Congratulations to the Best Nurse in Siouxland!
(View all nominees below)
Winner: Elaine Staab
Place of Work:
Elaine is an RN at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa.
Nominated By:
Charlotte Braun, Laura Weiler, Karen Paulsen, Linda Movick, Doni Kline, Greg Gents, also her children Roger, Sue, Mary, John and Phil, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Congratulations to the Best Nurse in Siouxland!
Story by Jean Hansen
Elaine (Tentinger) Staab, a part-time registered nurse at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa, has been selected as Siouxland's Best Nurse by the Sioux City Journal.
Staab, 83, was nominated by her children, Mary Plathe, Sue Hoesing, John Staab, Roger Staab and Phil Staab, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the staff at Happy Siesta.
Staab grew up in rural Oyens, Iowa, with three brothers and two sisters (all are deceased). She attended a country school and St. Catherine's for a couple of years. She was a junior at Le Mars Community High School when her parents decided to move to Slayton, Minn. in 1941. She graduated from Slayton Public High School in 1943.
Following her childhood dream and inspiration from a great aunt, she decided to become a nurse, and enrolled in a three-year program at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls in 1944.
"They were offering a Cadet Nurse Program. They paid for tuition, books, and a stipend. It was a good opportunity at that time. It was during World War II," she said. "The war ended while I was in training."
She graduated from McKennan in 1947 and worked at the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital that had just opened in Sioux Falls for a couple of years. Then she moved back home to Slayton and worked at the hospital there until 1951, when she married Richard Staab.
"We lived on a farm a couple miles north of Remsen. We were busy. We had crops and animals. We always had hogs. In 2000, we moved to town," she said.
She took 10 years off to help raise their seven children (four sons and three daughters), then became a nurse at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Le Mars. When the City of Le Mars took over Sacred Heart and built the new Floyd Valley Hospital, she was asked to become a nurse supervisor. She worked the 3-11 shift for many years.
"From 3-11, you were in charge, and you did a little of everything. No matter what happened, you helped with it. I helped with surgery, and I was doing a lot of OB care at that time. One whole floor was the OB floor," she said. "I liked it because it was always a joyful time when a child was born. Back then, mothers would stay in the hospital for 10 days. Before I left, it wasn't unusual for mothers to be in the hospital five days."
In 1978, tragedy struck. Her daughter Jane was in a car accident and incurred a brain injury. Staab took care of Jane at home for about 19 years, then admitted her to the Happy Siesta nursing home in Remsen in 1997.
"Elaine's a kind, compassionate, loving nurse," said Charlotte Braun, administrator at Happy Siesta. "When her daughter was here for several years, she came up every night to feed her, and she would help the girls feed other residents."
The administrator saw her in action and asked her if she would become a nurse at Happy Siesta. She started June 17, 1997.
"I hesitated at first," said Staab, who enjoys reading and doing research on the computer in her spare time, and participating in St. Mary's Church Guild activities. "I didn't know if I really wanted to."
She agreed to work half shifts. She still works about four hours two to three times a week in the evenings, "or how often they call me," she said. "I live close by."
As a charge nurse, she provides total care, dispensing medications and helping patients with breathing, skin care and other treatments.
Staab said she enjoys her job at Happy Siesta.
"I like taking care of old people, making them a little more comfortable. I also like the people I work with. I could be their mother or grandmother. It's just a great group," she said. "I say to them, 'If you see me doing stuff that's not right, tell me.' They laugh at me, and say, 'Don't worry. We will.'"
Even though she has advanced in years, she doesn't see herself retiring anytime soon. She just renewed her license last October.
"I say to myself that I don't think I'm going to renew my license, then I go ahead and do it anyway," she said, laughing.
She still hangs out occasionally with some friends she made at Sacred Heart/Floyd Valley Hospital, meeting with them once a month for coffee when she can.
"I consider myself lucky I can still work," she said. "Some of the people I worked with are in a nursing home or no longer living."
She attributes her longevity to hard work.
"I've always been active and try to keep up to date on current events. I also keep up with the grandchildren and computers on the side. I've had a computer since 1992. It's a good pastime. I have to do that because the grandchildren talk about all this," she said.
Because of her hard work, she has been an inspiration to her children and others around her.
