As part of their National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week celebration, Kossuth Regional Health Center awarded Serena Reemtsma, RN with the 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Serena is a registered nurse with Hospice of the Heartland and has been serving patients at the hospital for 10 years. Serena was nominated multiple times for this year’s award for going above an beyond for her patients and their families as they navigate the difficult end-of-life journey.
A small part of her nominations read, “The number of families who specifically request Serena to care for their loved ones is far too many to count and speaks volumes about the trust, comfort and peace she provides during one the most vulnerable times in a person’s life. Serena makes herself available to her patients and their families, always striving to create the best possible experience for each individual she serves. She consistently goes above and beyond to help patients fulfill their final goals, whether big or small, ensuring their last days are meaningful, comfortable and filled with dignity. Her commitment to pain management, emotional support and holistic care allows patients to spend their final moments free from suffering and surrounded by compassion. The connections Serena forms with patients and families are deep and lasting. This is evident during hospice ceremonies, where families visibly light up when they see her and are able to reconnect, often expressing profound gratitude for the care she provided. These moments reflect the lasting impact Serena has not just as a nurse, but as a source of comfort, kindness and strength”
This year Kossuth Regional Health Center had 33 nurses nominated for the award. Chief Nursing Officer Stephanie Colvin recognized all nominees at the award ceremony.
“Nurses are the quiet force that holds the healthcare system together. You are advocates, caregivers, educators, and often the calm in the storm,” said Colvin. The power of nurses is not only in your knowledge and skill, but in your compassion, resilience, and ability to make a lasting impact – one patient, one moment and one life at a time.”
2026 DAISY Award Nominees:
- Alicia Brass (Med/Surg)
- Allison Gisch (Community Health)
- Amber Davis (Clinic)
- Anna Olson (Med/Surg)
- Brianne Wilson (Community Health)
- Brittany Stevens (Community Health)
- Brittney Foix (Med/Surg)
- Brooke Winkelhorst (Med/Surg)
- Cedes Becker (Community Health)
- Emily Reding (Community Health)
- Guen Mencias (Med/Surg & Clinic)
- Heather Coyle (Med/Surg)
- Jennifer Meister (Med/Surg)
- Josie Bjustrom (Community Health)
- Julie Voss (Clinic)
- Karen Garman (Community Health
- Kendra Koppen (Community Health)
- Kristen Roethler (Clinic)
- Kylie Jungers (Med/Surg)
- Lis Grimm (Med/Surg)
- Madi Hauswirth (Med/Surg)
- Megan Stone (Clinic)
- Melissa Woodyard (Community Health)
- Mindy Simpson (Diabetes Education)
- Pam Hanselman (Med/Surg)
- Portlind Bjustrom (Clinic)
- Renae Ruhnke (Clinic)
- Rhonda Sexton (Med/Surg)
- Riley Kintzle (Med/Surg)
- Sarah Becker (Surgery)
- Serena Reemtsma (Hospice)
- Tracy Prothman (Med/Surg)
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.
Past winners of the DAISY award at KRHC include Sandy Hoskins, Salena Siefken, Martha Hoffman, Jane Eischen, Mary Vollrath, Callie Gerber, Deb Hansen, Becky Lancaster, Stephanie Colvin, Madi Hauswirth, Pam Hanselman, and Ashley Thompson. In 2021, KRHC honored ALL nurses for their dedication and compassion during the pandemic.
In addition to the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses, KRHC celebrates staff from all non-nurse disciplines who personify the remarkable patient experience for those we serve with the BEE Award. BEE stands for Being Excellent Every Day, and this year’s BEE award winner does just that!
Allie Opheim, Clinic Director presented the BEE Award and emphasized the importance of each department within the hospital.
“Our organization cannot thrive without the commitment, compassion, and excellence of all of team members, especially our support staff,” said Opheim. “Every role matters and touches the patient experience, contributing to the success of our organization.”
Karla Schutter, Administrative Assistant for Community Health & Hospice was named the 2026 KRHC BEE Award recipient.
Karla was nominated by multiple team members for always going the extra mile with a smile on her face. Part of her nomination read, “Describing the impact Karla has had on our department through just one story feels nearly impossible. Karla has been a true godsend to our team, not only as our receptionist, but as the glue that holds our staff together, keeps each program running smoothly, and ensures our patients are always informed and supported. From the moment she joined our department several years ago, she has always gone out of her way to lend a helping hand. She is always offering to help others, takes pride in staying busy and focused, and is always at work with a smile on her face. Not only is she our glue, but she is there on our tough days. Coworkers are sometimes more like family, and Karla is always there to check in on us, check in on how our family is doing, and offer the most compassionate, sincere hugs on days that are tough. Karla truly embodies the “Be Excellent Everyday” – in the care she provides to our patients, the dedication she shows to our department, and the compassion she brings to coworkers who have become more like family.”
2026 BEE Award Nominees:
- Heather Coyle (Med/Surg)
- Amanda Beenken (Community Health)
- Ashley Riedesel (Clinic Behavioral Health)
- Carol Gridley (Environmental Services)
- Cloey Elbert (Clinic)
- Ellie Savitski (Patient Financial Services)
- Erin VanGinkel (Surgery Clinic)
- Felicia Koenecke (Occupational Therapy)
- Jamie Totten (Community Health)
- Jordan Vaske ( Med/Surg)
- Julie Baxter (Clinic)
- Karla Schutter (Community Health)
- Kathy Dearchs (Community Health & Hospice)
- Katie Connelly (Med/Surg)
- Maci Frommie (Radiology)
- MaKenzie Wiltse (Clinic/Patient Access)
- Maral Walstead (Clinic Admin)
- Morgan Wagner (Human Resources)
- Paige Fox (Patient Access)
- Terri Dupre (Environmental Services)
- Tonia Dahl (Community Health)
- Tracy Jordan (Physical Therapy)
“I’m so proud of the many lives our staff touch with their compassion and support each year,” said Dar Elbert, CEO. “Every member of our work family plays an important role in assuring the best possible care for those we serve, and it’s an honor and a privilege to initiate this annual award opportunity for both our nurses and support staff,” said Elbert.
Nominations for the DAISY and BEE awards are accepted all year round at KRHC. Nominations can be submitted by patients, families, coworkers, or anyone who has witnessed a great nurse or staff member in action. You may nominate a team member by sending a nomination to 1515 South Phillips Street, Algona, IA 50511, or you can also fill out an electronic form or pick one up in the hospital lobby.
