We often don’t think about the most important aspects of daily life until we really need it — like the saying goes, “You don’t miss something until it’s gone.” One aspect that can go unnoticed until we need it is our doctors and, as equally important, our nurses.

Luke Bruck, graduate assistant at the Thielen Student Health Center, provided information about a recognition program for hard-working nurses called Great Iowa Nurses.

“We have all met at least one outstanding nurse whose courage, competence and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stands out above all others,” Bruck shared via the Great Iowa Nurses’ website. “Each year 100 Great Iowa Nurses are honored at a ceremony, created for the state of Iowa, by nurse and community leaders.”

This year, Iowa State’s Penni McKinley of the Thielen Student Health Center has been selected as one of Iowa’s great nurses. Nominated by her husband, McKinley will be honored May 1 at a recognition ceremony for all 100 Great Iowa Nurses at the Polk County Convention Center.

“I was surprised and greatly humbled,” McKinley said about her award. “It’s a wonderful honor to be in the company of so many great nurses. As part of the honor of being a Great Iowa Nurse, I was asked to be a part of the panel for next year’s candidates.”

McKinley is one of “the 100 honorees representing 38 counties, and the initial pool of 276 nominees came from 70 of Iowa’s 99 counties. The field of nominees was narrowed to 100 by a panel of judges, including nursing professionals and past years’ award winners, who reviewed nominations from around the state,” Bruck said.

If you want to nominate a well-deserving nurse, visit the website for more information and how to nominate.