Meet our 24 Great Iowa Nurses making a difference every day
Every year, the Great Iowa Nurses program recognizes nurses across the state who go above and beyond every day to provide safe, compassionate care for their patients and share their knowledge and leadership with their communities.
In March, we were thrilled to announce that 24 UI Health Care nurses were recognized as 2025 Great Iowa Nurses. This year’s group of honorees represent a variety of nursing professionals who have made a meaningful impact on both their patients and colleagues across our health care system.
“Each of these individuals exemplifies the compassion, expertise, and resilience that define our nursing community within UI Health Care,” says Denise Jamieson, MD, MPH, vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz Dean of the Carver College of Medicine. “We are so proud of their achievements and grateful for the outstanding care they provide to our patients every day.”
To further celebrate our honorees, we asked them the following questions:
- What does being named a Great Iowa Nurse mean to you?
- What keeps you passionate about nursing every day?
- Can you share a moment in your career that reminds you why you became a nurse?
- What do you hope patients or families/caregivers remember about the care you give?
- Who or what inspires you to be the kind of nurse you are?
- What advice would you give to new nurses just starting their career?
- What do you love most about being a nurse at UI Health Care?
- What makes your nursing team special?
This year’s recognized nurses provided their thoughts below.
Natalie Aunan, BSN, RN
Staff nurse, Surgical and Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit
"Almost every admission to our unit is unplanned, and for many, it’s one of the worst days of their lives. In those moments, I strive to be a steady source of comfort for both the patient and their family. I hope the family remembers a sense of relief and trust—knowing their loved one was in the best place possible, receiving the best care they could."
Jared R. Barth, BSN, RN, CCRN, NREMT
Staff nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit
“I want my patients and their family members to remember how passionate I am about caring for their loved ones and to make them feel as comfortable as possible during their hospital admission.”
Julie Boothby, MSN, RN, CNRN, SCRN
Nursing practice leader, Medical Surgical Services
“The Maya Angelou quote, 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,' resonates deeply with me. My goal is to ensure that every interaction leaves a lasting positive impact, making people feel valued and cared for.”
Aimee Cusic, BSN, RN, CAPA
Assistant nurse manager, Ambulatory Surgery Center
“I hope patients and families remember that my care was given with purpose and compassion. That I was fully present and truly cared for them as individuals, not just as another patient.”
Lindsay Fayram, BSN, RN, CCRN
Interim nurse manager, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“I'm constantly inspired by my colleagues. I have worked alongside excellent nurses, providers, respiratory therapists, and other members of the health care team who have helped me become the nurse I am today. They inspire me to hold high expectations for myself, to continue learning, and to be the best health care professional I can be.”
Jenessa Franco, MSN, RN, OCN
Nurse manager, Medical-Surgical Oncology Unit
“When it comes to cancer, I know we can’t always change the outcome, but we always have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the patient’s experience while in the hospital. Seeing the strength, determination, and hope of our patients inspires me every day to build these meaningful connections and be the best nurse I can be for them in that moment."
Kelly Hartz, BSN, BBA, RN
Nurse manager, Adult Psychiatry Unit
“Find a mentor that you can connect with when you need guidance and support. And, don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistake. A mistake is just a learning opportunity!”
Courtney Heid, BSN, RN, BMTCN
Staff nurse, Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapies Unit
“Ask questions and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. If you see a problem and you have an idea to help improve care or processes, say something and do what you can to make it happen."
Mandi Houston, MSN, RN, CCRN
Nursing practice leader, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“Engage in learning opportunities, be a sponge, and ask any question that comes to mind–we love to help you grow!”
Heather Humphrey, BSN, RN
House operations manager, downtown campus
“Being a new nurse can be very overwhelming. We have the privilege and challenge of taking care of people on their best and worst days. It's a tremendous responsibility, but if you make sure to never lose your willingness to learn, your heart to care, and your courage to keep showing up, you will flourish.”
Kimberly Hunter, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Chief nurse executive
“Although tasks and new skills are important, always focus on the patient and their loved ones. That human connection is what patients will remember–and it will fill your bucket, too!”
