Knoxville Hospital & Clinics Registered Nurse Kristen Rude Chosen for the Great Iowa Nurses Honor

Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) is proud to announce that Registered Nurse (RN) Kristen Rude have been chosen and recognized as one of the 2026 Great Iowa Nurses.

 

With more than 18 years of nursing experience, Kristen began her journey at KHC in November 2023 as a traveling nurse. Inspired by the welcoming environment and strong sense of purpose she experienced, she officially joined the KHC team full time in June 2024 as a Resource Nurse in the Med/Surg Department.

 

During her time as a traveling nurse, Kristen quickly recognized the positive culture at KHC and felt called to become part of an organization so deeply committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our community.

 

“I have always worked as a nurse in the Des Moines metro area. When I came to KHC as a traveling nurse, I immediately noticed the genuine interest each person had in serving their community. That was a huge difference I saw coming into a rural setting. It truly spoke to me and was one of the biggest reasons I chose to step away from traveling and join KHC full time,” shared Kristen. “I am incredibly proud to receive this recognition, and equally proud of the way we care for our community – it’s something truly special.”

 

“I am very happy to see Kristen recognized as a Great Iowa Nurse. This honor reflects not only clinical excellence but a deep commitment to compassion, community, and service – qualities that define the very best in nursing,” said Kevin Kincaid, KHC CEO. “Kristen exemplifies the heart of our mission of faithfully providing exceptional health care, and I am grateful for the extraordinary care she provides to our patients and our community each and every day.”

 

The program, formerly 100 Great Iowa Nurses, annually honors Iowa nurses for their contributions to the nursing profession. A committee of individuals from various health care organizations across Iowa reviews nominations for the honor. Great Iowa Nurses are chosen based on demonstrated service to patients, leadership, and mentoring, or serving as a role model.

 

The Great Iowa Nurses program asks patients, coworkers, friends, and family members to nominate outstanding nurses for recognition each year. After a two-part review process, Great Iowa Nurses are honored at an annual ceremony.

 

In addition to recognizing outstanding nurses, the Great Iowa Nurses program provides financial support to nursing students in MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. programs.

 

100 Great Iowa Nurses was established in 2004 and hosted by the University of Iowa until 2020. In 2022, with the support of Mary Greeley Medical Center, the program was revived and renamed Great Iowa Nurses.