Nine nurses from Iowa 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, 67  nurses from Iowa Health - Des Moines and 201 nurses from Iowa Health have been honored.

"Iowa Health - Des Moines has a history of exceptional care, and we are tremendously proud of the nurses honored this year," Iowa 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 Iowa Health - Des Moines' 2012 honorees represent a wide range of health care settings. Their commemoration is designed to increase awareness of the nursing profession and National Nurses Day, which is May 6 this year.

"This is a wonderful reflection of the quality of nurses we have at Iowa 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 will be honored on May 6 at the eighth annual celebration in Des Moines