Hospitals announce Nurse Exemplar Award recipients

This week, during National Nurses Week, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals presented the 2019 Nurse Exemplar Awards to two very deserving registered nurses. These peer-nominated awards are the two hospitals’ highest nursing honors and recognize extraordinary nurses who exhibit excellence in caring for patients and families, provide personalized patient care, and have a superior level of knowledge and skill.

On May 7 at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital, the award was presented to Ann Lane, RN, who works in the L.E. Phillips-Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls. Wrote a nominator, “While her knowledge and excellent patient care is second to none, the most notable trait of Ann is how she cares for her coworkers. Working with her has been one of the most professionally and personally rewarding experiences I have had. Ann is the nurse that I am striving to be.”

On May 8 at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, the award was presented to Michelle Willcutt, RN, who works in the critical care department. Wrote a nominator, “Michelle tailors her nursing care to the needs of the individual patient. No matter how busy things get, patients, family members and colleagues know they have her undivided attention. Michelle creates a compassionate, supportive and therapeutic environment for patients and staff with the aim of promoting comfort and healing.”

“I consider it an honor and blessing to support such a talented and patient-centered team of nurses,” said Jennifer Drayton, Chief Nursing Officer, HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals. “Our award recipients are shining example of all that is right in nursing today.”

This year marks the 13th year that HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital has given this honor, and the third year that HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital has done so.