Molly Kucera, MBAHC, BSN, RN, CNAMB(E), CNOR
Associate director, nursing services, Ambulatory Surgery Center
“What I love most about being a nurse at UI Health Care is the collaborative environment and the commitment to excellence in patient care. The support for evidence-based practice and continuous improvement initiatives allows us to provide the best care possible to our patients."
Pam Kunert, MSN, RN, INF-BC
Nursing practice leader, Nursing Informatics
"Nursing Informatics is a field of nursing that has exploded in the last couple of years with all the technology to support nurses. I love how my role in Nursing Informatics takes me on a different path every day, from integrating devices to reviewing home care instructions, which is why I have been in this department for 23 years."
Monica Lamb, BSN, RN
Assistant nurse manager, Burn Treatment Center
“As the only Burn Treatment Center in the state of Iowa, our nurses are truly one of a kind. To care for our diverse patient population, they need to be able to do it all. Whether it’s critical care, pediatrics, inpatient, outpatient, or taking a burn patient from the scene, our nurses can do it. They are a team to be proud of!”
Abby Lewis, MBA, BSN, RN
Nurse manager, Medical Surgical Cardiology Unit
“Our patients and their families are going through challenging things in their lives while they are admitted to our unit. The ability to support them while they are admitted to our unit is truly a gift and is always at the core of what I do and why I keep coming back to work.”
Jessica McDaniel, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN
Nurse manager, Medicine Specialty Unit
“What keeps me passionate is knowing I play a vital role in delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care—not just at the bedside, but through the support and development of my team. As a nurse leader, I find purpose in creating an environment where nurses feel valued, supported, and empowered to provide exceptional care."
Renee McGinnis, MSN, RN, CPN
Clinical practice leader, Pediatric Specialty Clinic
“Our Pediatric Speciality Clinic team is special because we have a wide range of roles on our unit, but everyone plays an important part in caring for our patients. We care for many patients with complex needs, but we do so by working together and placing the patient and family as the priority.”
Megan Nieman, MNHP, RN
Staff nurse, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
“Intensive Care Unit nurses handle high-stakes situations daily, requiring sharp critical-thinking and rapid decision-making skills. Our team operates like a finely tuned rhythm, communicating seamlessly during procedures, emergencies, and times of chaos. This team brings calm, comfort, and confidence to patients in a time of crisis.”
Heidi Robinson, DNP, RN, CNML
Nursing practice leader, Magnet®
“Being named a Great Iowa Nurse is an incredible honor and recognition. I often emphasize the importance of meeting people where they are, which has been crucial to my own success. This recognition validates my efforts and motivates me to give my best each day, ensuring that both our patients and staff receive the care and support they need to be the best versions of themselves.”
Samuel Ryan, BSN, RN
Staff nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit
“It goes without saying that every bit of good I've been able to do as a nurse has had the backing of some amazing teammates. I pride myself on doing the best I can for the people I serve, from patients and family members to the wonderful collection of individuals I am able to call my colleagues and friends.”
Katie Schneider, MSN, RN, CEN
Clinical coordinator, Emergency Department at the university campus
“Growing up in Iowa, I've always felt a strong connection to the community and the people. This recognition reflects my commitment to providing the best care I can to Iowans.”
Jess Shever, MSN, RN, CCRN
Interim assistant nurse manager, Medical Intensive Care Unit
“It is such a great honor to be named as a Great Iowa Nurse. While providing patient care, I've poured my all to both provide the very best care and also teach others do the same. Now as a leader, I can continue that work at a different level and for me, it's all about the connections we make with patients and their loved ones.”
Allison Suckow, BSN, RN
Staff nurse, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
“I'm always reminded of why I became a nurse when taking care of patients before and after they receive heart transplants. Watching just how much this procedure impacts their life also impacts our lives. One patient whom I got to take care of before their transplant still comes to visit us in our unit when they have follow-up appointments to say hello.”
Madison Zahradnek, BSN, RN, CCRN
Staff nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit
“Being able to be there for someone in their final moments often reminds me why I became a nurse. We become so much more than nurses during these moments–we become their support and comfort and ensure they don't feel alone. It's a reminder of how important it is to be present and compassionate with our patients."
