Sheryl Stoolman Selected as One of Iowa’s ‘Hospital Heroes’

Twelve outstanding Iowa hospital employees will be honored October 4 at the 78^th Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting as the first “Hospital Heroes.”  From a groundskeeper who gave one of her kidneys to a fellow employee to a physician and nurse who, as husband and wife, have spent decades donating their skills around the world, the health care workers who receive this honor have all shown an exceptional commitment to caring and community.

Sheryl Stoolman, RN, who works in the Emergency Room at St. Anthony Regional Hospital, is one of the twelve selected from across the state to be honored as an Iowa Hospital Hero. Sheryl’s outstanding work at St. Anthony as a trauma nursing educator, organ donation program leader and trauma program coordinator, along with her many years of working closely with the Carroll Emergency Services Team garnered her nomination. Sheryl’s nomination was supported by co-workers, friends and neighbors who also cited her contributions to the community through involvement in her church, school and personal support. She is regarded as a “guardian angel” for countless members of the Carroll community because of her readiness to lend a helping hand and for her nursing expertise in emergency care. She often gives of herself by baking a cake, listening, giving her time or practicing her exceptional nursing skills. Sheryl is commended for being a role model for others, especially those in the field of nursing. “Those who have witnessed Sheryl’s response to the needs of her patients and their families in emergency situations know the depth of her caring. Sheryl is a dedicated nurse, neighbor, and member of our community,” said Joyce Ryberg, Vice President of Patient Services at St. Anthony. “St. Anthony is proud to have Sheryl honored for her tireless work.”

The Iowa Hospital Heroes Awards program was created this year to recognize hospital employees who have performed a heroic act or tirelessly given their time, talent or expertise to better their hospital, patients or community, with measurable results.  These everyday heroes are the role models for Iowa’s 70,000 hospital employees and the communities they serve. 

Award recipients for this year represent hospitals of every size, both rural and urban, in all parts of the state.  While some are physicians and nurses, many are non-clinical staff who have shown unique and selfless ways to contribute to their hospitals’ missions of caring.  While a few have stepped forward in an instant to save a life, all have proven their dedication to improving the lives of Iowans.

“Our hospital is privileged to have Sheryl Stoolman working for our patients. We are proud to honor her work,” said Gary Riedmann, President of St. Anthony. “Thanks to Sheryl for her professional, compassionate care and service to our community.”

Sheryl Stoolman receives the Iowa Hospital Association "Hospital Hero" Award