10 UI Health Care nurses recognized as 2024 Great Iowa Nurses
The annual recognition honors those nurses who go above and beyond to provide safe, compassionate care and share their knowledge and leadership with their communities.
Since its inception in 2004, the 100 Great Iowa Nurses program has honored the exceptional contributions of nurses across Iowa. Initially hosted by the University of Iowa until 2020, the program was revitalized in 2022 with the support of Mary Greeley Medical Center. Now called Great Iowa Nurses, it continues to recognize those who go above and beyond to provide safe, compassionate care and share their knowledge and leadership with their communities.
This year, 10 UI Health Care nurses were recognized for their excellence.
2024 UI Health Care honorees
In celebration of this year’s UI Health Care honorees, we asked the following questions:
- What does this honor mean to you?
- What advice would you give to others, such as a nurse just starting out in their career?
- What makes nursing at UI Health Care unique?
Several of this year's honorees provided their thoughts below.
April Roe, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Nursing practice leader, Nursing Education, Nursing Clinical Education Center
"I started my nursing career at UI Health Care in 1986, left for other opportunities, returned in 2020 and will finish my career here. There is something about the environment here that kept pulling me back. To be a part of an organization that is committed to providing high quality, safe, patient-centered care is very important to me. Even though I am no longer at the bedside, I enjoy the supporting role I have in welcoming new patient care staff into the organization and helping them start their career here."
Kristina Beachy, MSN, RN, CPAN, CNOR, NPD-BC
Nursing practice leader, Nursing Education, Nursing Clinical Education Center
“When I was just starting my nursing career, I remember my mom saying, 'you will have plenty of time in your nursing career, enjoy the journey, learn and grow and the possibilities are endless.' This has always stayed with me over the years, as my nursing path has been down many roads, each one building and preparing me for the next."
Tacia Bullard, MSN, RN, CNL
Magnet® program director, Magnet Program
“This is a wonderful honor to be publicly recognized for a profession that I LOVE! I hope sharing the nominations and successes of nurses within the state of Iowa is inspiring and unifies nurses in our commitment to the care of our patients and one another."
Annemarie Carter, BSN, RN
Staff nurse, Intensive and Specialty Services division, Medical Intensive Care Unit
Charla Franck, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Staff nurse, Medical Surgical Services division, Medicine Specialty Unit
“Just being nominated is an honor but then being chosen to represent Iowa nurses, there is nothing greater. Nursing comes with many challenges, but at the same time is highly rewarding. Being able to make a positive difference in someone's life that is facing adversity overshadows those challenging days.”
Shannon Hunger, MSN, RN, NE-BC, BMTCN
Nurse manager, Medical Surgical Services division, Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Unit
Jesse Weiss, MSN, RN
Staff nurse, anesthesia nursing team, downtown campus
"It is a tremendous honor to have been named a 2024 Great Iowa Nurse. This award is a reflection of the amazing support and mentorship I have had from my coworkers, nursing instructors, and family, that has allowed me to flourish at the bedside and in the classroom."
Jena Curry, BSN, RN
Staff nurse, Intensive and Specialty Services division, Medical Intensive Care Unit
Olivia Wulf, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNL
Assistant nurse manager, Intensive and Specialty Services division, Medical Intensive Care Unit
“Working at UI Health Care as a nurse is unique in the opportunities provided to our nursing staff. Not only are they highly valued as part of the interdisciplinary team, but they have the ability to positively influence change at the bedside, within their unit, and within the entire department. The Department of Nursing not only encourages nurses to get involved and make change but provides the resources to do so.”
Tami Pollari, MSN, MBA, RN
Director, Children's and Women's Services division, Patient- and Family-Centered Services
"Be relentlessly curious and open to learning. Ask questions. Seek out mentors who will help you learn, grow, and become brave enough to speak truth to power. Above all else, be fully present with your patients and their loved ones. Get to know them beyond their illness or health care condition. Learn what matters most to them every day. The therapeutic relationships you develop with your patients and their families will be among the most meaningful you will ever have."
