Twelve nurses from UnityPoint Health - Des Moines have been honored among this year's 100 Great Iowa Nurses. The Iowa Nurses Association, Iowa Nurses Foundation and the University of Iowa College of Nursing annually partner to recognize nurses who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to humanity and their profession.
Since the Great Iowa Nurses program began in 2005, 47 nurses from UnityPoint Health - Des Moines and 113 nurses from UnityPoint Health have been honored.
"UnityPoint Health - Des Moines has a history of exceptional care, and we are tremendously proud of the nurses honored this year," UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, President and CEO Eric Crowell said. "The fact that these extraordinary professionals were nominated by their colleagues, patients, doctors, friends and family and then recognized by esteemed nursing organizations is a testament to their passion and skill."
The 100 Great Iowa Nurses may come from any sector of health care, and UnityPoint Health - Des Moines' 2010 honorees represent a wide range of health care settings. Their commemoration is designed to increase awareness of the nursing profession and National Nurses Day, May 6.
"This is a wonderful reflection of the quality of nurses we have at UnityPoint Health - Des Moines. It also exemplifies the work being done every day at our hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities," said Crowell. "This award allows us to focus on the courage, competence and commitment of not just these fine individuals but of all nurses."
This year's 100 Great Iowa Nurses were honored on May 2 at the sixth annual celebration in Des Moines.
Iowa Health - Des Moines nurses honored as Great Iowa Nurses for 2010:
Lori Bishop, Taylor House Hospice, UnityPoint Health
Peggy Black, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Chris Blair, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Cynthia Hockman, Blank Children's Hospital
Cecelia Kirvin, Blank Children's Hospital
Paula Muchmore, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Maria Nelson, Blank Children's Hospital
Susan O'Brien, Blank Children's Hospital
Elsa Seuferer, Blank Children's Hospital
Mona Walters, Blank Children's Hospital
Cheryl Weatherington, La Clinica de la Esperanza, UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Jennifer Witt, John Stoddard Cancer Center