Her daughter Jane, now deceased for four years, was a nurse. Her daughter Mary Plathe is a unit secretary at Floyd Valley Hospital, and her daughter Sue Hoesing is a transcriptionist at Mercy Medical Center-Sioux City.
According to Braun in her nominating comments, "Elaine's tireless efforts to keep our residents happy and healthy are something to be emulated. Her work ethic is admirable. She fills in extra shifts. She is so dedicated. You can call her in the morning with a need and she will be there in the afternoon. She is dependable. There aren't enough good words for her. Nobody is more deserving. She is always willing to put herself out there for someone else. She's wonderful."
When people ask her what she is still doing at Happy Siesta, she replies, "I enjoy it, I guess. That's all I can say."
Sally Kneip
Place of Work:
Sally is an RN at Good Samaritan Society in LeMars.
Linda Lipp, Erika Nemmers, Becky Sitzmann, Martha Toben, Linda Niehus, Amy Harnack, Stacey Nelson, Christy Murra, Jennifer Orban, Jessie DeVall, Arlene Oamen, Mary Toel, Connie Herdina, Mandy Horn, Shirley Kinney, Connie Ortmann, Kathleen Mercer Braband, Lesa Oebow - RN
Sally Kneip was nominated for Best Nurse in Siouxland by at least 18 different people. Many of them commented that she is kind and patient with the residents at Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars, Iowa, where she has worked for 32 years.
She is known for her knowledge, her friendly smile, pleasantness, and a loving style of nursing that gives residents and families peace of mind. She is a compassionate person who has a big heart to care for others in need. She cares for the residents as if they were her own parents. She is always there for her co-workers as well.
Irene Bolton
Place of Work:
Irene is a retired School Nurse (RN) at Sioux City Schools.
Delores Blades
Irene Bolton was a school nurse in the Sioux City area, and she retired last year. She was nominated by DeLores Blades, formerly of Sioux City.
“She’s compassionate, sincere and gets along very well with children. She worked as a nurse but went the extra mile to make sure the students she saw had caps, gloves and winter coats if they didn’t have them. She is one super lady,” Blades said.
Blades has known Bolton her whole life, and she has always been an outstanding person, she said. “If anyone deserves it, she does.”
Claudia Simonsen - Office / RNFamily Healthcare of Siouxland, South Sioux City
Nominated By: Dr. Michael Hattan
Not only is she the "rock" that the rest of the staff "Break themselves against" and managed to put up with my abuse for eight years, she is also the best "mother" my patients ever had!! –Dr. Michael Hattan
Jill Slaughter - RNFamily Healthcare of Siouxland, Morningside
Nominated By: Angie Keegan, Janet Wagner, LaDonna McMillin and Kim Slaughter
“Jill, my mother, is an outstanding nurse who has practiced in the field for over 35 years! She consistently shows compassion, patience and respect for every patient in her care. Jill is an asset to nursing and the Siouxland community!” –Angie Keegan
“She was my angel when I was so sick from my gall bladder surgery. She was right there when I had same back out of surgery for the third time. She came back every 20 to 30 minutes to make sure I was doing alright. Her calm voice and smoothing touch, I'll never forget.”–Janet Wagner
“Jill Slaughter is one of Sioux City’s best nurses because she has all the attributes that patients desire in having someone care for them when they are at their most vulnerable. She is passionate, committed, and devoted to the work that has been defined by.”–LaDonna McMillin
“Jill is a very compassionate nurse and has dedicated her entire career to the comfort and care of her patients.”–Kim Slaughter
Molly Korver - RN / School NurseSioux Center Schools
Nominated By: Connie Barry
“Last September, a child collapsed on the playground. Molly helped do CPR and shock the heart with an AED. The child was life-flighted to Sioux City, survived and is now back in school. Molly also served as a medical missionary for 10 years in remote Africa.” –Connie Barry
Sunshine Petit - RNSiouxland Oncology
Nominated By: LuAnn Eisley
“Sunny works in probably one of the most hardest, difficult areas to work in (CANCER)! I know that she cares for each one of them with all she has. When I’m with Sunny out in public and she sees her patients they all come up to her with the biggest smile.” – LuAnn Eisley
Mickell (Kelly) Heemstra - Home Health and Hospice NurseOrange City Area Health System
Nominated By: Bev Heemstra
