Greene County Medical Center has been celebrating National Nurses Week, and it came to the forefront for the public Thursday with the DAISY Award ceremony.

Following opening remarks from Chief Nurse Executive Katie Heldt and Public Health Director Becky Wolf, a “Blessing of the Hands” prayer was led by retired pastor and patient transport staff member Charlene Wolfe.

“You are gifted with your hands. So it’s right, and good and an honor for me to offer you a blessing on your hands. They are the instruments of your healing.”

Following the prayer, each nurse that participated received drops of ointment oil to rub into their hands. Sarah Pandullo with the UnityPoint Iowa Nursing Honor Guard then gave a special presentation about what the nursing honor does for nurses.

Finally, the recipient of the DAISY Award was announced. Emergency Room Nurse Kasey Gretemann won the award and she was nominated by Wolf. Gretemann told Raccoon Valley Radio her reaction when she was listening to Wolf’s nomination story.

“It was very touching. Becky is a wonderful nurse herself. So knowing that somebody that’s been in the profession as many years as she has, is giving me praise for doing my job means a lot.”

This was the seventh DAISY Award that Greene County Medical Center has given out.

A full list of the other nominees can be found below.

Angela Davis

Allie Hamilton

Laura Walker

Maria Bretey

Deb Hoskins