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield provides the work culture to do just that. “Nurses, and all employees, benefit from the relationship-based culture at St. Luke’s,” Thompson said. “People here go the extra
mile for patients, guests and families.” Thompson said many of the nurses have been on staff for 20 to 30 years, “which says a lot about our positive work culture.” In addition to the positive work environment, Thompson attributes the incredible employee retention to the hospital’s competitive salaries and generous sign-on bonuses, educational training and employee recognition programs. New hires undergo a one-year training program that exposes nurses to the hospital’s various specialty areas that might be new to them, as well as the facility’s values and mission. Newly hired nurses are paired with a preceptor to shadow during clinicals. Through a series of classes, nurses receive great educational preparation and a smooth integration into the system and teams they will be working within, Thompson said. The hospital is one of the few in the area that offer the DAISY Award, part of a national recognition program to say “thank you” to nurses for going above and beyond. The DAISY Award, an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system, was created in honor of a young man who died of complications of such a disease. St. Luke’s recognizes 12 DAISY Award recipients annually. Award recipients are nominated by anyone in the organization, including patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, clinicians and staff, who exemplify the core nursing values: extraordinary compassion, courage and integrity. The hospital’s FACES (friendly, available, caring, efficient, safe) award program recognizes the employees who exhibit behavior that reflects St. Luke’s mission values. Another reason Thompson said nurses should consider working at St. Luke’s revolves around the HEATHER THOMPSON, AT ST.HOSPITAL LUKE’S HOSPITAL IN CHESTERFIELD. PHOTO PROVIDED BYNURSE ST. LUKE’S IN CHESTERFIELD support from the community. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL IN CHESTERFIELD.
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“What I would want to share with a new nurse, post-pandemic, are the positive things that did occur these past two years,” Thompson said. “We experienced a whole new level of teamwork and emotional support from one another, as well as a real outpouring of support from the community in terms of meals being dropped off, cards and calls thanking us for the work we were doing during those challenging days. We felt appreciated.” For nursing school graduates who might feel they had limited exposure to patients and clinicals during the pandemic, Thompson said not to worry. “When you fit into a culture and you have the service behaviors and the joy of caring for others, anything else you might have missed in a clinical at school, we can
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL IN CHESTERFIELD
teach you at St. Luke’s.” Go to stlukes-stl.com/careers for more information about St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.
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ASHLEY PLOESSER Registered Nurse • St. Luke’s Hospital
This St. Luke’s nurse’s valuable skills help her care for her daughter as well as her patients BY MARY MCHUGH, BR AND AVE. STUDIOS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Seizures always came unexpectedly for one day a week, classes two to three days 4-year-old Savannah Ploesser. And they will a week, and at least two hours of studying for the rest of her life. Her mom, Ashley, every day. The staff here at St. Luke’s were knew she had to do something to help. So she incredibly supportive through it all. My kids did what she could — she enrolled in nursing and my husband were ecstatic when I graduschool, realizing that the skill set she would ated, to say the least. I would tell any nursing learn would help her care for her daughter. student to keep persevering because there is Fast forward six years. Ploesser, now a light at the end of the tunnel and it’s absoregistered nurse working on the surgery floor lutely wonderful.” at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, earPloesser works the night shift in the same nestly described surgical unit she the feeling of acworked in during complish ment nursing school she felt when, just and she said she weeks ago, Savanfeels as if she’s innah experienced herited a second another, more sefamily consisting vere seizure. of her co-work“Before the ers and nurse ambulance armanagers. rived, I just went “The culture - Ashley Ploesser into complete here is amazing. ‘nurse mode,’ You can’t walk knowing exactly what I needed to do to keep down the hallways without having someone her breathing and help her with the medicacongratulating you on a job well done or entions that would keep her out of the emercouraging you,” she said. “It’s such an upliftgency room. By the time help arrived, I was ing feeling. Patients, their families and guests just rattling off her symptoms and treatment are always making us feel so appreciated. I so quickly that the paramedics just looked at just love what I do and wouldn’t change it for me and asked if I was in healthcare,” Ploesser the world.” said. “I told them I was a nurse. And that’s The best part of nursing is that there are the moment I knew I had made the right so many different areas to choose from in choice going to nursing school all those years terms of helping people. “I always knew I ago. It was worth every breath and all the wanted to become a nurse to help my daughsweat and tears for that one event.” ter. For others, the end game might come Raising three young children — Ploesser later after doing a round of clinicals. Either also has two sons, 8 and 5 — made nursing way, it’s just never-ending the opportunities school quite a challenge for the young mom. nurses have within this field, and at this hos“I struggled every single semester bepital, too.” cause of all the additional life stress,” she She said her biggest challenge at work is said. “I was working two to three shifts as a trying not to get too emotionally involved tech in the med surgery unit, I had clinicals with a patient’s prognosis.