“Kelly certainly rates as one of the best nurses in Siouxland. Her Nurse Manager, Jeanne Jungers, says, “Kelly provides outstanding nursing care for the home health and hospice patients we serve. She is a great team player; she is always willing to help out.” – Bev Heemstra
Janet Limoges - MS Certified NurseCNOS Dakota Dunes, SD
Nominated By: Gert Stevens, Sue Ann Hardin and Nancy Larsen
“Janet always goes above and beyond her normal duties to care for and to meet the needs of those she encounters. She not only helps those who are her patients but helps all those who have MS. She runs a support group for MS patients here in Sioux City and the surrounding areas, which includes Ida Grove and Storm Lake. She is amazing and we would all love to be just half the person that she is!!” – Gert Stevens
“Janet is one of those go-to people. I’m convinced Janet doesn’t know what “No” is. She hears “Not yet.” I’ve known Janet for over four years and I can say that my life wouldn’t be the same without her. She educates and inspires those around her. Janet always has a hug and genuinely cares about her patients. Working with those who have MS isn’t Janet’s job, it’s her life calling. She tirelessly has coordinated or helped at every Walk MS, support group, educational seminar, exercise group and Heuga Center activity that I’ve witnessed these past four years. Janet is non-stop. She lives and breathes hope and help. Janet is someone who fights for a cause. She is the main advocate figure in many MS patients’ lives. She is part of a movement to educate and equip us to move on well in spite of our MS. She is one of my heroes. Thank you for being my hero.” –Sue Ann Hardin
“Janet is driven to take care of her MS patients as well as advocating for them. She always gives 110 percent of herself and is a selfless partner with the National MS Society.”–Nancy Larsen
Charles (Charlie) Dearborn - NurseIndian Hills Nursing & Rehab
Nominated By: Carla Brown
“When my husband had a stroke and was diagnosed with severe dementia a year ago, he was extremely fortunate to have Charles (Charlie) Dearborn for one of his nurses.
Charlie worked quite often in the always-challenging Alzheimer's unit at Indian Hills Rehab, and it was there that I witnessed his dedication to nursing.
I was deeply touched when watching him go the extra mile for his patients. No matter how swamped his day was, he would always find the time to joke and converse with each patient as he dispensed their daily meds. It was very obvious that he truly wanted each one of them to feel needed and important. Sadly, a good share of these patients had few to no visitors and relied on Charlie for their source of encouragement and entertainment... both of which Charlie gladly supplied.
Also, the constant moral support he gave to all of our family members was not only greatly appreciated but was many times what got us through our roughest days. His patience and understanding, his kind and gentle heart, but most of all, his true dedication to his career and the people he takes care of exemplify what "Best Nurses in Siouxland" is all about!!!
Please allow him this award that he is so deserving of by accepting this nomination as the Best Nurse in Siouxland. You could never find a better representative.
Thank you for your consideration!” –Carla Brown
Jackie Heaton - Medical Director / LPNDakota County Correctional Facility
Nominated By: Terry Kern, Michael Jarvis and Tony Grenier
“Jackie works at an institutional wage, which is for less than the private sector. She is virtually on 24-hour call to answer questions or respond to problems. An inmate with severe diabetic circulatory problems owes his life to her; she provided treatments to him 2 times per day, 7 days a week for 1 year.” – Terry Kern
Judy Johansen - Semi Retired AdministratorHeights Home Health Care
Nominated By: Dorothey Dougherty Parker
“I only hope that Judy Johansen of Castana, Iowa, will receive the long-awaited credit that is due her after the 40 years she has been to many their "shining armor."
In her entire 40 years of nursing care, be it in the capacity of LPN at V.A. hospital, Omaha, RN in the operating room at Burgess, Onawa, and DON at Maple Heights Nursing Home, Mapleton, she has excelled in her duties.
In 2004, she began the finest home health care operation with one RN and two aides - a total of four people starting to serve many homebound people in Monona, Woodbury and Crawford counties (skilled nursing, bathing and housekeeping duties).” – Dorothey Dougherty Parker
LaDonna Crilly - RN - EMS CoordinatorWestern Iowa Tech
Nominated By: Sally McMahon
“She manages the EMS Education Department and teaches a lot of ACLS, etc. She is part of the Disaster Medical Assistance team for Region 3 in Iowa.
