2025
ANNUAL NURSING
REPORT
We are committed to improving the health of the people and communities we serve. We will accomplish that mission by making Boone an excellent place to work and to receive health care.
Boone Health has been ranked as the No. 1 health care provider and the No. 1 employer in mid-Missouri by multiple national ranking services. Boone Health has achieved ANCC Magnet Recognition® five consecutive times and is accredited as a Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP).
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Executive Team |
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Brady Dubois, MBA, Chief Executive Officer Shannon Kuczynski, DNP (cand), MHSA, MSN-A, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Executive Dr. Lana Zerrer, MD, Chief Medical Officer Peter Gloggner, Chief Human Resources Officer Edward J. Clayton, CPA, MBA, Chief Financial Officer Chris Jones, Chief Operating Officer Kenyon Woodward, Chief Information Officer Drew Wilkinson, Vice President of Provider & Ambulatory Operations Kate Pitzer, General Counsel |
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Annual Report Staff |
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Andrea Fansler, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Professional Practice and Training & Development Manager Tyson Cason, BSN, RN, NPD-BC, Clinical Educator Hannah Wichern, BS, APIO, Internal Communications Consultant II |
View Previous Reports
Note from the Chief Nurse Executive
The year 2025 was shaped by the Power of Nurses—a theme that reflects the extraordinary influence nurses have across every setting of care. At Boone Health, nurses consistently translate knowledge into action, compassion into outcomes, and presence into leadership. This annual report honors the achievements of the past year; acknowledges shared challenges; and sets a clear, ambitious direction for the year ahead.
Over the past 12 months, priorities were guided by direct‑care nurse feedback and centered on practical improvements that strengthen patient safety, professional practice, and the daily work environment. Together, these efforts reinforced a culture of WeCARE and elevated nursing practice across the organization.
Significant progress was made in quality and outcomes through evidence‑based protocols and nurse‑led initiatives. Investments in Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) and expanded simulation improved preparedness for high‑stakes events, ensuring teams are confident and capable when seconds matter most. Standardized bedside handoff enhanced clarity, supported patient engagement, and improved continuity of care, while structured clinical debriefing reinforced learning and emotional recovery following critical events.
Operational improvements reduced daily friction and improved patient flow, particularly in the Emergency Department. Targeted staffing flexes, clearer escalation pathways, tiered huddles, and refined supply processes decreased interruptions and delays, allowing nurses to spend more time at the bedside. These changes are reflected in improved 12‑month HCAHPS communication trends and directly respond to what nurses identified as most important for delivering high‑quality care.
Safety and wellbeing remained a priority. The launch of the CARES Force created a rapid‑response resource for workplace violence, strengthening on‑scene coordination and post‑event follow‑up. Staff feedback confirms the real‑time impact of this work, reinforcing the importance of reliable protections that allow nurses to focus on patient care with confidence.
Nursing excellence was further advanced through expanded simulation and RQI training; strengthened competencies in postpartum hemorrhage and resuscitation; and active nurse participation in Value Analysis, ensuring frontline expertise informs equipment and supply decisions. The Evidence‑Based Practice Symposium, protected project time, mentorship, and resources supported nurse‑led innovations such as mobility protocols, amniotic fluid embolism readiness, and IV securement improvements—initiatives already improving care at the bedside.
Culture, recognition, and wellbeing were also strengthened. WeCARE values were embedded into daily practice and recognition moments, unit‑based shout‑outs highlighted teamwork and clinical excellence, and the Outstanding Preceptor Award was introduced to honor those who support new nurses and foster a culture of growth. Peer support and second‑victim resources were expanded to ensure timely emotional connection after stressful events.
Looking ahead to 2026, the launch of the Nursing Workforce and Environment Core Council will empower direct‑care nurses to lead rapid, high‑impact solutions that remove everyday barriers to care. Guided by the Power of Nurses, the focus remains clear: embed proven practices, advance clinical leadership, strengthen workforce resilience, and amplify the nursing voice in governance and system‑level decision‑making.
