Jo Singleton, DNP, RN-BC, earned the award for her professional leadership, which has advanced the nursing profession across the state.

Published: May 27, 2019 | Updated: March 10, 2023

Jo Singleton, DNP, RN-BC, director, ambulatory care management, was honored with the Nurse of the Year award at the Kentucky Nurses Association December 2018 conference.

In her role, Jo oversees Norton Healthcare’s nurse navigators for outpatient care, diabetes educators and managed-care quality services.

Currently president of the Kentucky Nurses Foundation Board of Trustees, Jo earned the award for her professional leadership, which has advanced the nursing profession across the state.

Those who work with Jo attest to her passion for nursing.

“Jo has been the best supervisor I have ever worked with,” said Michael Buckel, R.N.,BSN, nurse navigator with Norton Community Medical Associates – Clarksville. “She always makes me feel heard, encouraged, supported and free to interpret and grow my position as a nurse navigator.”

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Winnie Shouse, MSN, R.N., nurse navigator, Norton Community Medical Associates – Audubon, commends Jo’s leadership skills.

“Jo is truly a transformational leader who genuinely cares about the well-being of her employees and continually supports, inspires and encourages each nurse navigator professionally and personally,” Winnie said. “Her willingness to collaborate and work through challenges has been instrumental to the success of the nurse navigation program. She has helped me to grow as a nurse and as a leader and I am honored to have her as my manager.”

The selflessness that Jo’s colleagues experience is also evident in her philosophy about the nursing profession.

“I always encourage our nurses to spend as much time as they can with those we serve,” Jo said. “I’ve found that the more patient interaction we have, the more we know about how to help ensure that our patients have positive experiences with Norton Healthcare and recover well.”

Jo joined Norton Healthcare in 1977 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Eastern Kentucky University. She later earned a Master of Science in Nursing Education degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Bellarmine University.