As far as honors go, this particular level of recognition is hard to top. There is a tinge of irony to the award, though, given Nelson and Hewett both shy away from individual attention due to the nature of their profession.

“I’m quite sure that I was born to be a nurse, as I can’t think of anything else I would want to be,” said Nelson, a charge nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. “But my daily drive is good patient outcomes. Seeing the sickest of the sick improve and make it home to their loved ones is my ultimate goal.

“I strive every day to make a difference in someone’s life, whether I take care of them for a few hours or several shifts. I always want that patient to know I care, and that I am there for them.”

Hewett, who is a clinical nurse manager in the Wound Healing Center, agreed that being an effective and consistent nurse is all about building relationships with patients.

-Submitted photo
Anna Hewett, of Fort Dodge, is a clinical nurse manager in the Wound Healing Center at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. Hewett was named to the 2023 Great Iowa Nurses honor list.

“It’s very rewarding to help others,” Hewett said. “It provides a sense of accomplishment, and with longevity, more knowledge in wound care.

“I always knew nursing was my calling.”

Nelson and Hewett, who both live in Fort Dodge, have been mainstays for nearly two full decades on the local campus.

“We are blessed to have Anna and Mallory on our team,” UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center Chief Nursing Executive Kari Jones said. “With a combined 35 years of experience, they continue to provide excellent care for our patients, going above and beyond in their responsibilities, while continuing to live our values each day.”

A total of 50 Iowa nurses from the UnityPoint organization are being recognized this year. According to a press release, “this prestigious award annually recognizes nurses at health care organizations across the state for their outstanding contributions to their patients, team members, and the nursing profession.”

“I’m inspired by and extremely proud of all our nurse honorees this year,” said UnityPoint Health Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President D’Andre Carpenter. “Their skill and passion for nursing shows in the high-quality, compassionate care they provide every day to our patients and communities.

“Each one of these nurses is deserving of this recognition, and it’s a privilege to have them represent the exceptional hospital, clinic and home care nursing teams at UnityPoint Health.”

Nelson takes a great deal of pride in the consistency she is able to provide as a leader in the profession.

“I love working for our hospital,” Nelson said. “I love knowing my providers and forming relationships with employees, whether they are medical staff or not. I always feel welcome at work, and that is a huge thing for me. My colleagues are my work family.”

Hewett also embraces both the familiarity of her environment and the steady hand she is able to offer every day.

“I have walked into Trinity for 19 years,” said Hewett, who has been a manager for three years and a member of the wound center for over a decade. “I know most of the staff and I recognize the patients, even from years past. I love patients coming to me and saying, ‘You took care of me years ago and I remember you.’

“It’s like a family to me.”

Nelson said she was in “literal shock” when she found out about the award.

“I would like to thank Sarah Adams and Kathy Nash for submitting my nomination,” said Nelson, who has been an ICU charge nurse for a little over two years. “I also want to thank my co-workers and providers who push me to be the nurse I am. And lastly, my manager Dawn, who took me under her wing two years ago and entrusted me with this position.”

Hewett’s nursing ties run deep. She values maintaining the tradition of a dedicated support staff above all else.

“I have a lot of people to thank,” Hewett said. “My mother, who was a nurse. My co-workers. Previous mentors. We’re all a team on this journey.”