Colleagues Honored During National Nurses Week
May 15, 2025
HSHS St. Francis Hospital honored all nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, and proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Nursing Exemplar Awards.
HSHS St. Francis Chief Administrative Officer Aryn Hunter shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing isn’t just what they do; it’s who they are. It’s a calling rooted in compassion, service and a deep desire to care for others. Every day, our nurses show up with open hearts and skilled hands, giving so much of themselves to support our patients and the Litchfield community. We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication, their strength and the difference they make in so many lives—often in ways that go unseen but are always deeply felt.”
During National Nurses Week, St. Francis Hospital hosted the annual Nursing Exemplar Awards Ceremony. Nominations for various nursing awards were submitted by colleagues, physicians, leaders and others to highlight the above and beyond work of individuals who pursue excellence in their nursing role. Below is the full list of winners.
Rookie of the Year
Preceptor of the Year
Clinical Excellence in Nursing
Partners in Nursing
Following in the footsteps of our founding Hospital Sisters for 150 years
This year is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of our founding Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the United States, and the establishment of their ministry in Litchfield. Accepting an invitation from Bishop Peter Baltes, Diocese of Alton, Illinois, 20 Sisters from Germany arrived in the U.S. on November 3, 1875. In addition to Alton, he sent small groups to Springfield, Belleville, Effingham, East St. Louis, and Litchfield. They learned English, introduced themselves to the people of the area, and began nursing care. Hospital Sisters Health System evolved from these humble beginnings and is now serving communities across Southern and Central Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin.
"We are truly honored to carry on the Mission entrusted to us by the founding Hospital Sisters," Hunter said. "On behalf of the St. Francis’ leadership team, please join us in expressing our deep gratitude to these dedicated health professionals. Their compassion, skill, and steadfast dedication continue to leave a meaningful mark on the lives of those we’re honored to care for.”
Photo Caption: (Above-top right) Ian Polus; (Above-left to right: Rachel Nation, Briget Dolliger, Floyd Andrews, and Jill Moutria
HSHS St. Francis Chief Administrative Officer Aryn Hunter shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing isn’t just what they do; it’s who they are. It’s a calling rooted in compassion, service and a deep desire to care for others. Every day, our nurses show up with open hearts and skilled hands, giving so much of themselves to support our patients and the Litchfield community. We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication, their strength and the difference they make in so many lives—often in ways that go unseen but are always deeply felt.”
During National Nurses Week, St. Francis Hospital hosted the annual Nursing Exemplar Awards Ceremony. Nominations for various nursing awards were submitted by colleagues, physicians, leaders and others to highlight the above and beyond work of individuals who pursue excellence in their nursing role. Below is the full list of winners.
Rookie of the Year
- Briget Dolliger, RN, Women and Infants Services
Preceptor of the Year
- Rachel Nation, RN, Surgery
Clinical Excellence in Nursing
- Ian Polus, BSN, RN, Surgery
Partners in Nursing
- Floyd Andrews, CRCST, Sterilization, and Jill Moutria, Pharmacy
Following in the footsteps of our founding Hospital Sisters for 150 years
This year is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of our founding Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the United States, and the establishment of their ministry in Litchfield. Accepting an invitation from Bishop Peter Baltes, Diocese of Alton, Illinois, 20 Sisters from Germany arrived in the U.S. on November 3, 1875. In addition to Alton, he sent small groups to Springfield, Belleville, Effingham, East St. Louis, and Litchfield. They learned English, introduced themselves to the people of the area, and began nursing care. Hospital Sisters Health System evolved from these humble beginnings and is now serving communities across Southern and Central Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin.
"We are truly honored to carry on the Mission entrusted to us by the founding Hospital Sisters," Hunter said. "On behalf of the St. Francis’ leadership team, please join us in expressing our deep gratitude to these dedicated health professionals. Their compassion, skill, and steadfast dedication continue to leave a meaningful mark on the lives of those we’re honored to care for.”
Photo Caption: (Above-top right) Ian Polus; (Above-left to right: Rachel Nation, Briget Dolliger, Floyd Andrews, and Jill Moutria
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Vicki Macklin
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