“All patients want an easy fix to their medical problems and in those instances where that is not possible, I have to separate myself from that a bit and realize that myself and my co-workers are doing all we can to provide the absolute best care that we can in that moment.” Just like she does for Savannah. Go to stlukes-stl.com/careers for more information about St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.
I ALWAYS KNEW I WANTED TO BECOME A NURSE TO HELP MY DAUGHTER.
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AREA OF FOCUS Registered nurse working on the surgery floor at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chestefield
YEARS OF SERVICE 3
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ASHLEY PLOESSER, A REGISTERED NURSE WORKING ON THE SURGERY FLOOR AT ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL IN CHESTERFIELD. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL IN CHESTERFIELD.
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BARBARA CURTIS
SCHOOL NURSE MICHAEL WILHITE, RN, BSN KIRKWOOD EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
As a school nurse, Michael’s ability to lead with courage and confidence has been vital in protecting students and staff during this pandemic. He continually prioritizes health and safety throughout the ever-changing landscape, quickly pivoting as needed with patience and compassion. He is empathetic and caring and he embodies what being a healthcare hero is all about.
MIRANDA SELLARS EAST ALTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #13
She is our one and only school Nurse for our school district. She did an outstanding job maneuvering through all of the ever-changing guidelines. Although things are getting better, she continues to be a strong force for our district.
MARY FLOTTE
ST. PAUL’S HOME, BELLEVILLE
DELMAR GARDENS OF O’FALLON
For almost 40 years, she has represented nursing at its finest. She has balanced the stress of being a career military officer’s wife and RN at numerous hospitals across the nation. Her specialty was Labor and Delivery, where she provided superior care to the soon-to-be mothers. On more than one occasion, she saved a child’s life during the delivery process.
Mary has a genuine love of her residents and their families. Her years of experience providing outstanding care is only overshadowed by her loving compassion for her residents and their families.
HAWTHORN ELEMENTARY
She is the kindest school nurse I’ve ever met.
ROCKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT NURSES ROCKWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT
Thank you for doing all that you do. We are so proud of you and we love you!
HONORE AQIL SSM HEALTH, ST. MARY’S HOSPITAL
PATHWAYS HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Christina not only cares for her patients and families with compassion, she readily volunteers to pick up visits, weekend on-call or after hours shifts in order to help her teammates and to ensure our patients receive the care they need. She does not hesitate to step in to assist our nurse aides with patient care. She demonstrates professionalism and takes great pride in her job, which is evident by the love, care and understanding she provides every day. WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Some days can be harder than others, but you still go through the day with a smile on your face. You are incredibly caring and always putting people first, no matter what.
ERNESTINE GOODWIN I would like to thank the parents of Ernestine E. Goodwin for giving birth to such an awesome and caring lady. Mrs. Goodwin was a veteran who served her country, the sick and her family. Thanks Mrs. Goodwin for caring for so many throughout your life span.
Honore, ‘Nurse Rae,’ loves to make others feel better. She has always displayed this characteristic and is now able to further express this attribute working as a nurse. She works with very sick people, however, her highest priority is to not only assist with their physical needs, but also say a kind word of “happy healing” and always leaving a smile on their face.
PAMELA PHERIGO
KARA SKRODZSKI
DELMAR GARDENS OF O’FALLON
HICUITY HEALTH
Pam Pherigo is a Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon nurse that graciously wears many hats: outstanding nurse, team player, friend, resident advocate, family advocate and leader. She will do whatever is needed for the greater good of the residents, family, facility and staff. She is admired by her peers and loved by her residents.
I want to thank Kara for her compassion, empathy, love and knowledge. She is so dedicated to her profession, her family and her friends.
RETIRED
Pam took care of me after a serious fall on concrete. Because of her extra care and rehab, I walk only with a simple cane for stability. Independence and continued mobility are key to senior mental well-being and health. Thanks to Nurse Pam, I still have both.
GAIL DAUGHERTY
STEPHANIE ACKERMAN
JENNIFER SCHMITTLING
SHIFTKEY
BETHESDA EXTENDED CARE, ALTON
Sally goes above and beyond in her career as a nurse. Her patients are like family to her.
