UnityPoint Health Celebrates 38 Nurses Named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses

UnityPoint Health is honored to recognize 38 nurses practicing at our UnityPoint Health facilities and affiliates across Iowa who have been selected as 2026 Great Iowa Nurses. This award annually recognizes nurses for their outstanding contributions to their patients, team members and the nursing profession.  

I’m incredibly proud of our nurse honorees and I’m truly grateful for the positive impact they’ve made on the lives of others,” said UnityPoint Health Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Brown. “They go above and beyond every day, providing the care experience we want our own loved ones to receive.”

This year’s list of honorees includes three nurses working for UnityPoint Health – Sioux City. They are: 

• Kelli Engel

• Renae Grell

• Marisela Quezada de Magana

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Kelli, Renae and Marisela for being named 2026 Great Iowa Nurses,” said Wendy Lindley, UnityPoint Health – Sioux City Chief Nursing Officer. “This recognition reflects not only their clinical excellence, but also their compassion, leadership and unwavering commitment to our patients and their teammates. They represent the very best of nursing in our community, and we are so grateful for the difference they make every single day.”

Great Iowa Nurses annually accepts nominations for Iowa-licensed nurses who have made a significant contribution to the profession. The 2026 award recipients will be honored during a virtual recognition ceremony this spring. For more information, visit greatiowanurses.org.