St. Luke's Health System

05/09/2026

As part of National Wear Denim Day on April 29, team members across St. Luke’s were decked out in denim.

This annual event is recognized on the last Wednesday in April to raise awareness, take a stand against sexual violence and show support for survivors. It is an opportunity to promote respect, consent and a world free from sexual violence.

Thank you to all the team members who showed their support!

05/08/2026

A patient and his wife recently shared their heartfelt appreciation for RN Joel Johnstun and the Nampa Outpatient Thoracentesis team, earning them a Patient Experience award.

The team was praised for its professionalism, kindness and dedication during weekly visits over eight months.

“I think everyone in this department is without a doubt, some of the most dedicated people in your organization. They are thoughtful, respectful and caring people,” the nominator shared.

A special acknowledgment was given to Johnstun, who consistently went above and beyond to answer questions and provide support. His compassion and commitment left a lasting impression on the family, who is grateful for his dedicated care.

Great job to Johnstun and the team!

05/08/2026

Each May, we observe Trauma Awareness Month to raise awareness about traumatic injuries, promote injury prevention and recognize those who provide trauma care.

This week, the St. Luke's Trauma team encourages you to “stop the bleed” and learn the techniques for saving a life.

Stop the Bleed. Be ready. Save a Life
• Severe bleeding can be fatal in minutes—early action saves lives.
• Learn 3 steps:
1. Apply firm, direct pressure
2. Pack the wound (if deep)
3. Use a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding
• Keep a bleeding control/first aid kit in your car or backpack.
• Take a local Stop the Bleed course

Learn more: https://www.stopthebleed.org/

05/07/2026

Magic Valley team lends a hand to local community partners to support kids' health.

St. Luke’s provided funding and volunteers to support assembling spring break backpack kits filled with a week’s worth of nutritious, easily accessible foods for kids who attend the Magic Valley or Buhl Boys & Girls Club.

The St. Luke’s Quality team stepped up to join the club in putting kits together. The program was offered in partnership by St. Luke’s, Chobani, Idaho Food Bank and the Boys & Girls Club of the Magic Valley.

Volunteers from St. Luke’s included Heather Metzler, Janet Frank, Daniell Malson, Karen Harkins and Stephanie Martin.

05/06/2026

Below is a note from Elizabeth Steger in celebration of National Nurses Day:

St. Luke’s nurses,

Today, on National Nurses Day, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for the extraordinary care you provide. St. Luke’s nurses’ powerful voices are strengthening safety, advancing interprofessional practice and improving the health of our communities. Your advocacy for patients and colleagues, coupled with your clinical expertise and compassion, makes a meaningful difference across our organization.

This week, we celebrate you. We celebrate the skill you bring to every shift, the compassion you show in the most challenging moments and the pride you take in caring for our patients and one another. Whether at the bedside, in clinics, classrooms or behind the scenes, your commitment to excellence and your passion for nursing shine brightly. Thank you for all that you do every day.

I am incredibly proud of the leadership, innovation and teamwork you bring to your roles. Thank you for speaking up, leaning in and continuing to shape the future of care at St. Luke’s. Today, and throughout National Nurses Week, we celebrate you and the vital impact you make.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Steger, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, ACC
Senior Vice President Clinical Practice Integration/Chief Nurse Executive
St. Luke’s Health System

05/05/2026

‘Because of John, we still have our sister’: Respiratory therapist receives Sunshine Award.

Congratulations to respiratory therapist John Szanto, who received a Sunshine Award last month with leaders and colleagues there to celebrate. Szanto was nominated by a patient's family member who was in the Pediatric ICU during a life‑threatening emergency.

When the patient went into respiratory arrest, Szanto immediately intervened by manually ventilating the patient and ensuring she continued to receive oxygen until she was stabilized later.

“His clinical expertise, endurance and ability to remain focused under immense pressure quite literally saved her life. What makes John’s actions even more remarkable is not only the technical skill involved, but the dedication and heart behind it,” the nomination said.

“He did not simply perform a procedure; he fought tirelessly for my sister. He remained present, determined and unwavering when every second mattered. As a family, we were living through one of the most terrifying experiences imaginable.

“Knowing that someone was advocating for her and doing everything possible to keep her alive brought comfort in the midst of chaos. Because of John, we still have our sister.”

05/05/2026

Idaho Gives starts today!

Three trips to the emergency room in three weeks. Same patient, same problem.

Something wasn’t working. So, the care team at St. Luke’s started asking questions:

“Do you understand your illness?”

“Do you know how to use the medicine?”

“Are there any barriers that are preventing you from taking your medication?”

Bingo. That was the question that changed the conversation. The patient didn’t have a working refrigerator. The medication needed to stay cold. Without a working fridge it was impossible to take it.

Because of donations to the St. Luke’s Foundation patient assistance fund, that patient got a refrigerator.

https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/st-luke-s-health-foundation

05/04/2026

In 2025, Breanne (Brea) Mikolajczyk was honored with an Excellence in Patient Care award as part of St. Luke’s Caring Heart Awards program. This award recognizes front-line, patient-centered clinical team members who demonstrate St. Luke’s values, behaviors and vision to be a trusted partner in providing exceptional patient-centered care.

Mikolajczyk is a clinical nurse on 4 South and 4 Outpatient Oncology and works in both the Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units. She provides direct patient care, while also serving in the roles of relief charge nurse and preceptor. Breanne is a member of the Inclusion and Belonging Committee and co-chairs the 4 South Care Council.

“Brea cares for her patients with genuine compassion and expertise. She is often seen advocating for her patients' needs and works tirelessly to ensure that their needs are met. Brea strives to build trust with her patients and always offers support and empathy to both the patient and their family,” a colleague shared.

“Brea preserves dignity for patients and their loved ones in their most (challenging) moments. Being an oncology and critical care nurse involves showing up to highly intimate situations day after day, and Brea continually treats each patient with the utmost respect … (she) has a gift for making those situations the most comfortable they can be.”

05/01/2026

Sign up to volunteer at this year's St. Luke's FitOne!

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

FitOne wouldn’t be the same without our incredible volunteers—and now it’s your turn to join the team! 🙌

Be part of the excitement during race week (9/23–9/25) and on race day (9/26). From hyping up runners on the course to helping everything run smoothly behind the scenes, there’s a spot for you.

🎉 Good vibes
💙 Community impact
🏃‍♀️ Front-row seat to race day

Grab your spot and sign up today:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/ID/Boise/FitOne

Tag your crew and make it a volunteer day together!

04/30/2026

When Amber Schwehr saw her son, Chance Schwehr, honored with St. Luke’s Reach for the Stars full-ride nursing scholarship, she called it “a full circle moment,” filled with “immense pride and deep reflection.”

For Amber, a nursing manager who earned St. Luke's scholarships herself, the award is more than just a milestone for her son.

“This scholarship is not simply an award; it is a celebration of who Chance is at his core,” she said. “It is a validation of who he is becoming. This award affirms that kindness and hard work still matter.”

04/28/2026

Earlier this month, St. Luke’s Magic Valley Health Foundation’s Terry Rowe was inducted into the College of Southern Idaho Alumni Hall of Fame.

Rowe was recognized in the Professional Accomplishments category as a seasoned executive and nonprofit leader with more than four decades of experience in financial services, organizational leadership, professional education and philanthropic development.

She currently serves as the development officer and annual programs and events coordinator for St. Luke’s Magic Valley Health Foundation.

Congratulations to Rowe on this incredible honor!