PRESENTED BY:
BR A N D AV E. ST U DIOS CON T EN T
Transforming the delivery of mental healthcare for those who need it most Sponsored content by Amy Lynch, Brand Ave. Studios contributing writer
Throughout her nursing career, Dr. Gina Bryan has seen firsthand how access to mental healthcare services can change lives, especially among Wisconsin’s most vulnerable patient populations. “As an undergraduate student at UW–Madison, I had the good fortune of participating in an independent study at a county mental health center, learning from a psych mental health nurse practitioner who was quite simply excellent,” she said. “I saw what true community-based, person-centered mental healthcare could look like when provided in a manner rooted in social justice.” Rotations in emergency rooms and crisis centers further solidified Bryan’s dedication to finding innovative ways to lower barriers and improve access to mental health care and substance abuse services. Now, as a clinical professor and psychiatric-mental health certificate coordinator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, she works collaboratively with colleagues, doctor of nursing practice (DNP) students and Badger nurse alumni to serve communities across the state, all while balancing teaching duties and her clinical practice.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
PHOTO PROVIDED BY RUTHIE HAUGE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Gina Bryan
One of Bryan’s top priorities is addressing a shortage of critical mental healthcare services and providers due to lack of funding, reductions in educational offerings and low faculty resources. These shortages affect everyone, not just those who need the resources. “I truly believe that a community is only as healthy as our least healthy residents,” Bryan said. “Certain communities are more directly impacted, such as people without insurance or who are underinsured, rural communities, children, LGBTQ+ and racial/ethnic minorities.” Bryan also says that if the people providing the services don’t look like the people they serve, the clients are less likely to seek their help. Obstacles like cost, lack of transportation, long wait times for appointments and persistent stigma surrounding mental health are just some of the additional factors that keep patients from getting the care they need. By placing students into underserved communities, the UW–Madison School of Nursing DNP
program hopes to inspire them to continue working with patients in those locations after they graduate. The Psychiatric Mental Health DNP and Certificate programs, which prepare nurse practitioners, are offered in a hybrid format that includes in-person and online classes, as well as clinical rotations. “We teach assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses and substance-use disorders,” Bryan said. “We also cover trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, evidence-based practice, leadership, quality improvement, health policy, population health, environmental health and other topics. This level of content diversity better prepares future providers.” “We need to continue to work toward improved access to care when people are ready to receive care, and work against the marginalization of people who live with mental health issues and substance use disorders,” she said. For more information, visit nursing.wisc.edu.
This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
This year, we honor all For the eighth consecutive year, Madison Media Partners is honoring the area’s nurses with the Nurses: The Heart of Health Care program - a contest and section supported by presenting sponsor University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing.
ABOUT THE NOMINATIONS
The nurses encountered throughout the program share several identifying characteristics: compassion, respect and empathy. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, residential facilities, in-home care and even virtually. They educate, console, relate, comfort and endear themselves to patients and families.
ABOUT THE SECTION
The program began with a call for nominations. The public was encouraged to nominate nursing professionals who made an impact on the lives of loved ones and the community at large. The community answered. Peers, patients, friends and family shared their stories and gratitude for nursing professionals across the area. Nurse nominations were submitted by the community from their point of view. Celebrate these tireless professionals and their unfading recognition during National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025.
PRESENTED BY
Nurse nominations were submitted by the community from their point of view. Nominations may have been edited for length or clarity. This content was produced by Madison Media Partners. The news and editorial departments of the Wisconsin State Journal had no role in its creation or display. For more information, contact events@madison.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THIS YEAR’S NOMINEES JULIANA RENDON UW HOSPITAL
REBECCA STEFFES COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS FREE CLINIC
Juliana is an empowered woman For more than a decade, Rebecca who came to the US in 2017. Since has served as Nurse Manager for then, she has worked really hard Community Connections Free to make her dreams true and was Clinic in Dodgeville, WI. Her so dedicated to learning English. experience as a Registered Nurse, She passed the boards in 2019 along with her management skills and got her license to be a nurse in the US. She currently works in the ICU and looking to and empathy, helps provide primary health care to those uninsured or unable to pay for medical care. In 2024 become a CRNA in the future. I’m so proud of her. alone, over 1,000 patients were served by the clinic. This JULIE RICE QUAM is only possible through the extraordinary work Rebecca MERITER NICU performs every day. She is not only an inspiration to Julie took care of my son in the fellow nurses, she is an example of how we all should treat Meriter NICU. She is the bestalways pleasant, beyond competent, our fellow human beings. 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.
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.
Celebration of Hope National Nurses Week | May 6 - 12 National Hospital Week | May 11 - 17 Hope unites us as we care for our communities’ needs and work toward health equity for all. During National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, we celebrate those whose skills, compassion, and presence instill hope and healing to those we serve. Thank you for all you do!
©2025 SSM Health. All rights reserved. WI-WI-16-191259-R10 4/25
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.
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.
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.
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.
3THATGIFTS WILL MAKE NURSES SMILE
W
EBONY WILLIAMS | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
hether it’s a nurse in your own family or one who’s gone above and beyond, it’s natural to want to show your admiration and gratitude with a gift. However, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift. • Stethoscopes and scrubs are popular gifts, but if you’d like to find something that’s a little more personal — that gives space for relaxation or brings a laugh — here are three great gift ideas for nurses.
Aromatherapy candles
Aromatherapy candles have essential oils that, when ignited, can release therapeutic properties. It’s a great way to start or end the day. From lavender and lemon to peppermint and eucalyptus, a candle can be a fantastic source of relaxation. On Amazon, they range from $10 to $100. “When you inhale the sweet scents, your body secretes feel-good chemicals called endorphins. This helps restore balance to your hormones so that you can sleep better, and they can even ease headaches caused by stress,” noted Nourish and Love Co.
Journals
A journal is perfect for jotting down goals, troubles of the day and aspirations. Journaling can help nurses “release mental blockades and be more precise about your thoughts. Additionally, journaling helps to understand your desires, priorities and worries,” says Sinem Günel, on Medium.
UNSPLASH
DREAMSTIME
Fun gifts
From mugs that say “I Found This Humerus” (with a humerus bone) to sarcastic T-shirts and pens, a fun gift can help bring a smile to a nurse’s face when they’re having a tough day. A prescription pill bottle mug ($15.95 on Amazon) is an excellent present if they need an energy boost. According to Dai l y N u rs e . c o m , laughing “is a way for nurses to energize themselves and to unite with one another, and it is an especially powerful tool in letting go of AMAZON.COM the difficult emotions that accompany every day’s work.”
ADOBE STOCK
CO NG R AT U L AT I O NS TO A L L T HE HONO R EES OF
2025 NURSES:
THE HEART OF HEALTHCARE THANK YOU TO NURSES EVERYWHERE FOR YOUR INCREDIBLE IMPACT.
Learn more at nursing.wisc.edu