Colleagues Honored During National Nurses Week
May 13, 2025
HSHS St. John’s Hospital honored all nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, and proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Nursing Exemplar Awards.
This week is a dedicated time to thank and recognize the nurses who serve in the hospital, across our system and throughout the country and world. HSHS nurses connect and serve patients each day with our core values of Respect, Care, Competence, and Joy.
Nursing professionals are a valuable and instrumental part of our hospital, often working long hours under stressful conditions to save lives, help the sick heal and assist doctors in providing care.
HSHS Central Illinois Market Chief Nursing Officer Allison Paul, DNP, RN, NEA-BC shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing isn't a career; it's a calling, and our nurses are truly passionate about that. Our team of colleagues provides high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and area communities, and we thank and honor them for their commitment, dedication and hard work,” she said.
On May 12 of National Nurses Week, St. John’s 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 from Monday’s ceremony.
Partners in Nursing
This year is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of our founding Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the United States. 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. The Sisters learned English, introduced themselves to the people of the area, and initiated nursing care. Hospital Sisters Health System evolved from these humble beginnings and is now serving communities across southern and central Illinois and eastern Wisconsin.
“Today, the Mission of our founding Hospital Sisters is in our hands to carry forth,” Paul said. “Please join me and HSHS St. John’s Hospital administration in thanking these dedicated health professionals whose skill, care and commitment to excellence make a difference in all our lives.”
This week is a dedicated time to thank and recognize the nurses who serve in the hospital, across our system and throughout the country and world. HSHS nurses connect and serve patients each day with our core values of Respect, Care, Competence, and Joy.
Nursing professionals are a valuable and instrumental part of our hospital, often working long hours under stressful conditions to save lives, help the sick heal and assist doctors in providing care.
HSHS Central Illinois Market Chief Nursing Officer Allison Paul, DNP, RN, NEA-BC shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing isn't a career; it's a calling, and our nurses are truly passionate about that. Our team of colleagues provides high-quality, compassionate care to our patients and area communities, and we thank and honor them for their commitment, dedication and hard work,” she said.
On May 12 of National Nurses Week, St. John’s 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 from Monday’s ceremony.
Partners in Nursing
- Sarah Busch, Quality Assurance
- Lisa Daley, ICU
- Stephanie Green, Speech Therapy
- Lu Ann Haley, Pharmacy
- Aliyah King, EVS
- Teresa Lynn, Anesthesia
- Sara Pasko, Respiratory Therapy
- Dr. Dominic Phemister, MD, ED
- Shannon Skebe, Labor & Delivery
- Dylan Christofilakos, CVCU
- Justine Obert, NICU
- Kristin Bast, Interventional Radiology
- Betsy Harnois, IMC
- Heather Lind, Ortho
- Christian Mizera, Emergency Department
- Jessica Powell, CVICU
- Deborah Weakley, Surgery Procedures
- Kayla Witherell, 11 Medical
- Errika Bobbitt, IL Regional Float
- Brittany Williams, 4 Medical
- Nick Cravatta, Pediatrics
- Micaela Stevens, 8th Neuro
- Dr. Cheryl Pope, St. John’s College of Nursing
- Morgan West, Clinical Education
- Jennifer Noble, CVCU
- Robert Spain, Security
This year is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of our founding Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the United States. 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. The Sisters learned English, introduced themselves to the people of the area, and initiated nursing care. Hospital Sisters Health System evolved from these humble beginnings and is now serving communities across southern and central Illinois and eastern Wisconsin.
“Today, the Mission of our founding Hospital Sisters is in our hands to carry forth,” Paul said. “Please join me and HSHS St. John’s Hospital administration in thanking these dedicated health professionals whose skill, care and commitment to excellence make a difference in all our lives.”
Media Contact
Mary Massingale
System Manager, Communications & Public Relations