For being the best sounding board, patient and parent advocate. She is a super dedicated woman.
SUZANNE KAEBLE NANCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For your dedication to the students, staff and parents at Nance Elementary. You are awesome and we truly appreciate you. We are so thankful that you are a part of the Nance team.
SKILLED NURSING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE AMY LEE AND BRIAN MURPHY
DELMAR GARDENS
Through the pandemic, Gail has worked tirelessly to make sure her patients are cared for. She shows up every day and is so loved by her patients and coworkers.
ANTOINETTE BECKMANN LACLEDE GROVES
She is amazing at managing long term care at Laclede Groves. I know my mom is in good hands and she is kind and responsive when I communicate with her.
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Kara is such a compassionate, empathetic, loving and knowledgeable nurse who always puts others first! She is dedicated to her family, friends and profession.
MARCELLA KALERT ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL, DES PERES
Marcella is a fabulous nurse and mentor. She was my mentor and taught me how to become the nurse I am today. She is a patient advocate and is very passionate about her career.
SALLY DEIULIIS She regularly puts in 70-90 hours a week. She makes sure that her coworkers are supported and well-informed. She enjoys working with her patients and going to work.
SAMANTHA “SAM” KARNS DELMAR GARDENS OF O’FALLON
I want to thank this very special nurse for not only saving lives at work, but coming home and literally turning into a super mom!
While Sam has only been with us for a very short time in her new career, her potential to excel is evident. Three of Sam’s strongest qualities thus far are professionalism, patience and passion. She is a true advocate for all residents in our care.
LAURA HILL
SARAH WILLARD, RN
BENTLEYS EXTENDED CARE
DELMAR GARDENS OF CREVE COEUR
Thank you for all of your countless hours, unlimited compassion and dedication to all our skilled nursing residents, staff members and the entire community. Thank you for all you do to keep everyone safe and healthy during a pandemic.
Outstanding leadership, communication, knowledge and organizational skills were evident when Sarah started working as a nurse 13 years ago. However, in these last four months Sarah’s leadership intensified as her unwavering confidence in decision-making skyrocketed. Sarah genuinely has shone as a leader with compassion and understanding for her residents and coworkers.
KERSTIN HIGDON SUNSET HEALTHCARE
SRZ REACH
Amy and Brian are amazing leaders and clinical support to our nursing homes. They show up, support and assist whenever there is a need.
BJC HEALTHCARE
ALTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
NATALYNN CASEY
These 45 nurses have cared for for 20,000 students, 3,500 staff members and put in endless hours doing their primary job. They also were contact tracers and data entry specialists, all while fielding multiple calls and questions. My hat is off to every single one of you. SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Beverly OsBy-Fulks She has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the patients, families and the teams she has served for over 30 years.
CHRISTINA DENNY
DAWN ELLINGTON MONICA BAYLESS
TELEMEDICINE
LYDIE “ROSE” FELIHO DELMAR GARDENS SOUTH
Rose’s mission is fueled by her genuine love for the residents, geriatric nursing and her unwavering faith. Spiritual healing and support are a byproduct of nursing care received through her hands.
TIMOTHY “TJ” LITZKOW AGENCY
I want to thank him for always going above and beyond. He loves his job and truly cares about his patients and their care. He is the epitome of what a nurse is and should be. TJ has gone above and beyond in long term care and rehabilitation. Since becoming a nurse, he has shown great compassion and kindness to his residents.
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PATTY MCCUNE Patty McCune has done nothing but make a difference for so many families in the hospice field, including COVID-19 testing and breast cancer patients. Patty truly makes a difference and is a real hero.
SHARON SCHELL ST. LUKE’S HOSPITAL, DES PERES
She is an amazing, kind and compassionate soul. She has worked well past retirement and continues to work even despite a pandemic. Nothing can stop her from providing compassionate care to those in need. It is a blessing to have such an amazing person in our field. I aspire to be more like her everyday.
WOUND CARE BONNIE JOHNSON, NP MERCY WOUND CARE CENTER, CREVE COEUR
For her compassion, knowledge and professionalism in coaching my wife back to health after a major surgery.
MEGAN PISH GATEWAY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
This young lady works full time at Gateway Regional Medical Center and still makes time for her daughter. She has a heart of gold and cares about everyone she knows.
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Impacting lives at every step of your career Whether working directly with patients or helping lead the future of care, nurses are the caregivers who help our communities thrive. centene.com 28
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