The first award recipient of Mercy – North Iowa, Gretchen Crooks, R.N., was named during National Nurses Week, May 7. Crooks, who died March 24, was honored based on her dedication and compassion to her patients, her colleagues and the organization. “She was a nurse’s nurse,” said Kim Chamberlin, Vice President of Patient Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy – North Iowa. Crooks’ husband was presented the award on her behalf.

William Crooks accepts the DAISY Award on behalf of his late wife Gretchen Crooks, who was named the first recipient of the award at Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. With Bill, left to right, are: Jenny Castle, clinical nurse manager of the critical care unit; Crooks, Carrie Potter, a Mercy nurse and member of the Mercy Patient Care Experience Team; and Kim Chamberlin, vice president, Patient Services and Chief Nursing Officer