Iowa has almost 60,000 licensed nurses, one of the largest workforces in the state. Nurses spend more time in direct contact with patients than most other health care professionals. Nurses are responsible for the treatment, safety and recovery of our friends and family when faced with medical emergencies, chronic disease and other health issues. They are on the front line of compassionate care.
As we continue to reform our health care system to be more patient-centered and team-oriented, the importance of nurses will grow. The men and women called to the nursing profession are increasingly working with patients on healthy living strategies to avoid painful, costly and life-threatening illnesses.
Each year during National Nurses Week, the Iowa Nurses Association names the 100 Great Iowa Nurses. These caregivers have shown exceptional leadership and humanity in the work they do every day, and help make Iowa a great place to live. We owe them our gratitude for going above and beyond. To see who made the list of great Iowa nurses for 2013, go to www.greatnurses.org/2013GreatNurses.html.