Hartley native named Great Iowa Nurse

Four Spencer Hospital nurses are among the 78 nurses across the state being recognized as 2023 Great Iowa Nurses.

Roxanne Warburton, Lindsey Kelleher, Kylee Zinn and Jessica Dirks were named to the list, which annually honors Iowa nurses for their contributions to the nursing profession. Great Iowa Nurses are chosen on the basis of demonstrated service to patients, leadership and mentoring or serving as a role model.

Warburton is a native of Hartley and works in the birth center. According to her colleagues and patients, she is "the most fun loving, energetic OB nurse that you could ever meet."

"Roxanne always has a smile on her face and has the most contagious personality," stated an excerpt from her nomination letter. "She can turn a bad day into a good day just by her presence in a room. Roxanne is always willing to work extra and help staff, even if that means floating to other departments within the hospital."

Warburton is known for her attention to detail and compassion, and her patients are always excited when she walks into their rooms.

"She has a personality that everyone loves," stated her nomination letter. "Positivity is contagious and spreads to patients and staff when she is working."

Warburton is the daughter of Donna and the late Gib Denny. She lives in Spencer with her husband, Mark. The couple has three children.

A virtual ceremony featuring videos from award recipients will be held on a date to be announced. 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.