Thank you for everything you have done this year to strengthen care, support your colleagues, and elevate nursing practice across Boone Health. Your leadership, insights, and daily commitment have shaped each of these accomplishments and will continue guiding our work in the year ahead. The power of our profession is visible in every bedside decision, every quality improvement, and every conversation where nurses insist on what is best for patients. I am proud to lead alongside you and excited for the impact we will create together.
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Shannon Kuczynski, DNP (cand), MHSA, MSN-A, RN, NE-BC |
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STATISTICS
NURSING WORKFORCE
Boone Health’s nursing team brings significant expertise to bedside care.
10
YEARS
Over 50% of Boone Health nurses possess 10 years of licensure, underscoring the strength and stability of our nursing workforce.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Boone Health saw an increased number of patients and improved throughput in addition to decreased wait times.
36,729
VISITS
Emergency care at Boone Health is essential to our community as it plays a critical, life‑saving role serving as the front door for urgent, complex, and unpredictable patient needs.
NURSING CERTIFICATIONS
Boone Health empowers and supports our nurses through professional development.
149
CERTIFIED NURSES
Certification is a testament to a registered nurse’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of practice and staying abreast of advancements in specialties.
REPORT
CONTENTS
EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Evidence Based Practice | Patient Satisfaction | Interprofessional Collaboration | Autonomy | Workplace Safety | Nursing Workforce | Subject Matter Experts
STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT
Certification | New Hires | Nurse Residency | Community Involvement | Recognition
NEW KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENTS
Innovation within Boone | Nursing Research
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Acquisition of Resources | Practice Environment
APPENDICES
Trusted Care, Close to Home | Professional Governance
EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE
2nd Annual Boone Health Evidence-Based Practice & Best Practice Symposium
Boone Health hosted its second annual Evidence‑Based Practice (EBP) & Best Practice Symposium on Oct. 29, 2025, bringing together nurses, allied health professionals, students, and leaders from across the region to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and advance clinical excellence. Designed to strengthen a culture of inquiry, the symposium provided a structured forum for participants to explore evidence‑based and best practices focused on improving patient outcomes and supporting organizational priorities.
147 Attendees
8 Speakers
29 Posters
PATIENT SATISFACTION
Outstanding Patient Experience Award
In May 2025, Healthgrades recognized Boone with its 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award. Read the full press release or check out the hospital headline in our Summer 2025 Boone Health magazine issue.
INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION
Ventilator-Associated Event
Boone Health’s Ventilator‑Associated Event (VAE) Rapid Cycle Evaluation (RCE) Team continues to demonstrate how strong interdisciplinary collaboration leads to measurable improvements in patient care. Formed in early 2025 in response to rising VAE trends, the team brought together experts from Respiratory Care, Critical Care, Infection Prevention, Therapy Services, Information Technology, and Medical Leadership to focus on evidence‑based practices that improve outcomes for ventilated patients. Read the full article on Collaboration Driving Safer Care for Ventilated Patients.
Boone Health Attends Magnet Conference
Boone Health proudly achieved its fifth Magnet® Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2024, marking nearly two decades of sustained excellence in nursing practice. First designated in 2005, Boone Health has continually demonstrated a strong commitment to high‑quality, patient‑centered care through nursing leadership, innovation, and evidence‑based practice.
Pictured above, left to right: Megan Brown, BSN, RN, CMSRN; Angela Mings, ASN, RN; Alicia Arth, BSN, RN, CCRN; Colton Downing, BSN, RN; Shanna Marshall, MBA, MSN, RN, FNP-BC; Shannon Kuczynski, DNP (cand), MHSA, MSN-A, RN, NE-BC; Andrea Fansler, BSN, RN, NE-BC; Kyle Funke, BSN, RN; and Amberly Lucas, MSN, RN.
20 Years Magnet Designated
5 Times Magnet Designated
9 Magnet Abstracts Submitted
WeCARE Initiative
We CARE stands for Collaborate, Act, Respect, and Excel. Launched in 2025, WeCARE aims to enhance the culture at Boone. Watch this short introduction video from Brady Dubois, CEO.
