Joanne Hoertz Receives 2025 HealthImpact Daisy Nurse Leader Award

Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Brooks Rehabilitation, Joanne Hoertz, RN, MSN, CRRN, has been recognized as a 2025 honoree for the prestigious HealthImpact Daisy Nurse Leader Award. Nominated by Adam Francis, MSN, RN, CRRN, director of nursing, Hoertz has distinguished herself through exceptional policy work and compassionate care initiatives that have significantly improved patient outcomes and nursing workforce development.

“I nominated Joanne because she is an extraordinary leader whose dedication to advocacy for our patients and staff is evident at every level. She leads with compassion, always placing the well-being of our team and community at the forefront of her efforts,” said Francis “Joanne invests countless hours to ensure that every decision made—whether at Brooks or on a national platform—reflects the best interests of those we serve.”

The HealthImpact Daisy Nurse Leader Award recognizes nurses who excel in policy work and advance compassionate care to improve patient health outcomes – a description that perfectly captures Hoertz’s exceptional contributions to the nursing profession and the healthcare community.

Advocacy

In June 2021, Hoertz acted on newly passed legislation to implement the Personal Care Attendant Program at Brooks Rehabilitation. Her leadership was instrumental in implementing this program, which successfully increased direct care staffing levels for overnight settings during the challenges of COVID-19 and subsequent workforce shortages.

As an active board member of the Florida Center of Nursing, Hoertz continues identifying, researching and developing strategic workforce solutions for nurses throughout Florida. Her data-driven approach has helped address critical nursing shortages across the state.

As a Center for Independent Living board member, Hoertz championed services for individuals with disabilities throughout Northeast Florida. Her advocacy work has increased awareness of disabilities and expanded access to community resources at both local and state levels. In addition, her previous work on the Florida Healthcare Association (FHCA) Brain and Spinal Cord Committee ensured that measurable outcomes for state-funded brain injury and spinal cord injury clients were incorporated into evaluations and awareness campaigns.

Education and Workforce Development

In June 2023, Hoertz’s reputation as a champion for nursing education shone brightly. Recognizing an opportunity to enhance training for the Florida State College at Jacksonville nursing program, she established onsite LPN training at her facility, creating a valuable career development pathway for unlicensed healthcare professionals. Through her service on the Florida Healthcare Association (FHCA) Professional Development Committee, Hoertz has helped select scholarship recipients for healthcare degrees and nursing program tuition for FHCA facility staff members.

Leadership

With a deep understanding of the challenges facing diverse patient populations across various socioeconomic backgrounds, Hoertz has guided Brooks to meet patients where they are. She fosters a supportive culture that ensures patients, families and staff have the necessary training and resources for successful recovery.

Her innovative programs have boosted staffing levels across five facilities and helped community members advance their careers and better support their families. Under her leadership, Brooks achieved the re-designation of Magnet recognition, confirming a commitment to providing the highest quality of care for its patients.

“This award represents a team effort and I’d like to recognize everyone who has encouraged me during my career,” said Hoertz. “First, I’d like to thank my mom for inspiring me to become a nurse. I’d also like to thank the phenomenal team of people at Brooks Rehabilitation who inspire me every day. The past 17 years have been the highlight of my entire career. I’m honored to be able to help as many people as I can and leave a lasting legacy that honors the compassionate care our nurses provide.”

From Left to Right: Doug M. Baer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Brooks Rehabilitation; Joanne Hoertz, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Brooks Rehabilitation; Adam Francis, Director of Nursing Operations – University Campus, Brooks Rehabilitation