BVRMC Nurses Receive 100 Great Iowa Nurses Award

Elissa Doebel | April 13th, 2021

Buena Vista Regional Medical Center Nurses Julie Olson and Sarah Naberhaus have been awarded the 2021 100 Great Iowa Nurses Award.

This award recognizes outstanding nurses whose exceptional contributions to patients, colleagues and the profession are truly remarkable. Hundreds of nominations are sent from around the state of Iowa by colleagues, patients and others. These nominations were evaluated by reviewers and final selection was determined by representatives of the Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Nurses Association, and the Iowa Nurses Foundation. Those chosen for this honor are commended for advancing and leading the profession of nursing.

Julie Olson has worked at BVRMC since 2003. Currently, she serves as an RN/House Supervisor. She also volunteers at the Albert City Ambulance as an EMT and has worked as the School Nurse in Albert City since 2007.

As a House Supervisor, her role is responsible for every aspect of the hospital in times when there is no other supervision in-house. She assists the providers in interpreting the complex requirements of the hospitalization criteria. She gracefully coordinates care between the multidisciplinary team members. Julie can often be seen guiding new nurses in the appropriate care of patients.

Many staff turn to Julie for guidance in the care and management of patients with multiple medical and socioeconomic issues. She has extensive experience in working with patients of diverse backgrounds.

“I find her to be caring and supportive in her interactions with this often underserved patient population,” says her nominator. “Julie’s expertise in all aspects of emergency and medical/surgical nursing is unmatched.”

“Julie shows great compassion for the patients she serves and advocates for the best care for every patient, every time. She shows care to those she works with as well, “states her nominator. “Julie is a great nurse, colleague and friend.”

Sarah Naberhaus started at BVRMC in 2005 as an RN and became the Director of ER and Ambulance in early 2018.

During this unusual and challenging pandemic year, Sarah has gone above and beyond both in service to her patients as well as her co-workers. At the outset of the pandemic, she played a crucial role in the BVRMC Incident Command structure and pandemic response plan.

“When our community thinks about BVRMC ER they picture Sarah’s face,” says her nominator. “She has been instrumental in our social media presence, providing education related to the pandemic. She does these things in a way that is approachable so she reaches the largest possible audience. You can always “see” Sarah’s smile in her eyes, even when she has a mask on!”

Through all of this, Sarah has been able to maintain her sense of humor and continual optimism. Her nominator goes on to say, “Her staff have found comfort in her cool headed leadership during these very challenging times.”

Due to COVID-19, These two nurses and another 98 great nurses will be honored virtually on May 2.

BVRMC is proud of the work these nurses do every day to help improve the health of the people and communities we serve and being leaders to other employees at BVRMC in creating a culture of excellence.