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WeCARE Committee Members |
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Shannon Kuczynski, DNP (cand), MHSA, MSN-A, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Executive |
Brady Dubois, MBA, Chief Executive Officer |
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Chris Jones, Chief Operating Officer |
Peter Gloggner, Chief Human Resources Officer |
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Matt Nusbaum, MHA, BSN, RN, Executive Director Emergency Services & Critical Care |
Christian Basi, MA, BJ, Director of Marketing |
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Monica Collins, MPA, Executive Director Boone Hospital Foundation |
Leslie Duckworth, MBA-HCA, BSN, RN, Director of Quality, Risk Management & Medical Staff Services |
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Velyn Persaud, MD, MHA, CHC, CPC, Chief Compliance Officer |
Mike Young, MHA, R.T.(R), Quality Manager Boone Medical Group |
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Janel Schnieders, Manager Organizational Effectiveness |
David Covert, Patient Experience, Coordinator |
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Lana Zerrer, MD, Chief Medical Officer |
Elizabeth Haskamp, Learning Management Systems Coordinator |
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Amanda Frevert, MPA, Group Administrator |
Julie Rhodes Pipes, Executive Assistant |
AUTONOMY
Dynamic Nurse-Led Response team
Boone Health transformed the traditional house supervisor role into a dynamic nurse‑led response team to better meet the growing complexity of today’s healthcare environment. This innovative model includes Clinical Operations Managers and Clinical Resource/STAT Nurses who provide expert nursing leadership during critical events, real‑time bedside education, and consistent accountability to evidence‑based practice. The team delivers rapid, standardized responses to high‑risk situations while also supporting extensive hospital services. Read more about this response team.
1,788 Critical Events Managed
1,810 Vascular Access Devices Placed
WORKPLACE SAFETY
CARES Force
CARES Force is a nurse‑led, trauma‑informed response initiative designed to address workplace violence while strengthening staff safety, resilience, and organizational culture at Boone Health. Developed in alignment with Magnet® principles, CARES Force provides a rapid, interdisciplinary response to workplace violence incidents, integrating immediate tactical support with psychological first aid, structured debriefing, and root cause analysis. The program empowers nurses and team members by prioritizing safety, trust, accountability, and healing following critical events. Read more about CARES Force.
NURSING WORKFORCE
Collaborative Strategies to Strengthen Workforce
Persistent workforce shortages continue to challenge patient safety, staff engagement, and overall organizational performance. At Boone Health, transformational nursing leadership partnered with Human Resources to implement a coordinated recruitment and retention strategy that strengthens staffing stability and supports a culture of excellence. Read more about our collaborative strategies for our workforce.
79 LPNs
51 APRNs
607 RNs
223 PCTs
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
Boone Nurse Presents to High School Students
Cindy Bracht, ADN, RN, Staff Nurse 5‑P in Maternal Child Health, eagerly volunteered to visit North Callaway High School. On April 29, 2025, she presented to three classes—Anatomy, Chemistry, and Child Development—speaking to groups of 15–20 students ranging from freshmen to seniors. Read the full article.
STRUCTURAL
EMPOWEREMENT
CERTIFICATION
Certification by the Numbers
149 Certified Nurses in 2025
Professional board certification reflects Boone Health’s commitment to nursing excellence, specialized clinical expertise, and high‑quality patient care. Certification validates a nurse’s specialized knowledge and dedication to lifelong learning beyond initial licensure and is increasingly important as health care grows more complex. Congratulations to our Boone Health board‑certified nurses!
NEW HIRES
Supporting New Nurses from the Start
At Boone Health, support for new nurses begins long before their first day on the unit and continues throughout every stage of their professional journey. Through intentional recruitment efforts and well-designed development pathways, Boone Health is building a strong pipeline of future nurses—grounded in preparation, confidence, and long-term success. Read more.
