Agnesian HealthCare Nurses Wins Nightingale Honor

Vicki Goeden Hoch, ADN, RN, a St. Agnes Hospital Emergency Department registered nurse, was among five individuals recently presented with Nightingale Awards for Nursing Practice by the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh College of Nursing and Board of Visitors.

The Nightingale Award for Nursing Practice program honors registered nurses and licensed practical nurses involved in direct patient care who exemplify the highest standards of nursing practice. In 2015, 14 outstanding nurses from across Wisconsin were nominated to receive the Nightingale Award. Five were awarded the honor.

Each award recipient receives a cash prize and an original commemorative award symbolizing the spirit of Florence Nightingale.

Other Agnesian HealthCare nurses were nominated, including: Crystal Britton, ADN, RN, Intensive Care Unit, St. Agnes Hospital; Betty Gunther, BSN, RN, Intensive Care Unit, Medical/Surgical, Emergency Department, Ripon Medical Center; and Beth Pugh, BSN, RN, Cardiac Rehab, Waupun Memorial Hospital.

“Agnesian HealthCare is honored to work with outstanding nurses,” says Jill Stenson, vice president of Nursing with Agnesian HealthCare. “To have our nursing associates honored in this way reflects our continued commitment to quality care for our patients, and to our nurses – those individuals dedicated to providing the personal touch to our patients each and every day.”

Goeden Hoch is a nurse who works closely with families at the hardest times in their lives – inside and outside of the hospital. She works as an emergency department staff nurse, the medical examiner for Fond du Lac County and also as a sexual assault nurse examiner. Her colleagues say there is no better nurse for this work than Goeden Hoch, who has compassion, care and patience.

“She has such a positive attitude that shows her willingness to work with the patients to provide the best care,” says Stenson. “She is known to always focus on what is right for the patient, especially when providing the education patients, and families, need to ensure a healthy recovery.”

In Goeden Hoch’s spare time, she volunteers for her daughter’s 4-H club, serves as a treasurer for a council, has hosted foreign exchange students in her home and serves in a nursing home.