(Joplin, MO) – For hundreds of Freeman Health System nurses, the 2024 Freeman Nursing Gala was truly an “enchanted evening.”
A record 400 attendees, the largest ever, sold out the annual celebration hosted by Downstream Casino and Resort on Thursday, September 19. The gala was established nine years ago to recognize the pivotal roles Freeman nurses play within the Freeman system.
“The nursing gala is a great excuse for us to get together as nurses and celebrate our profession,” said Jeanee Kennedy, Freeman Chief Nursing Officer. “We get to dress up to the nines and have a really great time.”
Glitz and glamour aside, the gala plays a pivotal role by raising money for the Freeman Nursing Education Fund, which is designed to support Freeman registered nurses in the advancement of their education and relieve some of their financial burdens. More than $90,000 was raised this year; since 2016, Freeman has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to Freeman nurses.
Winners of the Outstanding Nurse of the Year awards were announced during the festivities. They were:
- Non-Traditional Nurse – Shelly James
- Clinical Nurse RN – Vanessa Hernandez
- Clinical Nurse LPN – Madison McCracken
- Advanced Practice Nurse – Nichole “Beau” Howe
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center — the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services — as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2020, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. U.S. News & World Report named Freeman Health System the Best Hospital in Southwest Missouri for 2020. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 80 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock, Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
417.434.3458
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.com
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