13 SNAPs
33 Nurse Externs
26 PCT Academy Participants
1,207 Students at Boone Health in 2025
135 High School Students
NURSE RESIDENCY
Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)
Boone Health's Nurse Residency Program, a Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP), affirms that Boone Health meets rigorous national standards for residency design, outcomes, and continuous improvement, ensuring new nurses receive structured, consistent, and high-quality support as they transition into professional practice.
Pictured above are graduates from Cohort 16 for the 2025 Nurse Residency Program. Front Row: Erin Koller, BSN, RN; Megan Picou, BSN, RN; Kendra Schlatterer, RN; Brooke Hedrick, BSN, RN; Grace Schollmeyer, BSN, RN; Khila Garcia, ADN, RN; Madison Berhorst, BSN, RN; Lucy Savio, BSN, RN; Kayla Tobroxen, BSN, RN.
Back Row: Mati Thompson, BSN, RN; Sophia Sanders BSN, RN; Teagan Lemke BSN, RN; Emily Gibler RN; Auriel Floyd, ASN, RN; Drew Yanez, ASN, RN; Reece Henderson, ADN, RN; Taylor Flake, ADN, RN; Charity Gentry, BSN, RN; Emily Sullivan, BSN, RN; Cari Sapp, ADN, RN; and Bethany Washam, ADN, RN.
Not pictured: Olivia Mann, BSN, RN; Keonna Williams, BSN, RN; Ashleigh Parrish, ADN, RN; and Ariana Swift, ADN, RN.
Pictured above are graduates from Cohort 17 for the 2025 Nurse Residency Program. Emily Russell, ADN, RN; Lauren Sanders, BSN, RN; Grace Brownfield, BSN, RN; Megan Kuda, ADN, RN; Kali Martin, ASN, RN; Tyler Freese, ASN, RN; Celine Doss, BSN, RN; Kyle Evanoff, ADN, RN; Emma-Grace Huntington, ADN, RN; Kari Rippeto, ADN, RN; Britney Yowell, ADN, RN; Kelsey Hammons, ADN, RN
LPN Residency Graduation
The LPN Residency Program supports newly hired Licensed Practical Nurses as they develop confidence and competence in their role. Through structured education, guided clinical support, and collaboration with educators and unit leadership, the program promotes safe practice, professional growth, and successful integration into the care team.
Back row: Melinda Williams, Natalie Harmon, Riley Newman, Zoe Edwards, Audrey Rege, and Elizabeth Edgar. Front row: Bailey Servey, Olivia McGuire, Mia Irvin, Alayciah Hardin, and Lish Frans.
50 Nurses graduated from Nurse Residency Program
12 PTAP Accredited Workplaces for RN Residents
8 EBP Projects by Nurse Residents
14 LPN Residency Graduates
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In An Instant
Ever since high school, Dakota Campbell has loved being around little kids. Hoping to one day open a daycare herself, she got a job at Tiger Tots Preschools: Central Location, a daycare center in Columbia, Mo, working with 1- to 2-year-olds. Read the Winter 2025 issue of My Boone Health.
Boone Raises the Flag for Organ & Tissue Donation
In April 2025, Boone raised awareness for National Donate Life Month by raising a Donate Life flag outside the main hospital entrance. Read the Summer 2025 issue of My Boone Health.
Advancing Emergency Preparedness through Nursing Partnerships
Cory Prasch, MSN, RN, nursing instructor at Columbia College, reached out to inquire about a subject matter expert in Emergency Management for her senior Community Health course. She specifically requested someone who could discuss mass casualty, disaster preparedness or emergency response. Boone Health had just the right people for this request: Jesse Godec, BSN, RN, CFRN, CCEMT-P, Clinical Educator, Emergency Department and Joe Bayer, CHSS, Director, Support Services & Emergency Management. Without hesitation, they both were eager to share their knowledge. Read more about this.
