News : 2024 Virginia Gay Hospital Legacy Award Recipient: Dawn Stephenson

Back Left: Michele Schoonover, Monica Stark, Barb Parbs, Dick Kerdus, Don Logan, Dave Vermedahl Front Row: Terri Buelow, Dawn Stephenson, Jan Roth

Virginia Gay Hospital is proud to announce Dawn Stephenson as a 2024 Legacy Honors Award recipient. Dawn's journey with VGH began in 1977, when she joined the hospital's Annex team as a high school senior. Over the past 47 years, Dawn's dedication to healthcare, patient safety, and education has had a lasting impact on the hospital and the community. Her commitment and passion have made her a cornerstone of VGH, earning her this distinguished recognition.

Dawn's formal career in nursing started in 1979 when she earned her LPN license from Hawkeye Tech and began working weekend shifts. By 1989, she had completed her RN training and transitioned to a daytime role in Cardiopulmonary Rehab. Dawn's career later expanded into Quality and Education, areas in which she has left a remarkable legacy. Her efforts have helped VGH continuously elevate its standards, creating a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in patient care.

One of Dawn's standout achievements is her pioneering work in Quality and Education, where she launched programs from the ground up and established collaborative networks across departments and with other facilities. Her initiatives have led to important training programs, including CPR and Instructor Certification, ACLS, and PALS, which she has overseen for more than 32 years. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving 100% compliance with annual education requirements for employees, a testament to her commitment to safety and professional development.

Beyond clinical and educational roles, Dawn has made a profound impact on patients and residents in a deeply personal way. She creates personalized photo montages for residents of Nursing & Rehab, fostering meaningful connections and bringing comfort to patients. In her Quality role, she has also excelled in leading investigations and implementing solutions, consistently working across departments to improve outcomes and resolve complex issues effectively.

Reflecting on her career, Dawn identifies the advent of the AED and safety needles, as well as the shift from fax machines to electronic medical records, as some of the most significant innovations she has witnessed. Currently, she is focused on preventive healthcare through Annual Wellness Visits, which help detect and address health issues early. Her leadership in Patient Satisfaction, Risk Management, and the Safety Zone Portal further highlights her commitment to advancing patient care. Dawn's dedication to patient safety and community outreach, including her work with the Iowa Association of Healthcare Quality and local programs, is a testament to her enduring impact on VGH and beyond.