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St. Anthony Regional Hospital congratulates Marcia Schaefer, RN, retired Director of Home Health, Hospice, and Public Health, for being named one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2020. Outstanding nurses who have made a meaningful contribution to their patients, colleagues, communities and the nursing profession are recognized through the 100 Great Iowa Nurses program each year.
Schaefer was selected for the honor from hundreds of nominations from across the state. Criteria includes concern for humanity, contribution to profession, and leadership and mentoring. Nurses named to the list represent many sectors of health care – working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools and offices. They come from all practice areas of nursing, including acute care, sub-acute care, school nursing, nurse leaders, academics and more.
“Through her leadership of Home Health, Hospice & Public Health, Marcia led remarkable improvement in the health of Carroll County as a whole,” said Karen Timm, St. Anthony Vice-President of Patient Services. “She maintained a high level of nursing professionalism, dedication to patients and she led her team and others by example.”
Schafer is celebrating a 38-year nursing career. Having retired from her director’s position in January, she still works part time in Home Health, Hospice, and Public Health. Her work experience spans a variety of clinical areas, including acute medical-surgical, nursing rehabilitation, and nursing instructor where she helped educate the next generation of nurses. These experiences led Schaefer to discover her true love of nursing in Home Health and Hospice where she has worked since joining St. Anthony in 2011.
“This is quite an honor given the number of exceptional nurses I know and work with,” Schaefer said. “Especially in the environment we’re in today, you see the best everyone has to give and I am humbled to be a part of the team.”
The programs which support the St. Anthony Home Health, Hospice, and Public Health have blossomed under Schaefer’s leadership. The department has received numerous awards including 5-Star CMS ratings for patient satisfaction, and 4- or 5-Star ratings for quality. Her leadership has also garnered many Home Care Elite status and CMS patient satisfaction honors. Carroll County consistently ranks in the top 25% in the state for both Health Outcomes and Health Factors. These rankings have improved dramatically during Schaefer’s tenure. Additionally, throughout her nursing career, Schaefer has offered compassionate care for patients and families, along with the highest regard for their personal safety and well-being, all priorities of care for patients and families experiencing end of life.
“Marcia has a wealth of nursing and healthcare knowledge and experience, practicing in both inpatient and outpatient care, inside the hospital walls and in the patient’s home,” said Ed Smith, St. Anthony President and CEO. “Over the years, she has navigated many of the major changes in healthcare, including regulatory rules, statewide health initiatives, and emergency preparedness proceedings. We are fortunate to have that kind of leadership and compassion at St. Anthony and we are pleased Marcia has been recognized as one of the best nurses in the state.”
This year’s 16th Annual 100 Great Iowa Nurses reception, which was to be held on Sunday, May 3 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schaefer joins nine other St. Anthony nurses who have received the prestigious award in the past: Deb Adams, Verna Tiefenthaler, Sandy Cayler, Pat Hogan, Darlene Rueter, Katie Towers, Cheri Theulen, Tammy Roetman and Barb Toohey.
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- 100 great iowa nurses
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- marcia schaefer
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