We are proud to announce that Chief Nurse Executive, Gretchen Johnson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 APNA Award for Excellence in Leadership – RN by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This award recognizes Dr. Johnson’s exceptional leadership in psychiatric nursing, her dedication to clinical excellence, and her commitment to improving patient outcomes.
The APNA Award for Excellence in Leadership – RN is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership in psychiatric nursing, fostering innovation and collaboration, and serving as a role model for nurses and healthcare professionals nationwide. Dr. Johnson’s leadership has been pivotal in advancing care at Pine Rest, where she has led initiatives to enhance nurse training, decrease stigma around mental health, and bring new nurses into the workforce.
Under her guidance, Pine Rest has implemented several new initiatives, including the Pine Rest Academy for Nursing Students, a program which offers individuals accepted into one of several participating nursing programs up to $40,000 toward tuition expenses. Since its inception in 2022, the program has supported 11 nurse graduates, with another 46 nursing students currently enrolled.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Johnson’s achievements and the recognition she has received from APNA,” said William Sanders, D.O., Vice President and Medical Director at Pine Rest. “Her commitment to compassionate care, combined with her forward-thinking leadership, has made a profound impact on our organization and the communities we serve. This award is a testament to her dedication and the difference she continues to make in the field of behavioral health.”
The award was officially presented to Dr. Johnson at the APNA 38th Annual Conference, which took place October 9-12, 2024.
