Bayhealth Nurses Receive National Award

Bayhealth nurses received statewide recognition during the 2026 Delaware Today Excellence in Nursing Awards, with two nurses from the Bayhealth Sussex Campus earning top honors in their specialties.

The annual Delaware Today Excellence in Nursing Awards recognize outstanding nurses across the state for exceptional patient care, leadership, compassion, and clinical expertise in a variety of healthcare specialties. Nurses are nominated by peers, patients, and healthcare professionals, with honorees selected for their impact on patient outcomes and commitment to advancing the nursing profession.

This year, Bayhealth nurses earned widespread recognition, with 165 nurses nominated across 20 specialty categories.

Among the top award recipients were Joni Goepel, RN, CCRN, who was named Top Nurse in the Inpatient/Acute Care Nursing category, and Ashlee Smeak, RN, who received Top Nurse honors in the Nursing Newcomer category.

Goepel works in critical care at the Bayhealth Sussex Campus, where she provides specialized care for critically ill patients requiring intensive monitoring and advanced treatment. Smeak was recognized as an emerging nursing professional whose dedication, compassion, and clinical skills have quickly made an impact within the organization.

“The strong presence of Bayhealth nurses among this year’s honorees reflects our culture of clinical excellence and the deep respect peers across the state have for the care delivered by Bayhealth teams every day,” said Rosemary Wurster, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, senior vice president and chief nurse executive for Bayhealth.

Bayhealth officials said the recognition highlights the organization’s continued commitment to nursing leadership, innovation, and patient-centered care throughout central and southern Delaware.

Bayhealth is also a Magnet®-recognized health system, a designation considered one of the highest honors for nursing excellence and quality patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program®, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practices, patient outcomes, and professional development.

More information about nursing careers and programs at Bayhealth can be found through Bayhealth Nursing Careers.