Kootenai Health receives Sigma Nursing’s 2022 Healthy Work Environment Award

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has announced Kootenai Health as the clinical honoree for the 2022 Healthy Work Environment Award. The award honors clinical facilities that have demonstrated commitment in promoting a healthy work environment and have demonstrated excellence in health care outcomes.

Only two organizations are recognized annually for this award, one clinical setting and one academic setting. “The importance of receiving this award cannot be overstated,” said Roxanne Gadberry, Kootenai Health’s nursing education manager, “This is one of the most prestigious awards in nursing!”

Gadberry credits this recognition to Kootenai Health’s careful attention to prioritize the needs of patients and staff first. “Kootenai Health’s leadership support is exceptional and the staff are deeply committed to living the core values of safety, compassion, and engagement every day,” Gadberry said.

Gadberry accepted the 2022 Healthy Work Environment Award on behalf of Kootenai Health last month at the annual Sigma Nursing conference in Washington, D.C. She also had the opportunity to present at the conference to health care professionals from across the globe about the work being done to earn this award.

This is the second time in the last six months Kootenai Health has been recognized for nursing excellence. In September, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) granted Kootenai Health Magnet® recognition for the fourth consecutive time. These awards come on the heels of two very challenging years for health care professionals.

“It is incredible,” said Joan Simon, Kootenai Health’s chief nursing officer, “These awards are validation of the work and our commitment to each other and to our patients. When we share our successes and how we got where we are, many other nurses and organizations can benefit from those shared learnings. In a way, it is a professional way to pay it forward!”