Finley Hospital RN Recognized as Iowa Hospital Association Hospital Hero

Each year, the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) recognizes healthcare employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers with a Hospital Hero Award. Among the team at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital is a Hospital Hero in Karen Gronau, RN.

"Receiving this award is an honor, a privilege, and a proud moment in my nursing career," Karen said. "It validates years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to my role and work family. As with everything that happens in an operating room, it takes the entire team to achieve success, so this is a testament to our mutual respect and support of one another."

Karen has been part of the Surgery Department at Finley Hospital for 33 years and serves as the department's Clinical Team Leader. As part of the nomination for the Hospital Hero Award, Karen's team of nominators wrote:

• "Karen is an advocate for all the patients and staff and won't stop until she gets great results. She is strong, smart, kind, determined, selfless, and admired by those around her. She has quietly guided us through this new maze of healthcare and kept our department running when many wanted to give up. She has done this without expectations, recognitions or rewards."
• "With COVID-19 and all of the staffing shortages, she had to find ways to make staffing work so we can complete our cases safely and efficiently. She even steps in to scrub if need be. She has spent countless hours staying late and coming in early to cover shifts that were unfilled and does this without asking for praise."
• "She has demonstrated her commitment to both our local hospital and community...she works hard to deliver the best patient care possible in any situation. Her selflessness and steady leadership have earned her the respect of every person working in the operating rooms."
• "Karen makes the staff members of the operating room better just by being their leader. Karen is, and has been for many years, the absolute hero of the Surgery Department. Patients and staff alike are lucky to have her on their side."

Finley Hospital President and CEO Chad Wolbers officially presented Karen with her award at the IHA's Annual Meeting in early October and was proud to see one of the hospital's team members recognized with the award.

This year marked the second year in a row that a team member from Finley Hospital's Surgery Department has been honored with the Hospital Hero Award from the IHA.