Ellen Vanderhoff and Alissa Wiemers, both nurses at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge, received the honor this week.

Vanderhoff has been a nurse for more than 47 years, 36 of those with UnityPoint Health. She currently serves in medication reconciliation and has also been an hour supervisor, acute care charge nurse, and acute care nurse as needed. Vanderhoff also received the DAISY Award in November 2015.

Wiemers has been a nurse for 21 years and has been with UnityPoint Health for 20 years — 13 years in critical care and seven years in medical-surgery. Wiemers received the DAISY Award in March 2023 and the ACE Award in May 2023.

“Ellen and Alissa embody our values every day, and we are so proud to have them on our team,” said Kari Jones, chief nursing officer at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center. “With a combined 68 years of experience, they continue to provide excellent care for our patients, always going above and beyond their responsibilities. They are both outstanding examples of what it means to be a great nurse.”

Ellen Vanderhoff

UnityPoint Health facilities and affiliates across Iowa had 38 nurses named to the Great Iowa Nurses list. Great Iowa Nurses accepts nominations for Iowa-licensed nurses who have made significant contributions to the profession.

Vanderhoff and Wiemers will be honored during a virtual recognition ceremony later this spring.