Julie Guthrie and I worked together one-on-one in the Anamosa FM clinic for many years. She worked hard, was very dedicated, was a quick learner, understood my routines, cared very deeply about the individual patients, and could be counted on to accomplish tasks without requiring supervision. As she gained knowledge, Julie developed the ability to formulate an accurate assessment and appropriate plan of action. In short, Julie made my job easier as she progressed from describing a problem to proposing a solution.

I was somewhat disappointed when the diabetic nurse educator position at Jones Regional became available, and Julie advised me that she was going to submit an application. She was very excited about the opportunity and described it as her "dream job."

By taking ownership of the Jones Regional Diabetic Education Clinic, Julie has transformed it into the premier clinic in Eastern Iowa and likely beyond. Julie is a self-starter, takes pride in her work, and communicates well with coworkers, patients, and families. She has expanded the depth and breadth of her knowledge and then educated others, including patients, other staff, and physicians.

Some patients are very attached to their previous outdated treatment plans. She works patiently with them over many visits to help them transition to a more current "best practice" approach to their care. She frequently meets people when they are at JRMC for another service to review how they are doing and help them change the devices they are using. Julie has made many very good suggestions for adjusting treatment plans. I have referred people who are frustrated with the treatment of their diabetes for a variety of reasons, and Julie has been able to help them recommit to better managing their health.

There are numerous stories of the ways Julie has assisted patients and improved their health status. The best testimonials to the quality and impact of the care she is providing are the following examples:

I have seen people who do not live in Jones Co. or have been hospitalized elsewhere and were referred to one of the other diabetic centers in the area. Their diabetes was not adequately controlled when I saw them in follow-up, and they refused to return to the previous diabetic center. After I was able to convince them to meet with Julie, they continued to work with her even though they may live in Johnson, Linn, Delaware, Jackson, and Dubuque counties.

The other example is the respect the clinic provider staff have for Julie. We have all been very comfortable with having Julie assist us with managing the treatment of people who have diabetes. Her suggestions have always been very appropriate.

In short, it is my opinion Julie Guthrie is the premier diabetic nurse educator in the area, has improved countless people's lives with her tireless devotion. She exemplifies the DAISY Award Standards of Excellence and lives the UnityPoint FOCUS values daily. She is a great ambassador for Jones Regional Medical Center.