Complete Photo Gallery

JOPLIN, Mo. – For hundreds of Freeman nurses, the 2024 Freeman Nursing Gala was truly an “enchanted evening.”

A record 400 attendees, the largest ever, sold out the annual celebration hosted by Downstream Casino and Resort Thursday evening. The gala was established nine years ago to recognize the pivotal roles Freeman nurses play within the Freeman system.

 “The nursing gala is a great excuse for us to get together as nurses and celebrate our profession,” said Jeanee Kennedy, Freeman Chief Nursing Officer. “We get to dress up to the nines and have a really great time.” 

 Glitz and glamour aside, the gala plays a pivotal role by raising money for the Freeman Nursing Education Fund, which is designed to support Freeman registered nurses in the advancement of their education and relieve some of their financial burdens. More than $90,000 was raised this year; since 2016, Freeman has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to Freeman nurses.

Winners of the Outstanding Nurse of the Year awards were announced during the festivities. They were:

• Non-Traditional Nurse – Shelly James
• Clinical Nurse RN – Vanessa Hernandez
• Clinical Nurse LPN – Madison McCracken
• Advanced Practice Nurse – Nichole “Beau” Howe