Newsworthy

On May 7, we celebrated our nurses at the 2026 Excellence in Nursing Awards (ENA) Ceremony. This special annual event honors Stormont Vail Health team members whose leadership, innovation, and compassion make a meaningful impact every day.

The ceremony was held at the Kansas Museum of History, a fitting setting as we celebrated Stormont Vail’s more than 140-year legacy of nursing excellence. We extend our appreciation to the museum for hosting us and helping make the evening so special.

Recognizing Impact During Nurses Week

The evening featured inspiring stories, well-earned recognition, and a shared sense of pride as we came together during Nurses Week to honor excellence in nursing. These moments highlight how high-reliability care comes to life through teamwork, consistency, and compassion.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 winners and finalists. Your dedication continues to shape the future of nursing.

Excellence in Advanced Practice

Michelle Moore
MSN, APRN, CPN
Advanced Practice Provider

Excellence in Innovation

Paige Hipsher
BSN, RN
High Acuity Clinical Nurse Educator
Clinical Education

Excellence in Licensed Practical Nursing

JJ Heller
Ambulatory LPN
Flint Hills Rural Health Clinic

Katya Hernandez
Ambulatory LPN
Breastfeeding Center

Excellence in Mentorship

Debra Jacobsen
BSN, RN
Charge Nurse
Flint Hills Campus Birthplace

Heath Seematter
BSN, RN
Charge Nurse
Intermediate Care

Excellence in Nursing Leadership

Angelina Cooper
BSN, RN
Charge Nurse
6 North Medical

Raeley Robledo
BSN, RN
Clinic Nurse Manager
Employee Health & Wellness

Excellence in Nursing Practice

Helen Benefiel
BSN, RN, CWON
Charge Nurse
Enterostomal Therapy

Josie Hurr
BSN, RN
Acute Care RN
4 Pavillion Oncology

Excellence in Nursing Preceptorship

Macey Funston
BSN, RN
Acute Care RN Preceptor
Flint Hills Campus Emergency Department

Melinda Thompson
BSN, RN
Acute Care RN
7 North Cardiac

Excellence in Patient Care

Becky Brown
Medical Assistant
Carbondale Clinic

Laura Jeno
LMHT
LMHT Documentation Assistant
Behavioral Health

Excellence in Patient Experience

Katie Maxwell
MBA-HCA, BSN, RN
Clinic Nurse Manager
Behavioral Health

Rising Star

Emma Esser
Acute Care LPN
5 East Pediatrics

Samantha Schooler
BSN, RN
Case Manager RN
Hospitalists Program