Colleagues Honored During National Nurses Week

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland 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 work tirelessly to provide compassionate, high-quality care to our hospitals and communities throughout the country and across the world.

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland Chief Administrative Officer, Teresa Cornelius, shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Our nurses exemplify the highest standards of compassion, clinical excellence and unwavering commitment to patient care. Their dedication not only uplifts the lives of those they serve but also strengthens the very foundation of our health care system. It is with immense pride and gratitude that we recognize these outstanding individuals whose work truly sets the benchmark for excellence,” 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

• Kelly Hoehn, RN, Inpatient Care Unit

Charge Nurse of the Year

• Sydney Colyott, RN, Surgery

Rookie of the Year

• Elisha Kehrer, RN, Inpatient Care Unit

Preceptor of the Year

• Stacey Zobrist, RN, Inpatient Care Unit

Partner in Nursing

• Kevin Brendel, Electrical Technician, Facilities

Nurse Leaders of the Year

• Stephanie Grant, House Supervisor, Inpatient Care Unit

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. 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,” Cornelius 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 Caption (above, top-right) Kelly Hoehn, RN, Inpatient Care Unit, Excellence in Nursing (second from left) pictured with Teresa Cornelius, Chief Administrative Officer, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland (left) and award nominees.