She went to Cedar Rapids to help, used to work in St. Luke's burn unit and is a volunteer on the Anthon Ambulance. – Sally McMahon
Alan Faith - St. Luke's ER - RN - Nominated by Sally McMahon
All - Hospice of Siouxland on-call - Nominated by Tonya Matthews
All RN's at Mercy - Mercy Medical Center and Clinics - RN - Nominated by Pam Cloud
All the nurses of Siouxland Dialysis - Siouxland Dialysis - Nominated by RNs, CNNs, a few BSNs - David Bosse
Anita Koontz - Mercy Medical - RN? - Nominated by Josphine Millenberger
Ann Schauer R.N. - My Nurse Call Center in Sioux City - RN Supervisor - Nominated by Jean Hohn R.N.
Anne Hardy - Mercy Hospital - Emergency - RN - Nominated by Pam Cloud
Barb Black - Mercy Medical Center - CT Supervisor - Nominated by Maureen Hughes
Barb VerMeer - Sioux Center Community Hospital - RN; BSN Director of Education & Infection Control - Nominated by Jonna Wierda
Brenda Ashmore - St. Luke's - Registered Nurse - Nominated by Kim Ashmore
Brenda Mahnke - CNOS - Neuro-Nurse - Nominated by Jan Brodersen
Brenda Vore - June Nylen Cancer Center - Radiation Therapy Nurse - Nominated by Cindy McClary
Carol Reinert - Opportunities Unlimited - RN - Nominated by Jessica Bowman
Carrie Novak - St. Luke's Same Day Surgery - RN - Nominated by Shelly Lara, Phlebotomist
Cheri Albrecht - CNOS - Dr. Sherman's Nurse - Nominated by Martha Albrecht
Dan Nettleton - Mercy Business Health--Urgent Care - Lead Nurse-Woodbury County Jail - Nominated by family of Dan Nettleton
Deb Colshan - St. Luke's ER - Clinical Nurse Specialist - Nominated by Kerry Patterson, MT (ASCP), POCC
Deb Jeffer - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center - Clinical Nurse Specialist - Nominated by Deb Colshan
Delores Blades - Dr. Wiedemeier's Office - RN - Nominated by Jack A. Blades
Delores Soule - Jennie Edmunson Hospital - RN - Nominated by Donna Whitlock
Denise Houts - Siouxland Community Health Center - RN - Nominated by Donna Golden & Carol Goulette
Diana Twidwell - University of South Dakota School of Nursing - Associate Professor of Nursing - Nominated by Joe Twidwell
Dianne Van Kley - Hegg Memorial Health Center - RN OB coordinator - Nominated by Jennieva DenBoer
Dr. Richard Petersen - Briar Cliff University - Chairperson, BCU Nursing Department - Nominated by Sharisue Wilcoxon
Elise Novotny - Mercy Hospital - Sioux City - R.N. - Nominated by Cheri Jensen
Elizabeth Paulson - Burgess Health Center - Onawa, IA - House Supervisor - Nominated by Liz Walczak
Grace Fouts - Premiere Estates - RN - Nominated by Brenda Thrift
Jan Rassmassen - 8 south west Mercy Medical Center - RN - Nominated by MikeyAnne O'Sullivan
Jean Macomb - Mercy 8 Southeast - Charge/Staff RN - Nominated by Sabrina Stodden
Jeane Figge - My Nurse Call Center , Ia - Health System Manager - Nominated by Davett Riemenschneider
Jenilyn Nieuwenhuis - Mercy Medical Center Surgery/ Urology Dept 8SE - RN - Nominated by Erik Nieuwenhuis
Jenna Cougill - St Luke's Sioux City NICU - Registered Nurse - Nominated by Mary Cougill, RN
Jennifer Heuertz - St. Luke's - RN, Assistant Manager Intensive Care Unit - Nominated by Lisa Mascarello
Jim Nolen - Mercy Medical - RN - Nominated by Melanie Vedral and Pam Cloud
Jodi Beier - Siouxland Surgery Center - Nurse Manager - Nominated by Brett Tighe
Jody Boyd - Mercy Hospital - Emergency - RN - Nominated by Pam Cloud
