WMC's Linda Klimesh named one of "Iowa's Top 100 Nurses"

Klimesh (center) is pictured with the nurse managers who nominated her. From left: Mary Sender, Catherine Hildebrandt, Klimesh, Denise Duffy and Deb Tekippe. Not pictured: Nancy Haberichter and Brenda Dietiker.

Winneshiek Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Linda Klimesh has been selected one of Iowa's top 100 nurses of 2014.

The recognition has been awarded to Klimesh by 100 Great Iowa Nurses, a collaboration between the Iowa Nurses Association, the Iowa Nurses Foundation, the Iowa Hospital Association and the University of Iowa College of Nursing.

The program began in 2005 to honor the profession of nursing, and advance the education of nurses in Iowa.  Klimesh is the first nurse at Winneshiek Medical Center to receive the recognition.

Linda was nominated by the nurse managers at Winneshiek Medical Center.  A panel of 18 reviewers around the state recommended her as a recipient from more than 500 nominations.

Klimesh began her nursing career at Winneshiek Medical Center in 1978.  She has held many roles at WMC, beginning as a staff and charge nurse on the Medical/Surgical and Special Care units, and then transitioning to the position of Director of Quality Management. She has played an active role in many projects and initiatives to improve patient care at Winneshiek Medical Center, as well as in the nursing professional as a whole.  She is a strong advocate for continued education, and actively supports Winneshiek Medical Center's relationships with area colleges, including Northeast Iowa Community College, Luther College and Upper Iowa University.  Recently, Klimesh led the effort for Winneshiek Medical Center to provide skilled nursing care for complicated patients from Mayo Clinic through the Mayo Post-Acute Care (MPAC) program.  This program allows patients treated at another facility the option to recover from surgery or illness in a community hospital setting, allowing for more personalized care, and many times making it easier for family and friends to participate in the recovery process.

WMC Supervisor of Surgery and Same Day Services Deb Tekippe said, "With Linda, it is not one specific event that makes her an exceptional nurse, but the consistency of her strong leadership along with her compassion for patients and all of the staff members in our facility.  Linda is willing to make herself available when needed to do what is best for nurses, both professionally and personally."  Deb adds, "I cannot think of a more worthy nurse for this honor." 

Linda will receive her award Sunday, May 4th, at the Iowa Events Center/Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.