Colleagues Honored During National Nurses Week
May 19, 2025
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese honored all nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, and proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Nursing Exemplar Awards.
National Nurses Week is a dedicated time to thank and recognize all of the nurses who serve in our local communities, throughout the country and across the world. Nurses dedicate long hours, under stressful conditions, to care for the members of our communities.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese Chief Administrative Officer, Mandi Ennen, shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Our nurses are a valuable and instrumental part of our hospital. For them, nursing is not just their career, it’s who they are. We are so thankful for their tireless dedication and the difference they make for our patients every day,” she said.
During National Nurses Week, St. Joseph’s 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.
Excellence 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. 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.
“The Mission of our founding Hospital Sisters is in our hands to carry forth,” Ennen said. “Please join me and St. Joseph’s administration in thanking these dedicated health professionals whose skill, care, and commitment to excellence makes a difference in all our lives.”
Photo Captions: (above-top-right) Samantha Fritschle, House Supervisor, Medical-Surgical Care, Nurse Leader of the Year.
Above: Hannah Lamcyzk, RN, Medical-Surgical Care, Preceptor of the Year Award Winner (middle) pictured with award nominees.
Above: Katrina Sopiars, RN, Surgery, Excellence in Nursing Award Winner (middle) pictured with award nominees.
National Nurses Week is a dedicated time to thank and recognize all of the nurses who serve in our local communities, throughout the country and across the world. Nurses dedicate long hours, under stressful conditions, to care for the members of our communities.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese Chief Administrative Officer, Mandi Ennen, shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Our nurses are a valuable and instrumental part of our hospital. For them, nursing is not just their career, it’s who they are. We are so thankful for their tireless dedication and the difference they make for our patients every day,” she said.
During National Nurses Week, St. Joseph’s 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.
Excellence in Nursing
- Katrina Sopiars, RN, Surgery
- Kaylee Eubank, RN, Women and Infants
- Hannah Lamczyk, RN, Medical-Surgical Care
- Michelle Rega, CRT, Respiratory Therapy
- Samantha Fritschle, House Supervisor, Medical-Surgical Care
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. 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.
“The Mission of our founding Hospital Sisters is in our hands to carry forth,” Ennen said. “Please join me and St. Joseph’s administration in thanking these dedicated health professionals whose skill, care, and commitment to excellence makes a difference in all our lives.”
Photo Captions: (above-top-right) Samantha Fritschle, House Supervisor, Medical-Surgical Care, Nurse Leader of the Year.
Above: Hannah Lamcyzk, RN, Medical-Surgical Care, Preceptor of the Year Award Winner (middle) pictured with award nominees.
Above: Katrina Sopiars, RN, Surgery, Excellence in Nursing Award Winner (middle) pictured with award nominees.
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