Madison area nurses making a difference
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 University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing.
Juliana Rendon, UW Hospital
Juliana is an empowered woman who came to the US in 2017. Since then, she has worked really hard to make her dreams true and was so dedicated to learning English. She passed the boards in 2019 and got her license to be a nurse in the US. She currently works in the ICU and looking to become a CRNA in the future. I'm so proud of her.
Julie Rice Quam, Meriter NICU
Julie took care of my son in the Meriter NICU. She is the best- always pleasant, beyond competent, accommodating, and smart. I am a retired Meriter nurse and floated house-wide for 35 years, very often into the NICU. Julie is the best nurse I ever worked with, on any unit. She was also a 'floater' when I was a newbie. Julie saved my butt on more than one occasion, by starting tough IVs, giving me great advice, and trouble-shooting problematic lines. She was never too busy to help, and I always came away a better nurse after working with her. She endlessly works extra shifts to cover staffing holes, takes surprise admissions, never loses her happy smile, still teaching the new generation of nurses.
Rebecca Steffes, Community Connections Free Clinic
For more than a decade, Rebecca has served as Nurse Manager for Community Connections Free Clinic in Dodgeville, WI. Her experience as a Registered Nurse, along with her management skills and empathy, helps provide primary health care to those uninsured or unable to pay for medical care. In 2024 alone, over 1,000 patients were served by the clinic. This is only possible through the extraordinary work Rebecca performs every day. She is not only an inspiration to fellow nurses, she is an example of how we all should treat our fellow human beings.
Max Wardwell, Meriter Hospital
Max works very hard and is a self motivator, working long hours in the surgical unit of Meriter Hospital. Max worked in business, but never felt like he was making a difference or helping others, so he when back to college and became a RN. His compassion and care for others is his biggest strength. Max is always trying to give special care and empathy to his patients.
Katie Peart, Madison VA Hospital
I am honored to nominate Katie Peart for recognition at the Madison VA. Katie brings extensive knowledge and expertise as an ER nurse. She excels in high-pressure situations and consistently provides exceptional care to our veterans. A strong team player, Katie is always willing to step in and support her colleagues. Her dedication and compassion make her an invaluable asset to our team.
Anna Hoffmann, Madison College
I'm proud to nominate Anna Marie Hoffmann, BSN, who improves others' lives every day in both her professional and personal life. As Madison College's Clinical & Field Internship Director for the last eight years (and 17 years of prior experience as Campus Health Nurse Educator), Anna is respected by both colleagues and students for her genuine interest in others and natural curiosity. Her mentorship, leadership, dedication, and approach toward continuous learning and growth make Anna stand out among her peers. Anna's family and friends value her empathy, extensive nursing knowledge and research, practical advice, regular check-ins, and willingness to accompany them to important medical appointments.
Heather Royer, Lindsey Vogelman, Meghan Nolden, Jennifer Orshak, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Clinics
Madison VA EBP Team! This team models outstanding nursing leadership, contstantly advocating for best practices that continuously improve Veteran-centered, quality care delivery. They promote evidence-based solutions to clinical-practice problems. While mentoring staff nurses, they develop fresh approaches to the implementation of research-evidence into clinical practice in order to sustainibly improve clinical outcomes. Together they have ignited a high spirit of inquiry in Madison VA nurses. Each member of this team is highly respected and sought after for their knowledge and experience. Their kind approach to mentoring and practice-change implementation make them stand out in their field. We are fortunate to have such a team at the Madison VA.
Kathy Phillips-Riemer, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Clinics
Kathy is the nurse manager for three primary care VA clinics. She is an outstanding leader and nursing advocate. She works on many quality improvement projects regarding patient care. She always asks the frontline staff for their input, which improves nursing practice and increases staff satisfaction. She has excellent communication skills that provide a supportive and positive work environment for her nursing teams. She is endlessly compassionate, and offers guidance and opportunities for staff to thrive in their role, allowing them to provide high-quality patient care. Kathy strives for high integrity and honesty with everyone she encounters, which fosters a high level of trust and respect. Kathy is an extremely valuable nurse, leader, and VA employee.
Cindy Wadyka, Heritage Senior Living
Monona Wisconsin Heritage offers a continuum of care which share independence assisted-living and enhanced Care 1 and 2. Cindy is a single mother with a teenage daughter Kendall, and lives in a duplex with her sister, who provides her support during her working hours. Cindy often works in assited care as a med pastor and caregiver. Coworkers say Cindy goes above and beyond with all residents she interacts with, and that she is generous, efficent, and very kind.