RECOGNITION
CLABSI
At Boone Health, continued interdisciplinary efforts to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) demonstrate how intentional, evidence‑based practice leads to lasting improvement in patient safety and quality of care. Read the full article on Sustained Collaboration Positively Impacting Infection Prevention.
DAISY Award
At Boone Health, we offer several pathways to recognize the exceptional nurses and support employees that we have on our teams.
DAISY is an award specifically for recognizing nurses. The DAISY Award winners for 2025 include Sylvia Grellner, BSN, RN, Lacey Clark, ADN, RN, Jeanne Fullmer, ADN, RN, Erica Rideout, BSN, RN, CCRN, Alyssa Smothers, ADN, RN, Valerie Priest, ASN, RN, and Kyla Moss, BSN, RN.
BEE Award
The BEE Award recognizes any employee and may include nurses. The BEE Awards in 2025 include Jill Bacon, Transporter, John Cartright, Physical Therapy Assistant, Tracy Nichols, Image Liaison, Desi McAllister, Clinical Support Associate, and Michael Grubb, PCT.
Employee of the Month
The Employee of the Month awards recognize any employee. In 2025, Sadie Brimer, BSN, RN, and Dustin Norton, BSN, RN, were two nurses recognized for Employee of the Month!
Outstanding Preceptor Award
The Outstanding Preceptor Award is for those employees who serve our organization as preceptors. The winners for 2025 were Sherri Burks, Lab Associate, Marla Owen, BSN, RN, Peter Nash, Invasive Technician, and Chloe Ruble, BSN, RN.
Professional Excellence in Nursing Awards
The Professional Excellence in Nursing Awards give all Boone Health employees the opportunity to recognize and celebrate outstanding Boone nurses, nursing teams, and partners in caring. Winners are announced each year in May during our Nurses' Week Celebration.
NEW KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENTS
INNOVATION WITHIN BOONE
Preparing the Maternal Child Health (MCH) Team through Simulation-Based Education
To strengthen preparedness for rare but life‑threatening obstetric emergencies, the Boone Health Maternal Child Health (MCH) team implemented a simulation‑based education initiative focused on Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE). Recognizing AFE as a critical safety gap, the MCH Unit Practice Council led a multidisciplinary effort to improve rapid recognition, team response, and clinical readiness. Read the full article about this simulation-based training.
Resuscitation Quality Improvement Launches at Boone Health
In 2025, Boone Health launched the Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) program, marking a shift toward an evidence‑based approach to developing and sustaining high‑quality resuscitation skills. Research shows that CPR skills can decline within months after traditional training, making infrequent, course‑based recertification insufficient for maintaining consistent performance. RQI addresses this gap with low‑dose, high‑frequency education designed to maintain competency over time. Read more.
1,477 RQI Users
44 Department-based RQI Super Users
NURSING RESEARCH
Journal Publication
In 2025, Emily Reinkemeyer, MSN, RN, CPAN, had her work published in the Journal of Radiology Nursing. Congratulations to Emily on this achievement and for her ongoing dedication to professional growth and excellence in nursing. Read the full article.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
ACQUISITION OF RESOURCES
Boone Health Implements Mobility Technician Program
To advance safe patient mobility and strengthen nursing practice, Boone Health launched the Mobility Technician (Mobility Tech) program in 2025 through a collaboration among Nursing Leadership, Professional Practice, Human Resources, and Clinical Education. The program was created to meet increasing patient mobility needs while reducing physical strain on nurses and ensuring appropriate delegation and oversight. Read more about this program.
PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT
Nursing Led Innovation: How Rapid Care Path Revitalized Emergency Care
In 2025, Boone Health made important changes to how patients were evaluated when presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Read about what changed.
PROFESSIONAL
GOVERNANCE
Professional Governance—formerly known as Shared Decision Making—has long been central to how Boone Health empowers staff, advances clinical practice, and guides decisions that impact patient care. In 2025, Boone Health entered a new chapter of Professional Governance, strengthening the framework to better support collaboration, accountability, and shared leadership across the organization. Learn more about the work underway in Professional Governance.
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