Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Anne Wagner, RN, RSN, who has been named the 2026 St. Louis Magazine Excellence in Nursing Award winner for neurology. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of the compassion, skill and dedication she brings to her work every day.
Nurses are truly the backbone of our department. They are often the first to comfort, the steady presence during difficult moments, and the trusted professionals who build meaningful relationships with patients and families over time. Wagner exemplifies all of these qualities and more.
Although her mother initially cautioned her against going into nursing, Wagner was inspired by the compassion nurses gave to her loved ones. She’s since had a career in pediatrics, where she’s focused on building meaningful, lasting connections with families.
On what she loves about the work after more than a quarter century: “The families. I get Christmas cards and little everyday notes. The first time meeting families in person is just amazing.… It’s the connection with families that I love.”
On what she’d change about the industry: “Insurance. If a doctor wants a certain medicine or a certain infusion, insurance approves it. There’s a reason why we want that medicine. We’re not just going to prescribe medicine. We have research, and it’s sad that some of these kids don’t get the best medication for them because it’s not on their formulary list.”
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Wagner’s achievement and grateful for the example she sets. Her recognition is not only a personal honor but also a tribute to the essential role nurses play throughout our department.