Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (KHC) has announced that Registered Nurse (RN) Kristen Rude has 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 and she joined the Knoxville team full time in June 2024 as a Resource Nurse in the Med/Surg Department.

 “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.”

 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.