In celebration of National Nurses Week, we are honoring each and every nomination in the Nurses: The Heart of Health Care program. Be sure to scroll through to see a glimpse into how each of these tireless professionals impacted coworkers, patients and families.

This program is supported by presenting sponsor BJC HealthCare and title sponsors Delmar Gardens, Mercy and SSM Health.

Emergency room and trauma nurses

Alexis Laughbaum

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital

For being so kind and caring.

Allison Pearl

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

For always being there and going above and beyond. She is a compassionate nurse for all everyone when she is on and off duty!

Aly Rackovan, RN

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

Aly has been so compassionate with each and every patient she deals with. She has a smile that lights up a room and a heart that goes along with it.

Alyssa Winterbauer

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital

For being hardworking and always giving it her all in the ER.

Amanda Blackford

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

For helping save my husband's life and for her incredible commitment to the families she helps. She has gone above and beyond in helping me and my family.

Angie Gretzinger

Memorial Hospital Shiloh

Angie always goes above and beyond for not only her patients, but also her coworkers. She is unbreaking in her kindness and genuinely wants to help. I've seen her take on so many obstacles in the ED and I am grateful for all she does!

Anna Dow

SSM Health | VA St Louis Healthcare System

Anna is a wonderful nurse and person.

Cassidy Waters

Mercy Hospital Washington

Cass is the best nurse and daughter. She is kind, caring and compassionate.

Danielle Fritz

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

For dedication and compassion to her patients!

Daphne Stewart

CoxHealth Medical Center South

They helped save my life after a motorcycle accident.

John Kistner

Memorial Hospital Shiloh

He took care of my mother after falling down the stairs and breaking and fracturing several bones.

Julie

I have had the wonderful experience of seeing Julie evolve from a PCA to a RN. She excels in any situation she is placed in. She advocates for what's right and she is a great nurse!

Kassey Kenner

Missouri Baptist Medical Center

I would like to thank Kassey for providing me valuable updates on my husband's clinical state, as he was in the ER with a significant health concerns while I was out of town. I was unable to get back to St. Louis quickly. Knowing this, Kassey took additional time and consideration to contact me via my cell phone with timely updates, making my distance seem less scary.

Lindsey Burmester

Mercy Hospital St. Louis

For taking care of my wife.

Megan Heaven

SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital

For being amazing at her job and for being so great with kids.

Nurse T

SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis

She was one of the victims from the attack at DePaul in July of 2022. Her courage has continued to shine through, and she has rose above to continue to enjoy a different kind of life that was almost taken from her.

Rachel Wilson

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Rachel has a beautiful spirit.

Rebecca Zazove

Advantage Nursing Services, Pediatric Home Health Care

Rebecca goes to work each day to change lives. After a decade of experience and three kids of her own, her care for pediatrics has never waivered.

Robyn Gerker

Missouri Baptist Medical Center

For 40 years of outstanding service.

Stephanie Kelly

Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital

For being at my side through the last six years. For helping celebrate the wins, learn from the failures and move on.

Nurse nominations were submitted by the community from their point of view. This content was produced by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch marketing department. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact marketing@post-dispatch.com.