HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland celebrates National Nurses Week
Awards nurses for exemplary commitment to patients and their profession
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland honored all nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2026, and proudly announces the winners of the 2026 Nursing Exemplar Awards.
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland Chief Administrative Officer Teresa Cornelius shared her pride in the care provided by the nursing staff. “Nursing is more than a career, it’s a calling. Our nurses are dedicated to making a meaningful difference every day through the exceptional care they provide to patients and families across the Highland community,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, resilience and the positive impact they have on so many lives.”
During National Nurses Week, St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland 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. Below is the full list of winners.

Charge Nurse of the Year
Caittlynn Busch, CCRN, Emergency Department

Clinical Excellence in Nursing
Sarah Anderson, RN, Medical-Surgical Care

Nurse Leader of the Year
Lyndsey Gelly, Nursing Manager, Medical-Surgical Care

Partner in Nursing of the Year
Kununya Reed, Patient Care Assistant, Medical-Surgical Care

Preceptor of the Year
Kelsi Hayes, RN, Medical-Surgical Care

Rookie of the Year
Brian Goodiel, RN, Pre/Post Procedure Unit
For more information about HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland, visit stjosephshighland.org.