Karen Konz - Park Place Assisted Living - LeMars - RN - Nominated by Jean Ehrp, BSN RN
Kathleen Osterman - Sibley Ocheydan Schools - School Nurse - Nominated by Connie Barry
Kay Allen - St. Luke's - Clinical Nurse Specialist - Nominated by Deb Juffer, RN
Kristen Loffswold - Mercy Medical Center - RN - Nominated by Sam Memmott/Lillyan Rodriguez
Lesliegh Hammer - Siouxland Mental Health - RN/Medicine Management - Nominated by Todd Hammer
Madonna Griffith - Mercy Hospital - Emergency - RN - Nominated by Pam Cloud
Marilyn Hammack - Siouxland Surgery Center - RN - Recovery - Nominated by Chuck Hammack
Marilyn VerMeer - Sioux Center Community Hospital - RN; BSN Quality Officer & Clinical Coordinator - Nominated by Jonna Wierda
Marlene McCall - Elmwood Care Centre - LPN - Nominated by Brenda Thrift
Mary Crombie - Family Healthcare of Siouxland - Nurse for Dr. Mitchell - Nominated by Dee Sturgeon
Mary Keegan - Regency Square Care Center - LPN, Medication and Treatment Nurse - Nominated by Cleo Harder
Melissa Brown - St. Luke's ER - RN - Nominated by Chrissy French
Nadine Ruden - Sioux City VA Clinic - Mental Health Case Manager - Nominated by Marcia Kelley
Nancy L. Howe - Seasons Center for Community - Mental Health - Spencer, IA - Nurse Practitioner - Nominated by Bill Kersting
Nancy Treft - Sioux City Community School District - Registered School Nurse, RN, BSN, NCSN - Nominated by Nancy Baker, Kim Imming, Karen Ulven
Pam Moore - Singing Hills Family Practice - R.N. Dr. Halbur's nurse - Nominated by Don and Kaye Broten
Pat Christiansen - Siouxland Women's Healthcare - RN - Nominated by Joanna Morrison
Rita Wodtke - Mercy Medical Center Geriatric Assessment Clinic - Geriatric Assessment Coordinator - Nominated by Amy Slevin
Roxanne Voss - REM Health of Iowa, Inc. - Unit Manager / Administrator - Nominated by Angel McBride, Ange Moret and Sam Voss
Shannon Smith - June E. Nylen Cancer Center - Nurse - Nominated by Espi Gibbs
Shelley Arnold - Mercy Hospital - RN - Nominated by Ed Pickens
Sheri Albrecht - CNOS - Nurse - Nominated by Melva Armstrong
Sheri Allen - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center - Assistant Nurse Manager - Nominated by Deb Colshan
Steve Swanson - Mercy Medical Center - RN on 8SE Surgical - Nominated by Dianne Krier
Sue Verschoor - Mercy Medical Center - RN on 8SE Surgical - Nominated by Dianne Krier
Sue White - Mercy Medical - RN - Nominated by Annette Freking
Taffy Benson - St. Luke's Regional Medical Center - Assistant Nurse Manager - Nominated by Deb Colshan
Tami Clayton - Indian Hills Hospice - Head Nurse of the Unit - Nominated by Shirley Soper
Tammy Bourassa - Siouxland Hematology Oncology Associates - Registered Nurse - Nominated by Sheryl Wilcox
Tammy Fundermann - Correctionville Mercy Medical Clinic - RN - Nominated by Gary & Becky Bollmeyer
Theresa Vondrak - Mercy Medical Center ICU Pod I - RN - Nominated by Christel R. Eriksen, Debra Peters and Ed Vondrak
Theresa VanEldik - Sioux City Schools - RN - BSN - Nominated by Becky Walding
Traci Winter - Mercy Medical Center - Cardiovascular Surgery Supervisor - Nominated by Chad Brady
Tracy Lynne Jones - Winnebago Comprehensive Health Care Center - Nominated by Clinical Nurse/Clinical Application Coordinator - Leslye Rauth, RD, LMNT, CDE, MPH
Vikki Bridgford - St. Luke's - Assistant Manager Rehab / Ortho - Nominated by Vikki Allyn and Judith Ritchison
