Shawano grad recognized for excellence as nurse

Donna Baenen has been named 2017 Nurse of the Year and recipient of the Carol and Robert Bush Excellence in Nursing Award for her work at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay.

“It’s a very prestigious award,” said Baenen, who graduated from Shawano High School in 1983. “I’m incredibly honored and humbled.”

Baenen received the award April 19 at a ceremony at the Gather on Broadway in Green Bay. The Bushes, well-known philanthropists in Green Bay, have been giving the award to a nurse for 16 years.

Baenen has been a nurse for 30 years, the past 26 yeas at Bellin, where she is a staff nurse in the emergency department.

After high school Baenen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Marian University in Fond du Lac. She is a registered nurse and has a certificate in emergency nursing.

“I embraced the staff role of nursing,” Baenen said. “I’m comfortable in this position and it’s what I do best.”

Baenen received a monetary award and a porcelain nurse statue. She was nominated by her boss, co-workers, doctors and educators.

Baenen said Bellin Hospital provides a platform for nurses to excel. She also gives kudos to the ER team.

“You’re only as good as the people around you,” she said. “ I’m thankful for the team in the emergency department.”

Baenen grew up in the town of Belle Plaine, the oldest of five daughters of Don and Diane Brandl. The couple owned Belle Plaine Cheese Factory, which is now a cheese store. All the girls worked in the cheese factory which Diane said gave them all a background in responsibility.

“I thanked my parents for teaching me the meaning of hard work,” Baenen said.

Diane Brandl said she is immensely proud of Donna.

“She always goes above and beyond and is very caring,” Diane said.

Baenen also does a variety of volunteer work with homeless people and with the Bellin Run.

Baenen and her husband, Pete, have three children and live in Green Bay.