Behavioral Health Nurse named Nurse of the Year

Diane Kozik, a registered nurse specializing in behavioral health at Advocate South Suburban Hospital, was selected as a 2024 Nurse of the Year for her exemplary demonstration of Advocate Health Care’s core nursing values and unwavering delivery of best-in-class care.

Kozik works in Advocate South Suburban’s new Behavioral Health Unit, which provides acute and intensive care for more than 650 patients annually. The 27-bed hospital unit opened in December 2023 to address the growing need for greater access to mental health services across the Chicago’s southern suburbs.

“I can’t think of a more deserving member of our nursing team to receive this honor. Diane is known for treating patients with respect and compassion, which allows her to build trust and help even the most vulnerable patients move toward healing,” said Sharon Otten, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of Advocate South Suburban. “Diane also provides scholarships and guidance to nurses beginning their careers in behavioral health care. Her legacy will benefit patients for many years to come.

Over 1,200 nominations for this premier award were received on behalf of nurses from a variety of specialties across Advocate’s patient care continuum. These frontline nurses represent diversity in backgrounds and experiences, including honorees with decades of experience and others new to the profession — each making an impact on their patients, colleagues and communities.

“Advocate Health nurses are committed to delivering exceptional, evidence-based and equitable care for all. It is a true honor to witness the remarkable impact they make in transforming lives through innovative and compassionate care every day,” said Jane Dus, Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of Advocate Health – Midwest Region.

Nominations were submitted by clinicians and teammates, then reviewed by peer committees for blinded judging according to each nominee’s passion for patient care, commitment to service, solution-oriented abilities and evidence-based practice.

Advocate South Suburban is part of Advocate Health, which employs more than 42,000 nurses across the nation, including 29 acute care facilities and more than 450 sites of care in the Midwest.