February 23, 2024

13 Mount Mercy alumni named to 2024 Great Iowa Nurses list

Mount Mercy is pleased to announce that 13 alumni—including BSN Chair and Assistant Professor Ann Davidshofer ’15 MSN, RN—have been named to the 2024 Great Iowa Nurses list.

Nominees must have a current Iowa nursing license and have made a significant contribution to the profession, going above and beyond normal job responsibilities. Each person is nominated for displaying exemplary leadership, taking on mentorship roles, and embodying excellence in their field.

This year’s honorees from Mount Mercy include:

  • Stephanie Ascher '18 | UnityPoint – St. Luke’s Hospital 
  • Kristina Beachy '13 MSN | University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
  • Josie (Farmer) Berns '11 | UnityPoint – St. Luke’s Hospital
  • Joan (Gassman) Colston '15 | Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
  • Katie Cox '16 | Virginia Gay Hospital
  • Ann (Luensmann) Davidshofer '15 MSN | Mount Mercy University
  • Michelle Ficken '15 MSN | Mental Health Institute, Independence IA
  • Shelly (McAllister) Kramer '12 | UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital
  • Karen (Graham) McCommis '12 | UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital
  • Tina Myers '20 | UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital 
  • Robin Saunders '20 | UnityPoint Hospital – St. Luke’s Cedar Rapids
  • Lacey (Patterson) Stout '14,'18 MSN | Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City
  • Lori (Mihm) Townsend '89 | UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital 

Mount Mercy has set the standard for nursing in eastern Iowa for over 90 years. Students have access to expertly-balanced curriculums, experiential learning opportunities, partnerships with area hospitals, and programs for health care professionals to earn their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

“There are over 48,500 registered nurses in the state of Iowa, and this doesn’t even include the retired nurses. To celebrate this award with all of the Iowa nurses is truly an honor. I look forward to paying the honor forward in the future.”

Davidshofer, an employee and alum, says it’s these opportunities that set Mount Mercy students and alumni apart from the rest.

“Mount Mercy provides resources for all students to be successful in any pathway they choose: clinical practice, leadership, education, parish nursing, and many more,” said Davidshofer. “The liberal arts incorporated into the nursing curriculum provides a wealth of knowledge to serve their patients and community members upon graduation.”

Davidshofer says she was surprised and humbled to receive this honor. She will continue to use her expertise to teach the next generation of great Iowa nurses.

“There are over 48,500 registered nurses in the state of Iowa, and this doesn’t even include the retired nurses,” Davidshofer said. “To celebrate this award with all of the Iowa nurses is truly an honor. I look forward to paying the honor forward in the future.”