What Magnet® Means to Us
Since 2009, Stormont Vail has held ANCC Magnet® Recognition Program—the gold standard of nursing excellence. As we prepare for our fifth designation, we celebrate the nurses who make this possible.
Magnet® reflects our commitment to:
- Safe care that reduces harm.
- High-quality outcomes driven by evidence-based practice and continuous improvement.
- Exceptional patient and nurse experiences.
Magnet Minute: Learn. Lead. Grow.
Quick, insightful episodes designed to support your growth as a nursing professional. Hear real stories, expert tips, and leadership lessons—anytime, anywhere.
Annual Nursing Report
Reflecting on progress, inspiring the future.
Our Annual Nursing Report highlights nursing achievements, innovations, and Magnet® milestones that shape the future of patient care.
Join The BEST Place To Work, Train, & Grow
Explore nursing careers at Stormont Vail—from new grads to experienced specialty nurses.
- Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Medical Assistants (MAs)
- Patient Care Technicians (PCT)
- Nursing Leadership & Educator
Join a team where your work is recognized, your voice is valued, and your growth is supported.
Awards & Recognition
We proudly celebrate the compassion, skill, and leadership of our nurses through recognition programs.
Excellence in Nursing Awards
Peer-nominated awards for outstanding contributions.
The DAISY Award
National recognition for extraordinary care.
The Sunflower Award for Extraordinary Nursing Support Staff
Honoring support staff who make a difference.
Professional Practice Model
Guiding nursing excellence in every step.
Our PPM guides how we care, lead, and grow—connecting our legacy with our future.
- Shared Governance: Nurses shape policies and improvements.
- Professional Development: Programs that support lifelong growth.
- Collaborative Care: Team-based, ethical care delivery.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Research-driven decision-making.
Nursing Excellence Awards
The nurses at Stormont Vail Health are the backbone of our organization and we couldn't appreciate them more.
One way we recognize our nurses each year is by asking team members to nominate their peers that have made significant contributions to the nursing profession in patient care, the community, and at Stormont Vail.
Hundreds of nurses are nominated each year. While all of our nurses deserve recognition, these winners are pillars in representing, promoting, and demonstrating the five tenants of Stormont Vail.
2025 Nursing Excellence Award Winners
Excellence in Nursing Practice
Savannah Diegel, BSN, RN, Acute Care RN | Topeka Emergency Room
Excellence in Nursing Leadership
Elizabeth Barnes, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager | Spine Center, Join Center, TCU
Excellence in Nursing Mentorship
Lydia Johnson, BSN, RN, Acute Care RN | Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Excellence in Nursing Mentorship
Justin Barnes, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager | Behavioral Health
Excellence in Nursing Preceptorship
Daniel Breeden, ASN, RN, Acute Care RN Preceptor | Flint Hills Emergency Room
Excellence in Nursing Preceptorship
Martie Long, BSN, PNCB, RN, Acute Care RN | Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Excellence in Advanced Practice Provider
Tiffany McKinley, MSN, AANPCP, APRN, Lead Advanced Practice Provider | Topeka Emergency Department
Excellence in Licensed Practical Nursing
Audrieanna Robles, LPN |Behavioral Health
Excellence in Licensed Practical Nursing
Anita Chase, LPN | Digestive Health Center
Excellence in Patient Care
Kara Lang, Medical Assistant | Breast Feeding Center
Excellence in Patient Care
Hailey Daughty, Patient Care Technician | 7 North Cardiac
Excellence in Patient Care
Morgan Shae, Patietn Care Technician | 4 Pavilion
Excellence in Patient Care
Jenaro Fairley, Patient Care Technician | Behavioral Health
Rising Star
Heather Ferguson, BSN, RN, NBSTSA, Clinical Nurse Educator | Clinical Education
Rising Star
Samantha May, BSN, RN, Acute Care RN | 4 Pavilion
Research & Evidence Based Practice
Kathryn Baird, MSN, RN, NCC, APRN, Advanced Practice Provider | Neonatal Intensive Care
Excellence in Distinguished Community Outreach
Megan Thomas, BSN, RN Quality Program Manager | PCS Administration