Chris Jungers, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center School Nurse for Storm Lake Middle School, was recognized as a 2024 Hospital Hero by the Iowa Hospital Association. She will be recognized in October at the Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting.
Chris has been with BVRMC since 2009 and has been a valuable asset to the community and school district. As a school nurse, she helps promote health education, provides important health screenings, responds to emergencies, helps students with chronic health issues, acts as a liaison and more throughout the school year.
“Chris’ strength, professionalism and dedication to our students and families has been a heroic endeavor—one from which she never backs down,” says Megan Richardson, Storm Lake Middle School Principal.
Chris is not only a hero for the over 800 students and 100 adults in the school district but is also a hero to her family. In December of 2022, Chris’ quick-thinking and lifesaving knowledge helped save her father, Ron Illg, who was unresponsive at the time. Along with the help from her brother-in-law, Brian Wilken, and Newell’s Chief of Police, Justin Lyman, they heroically provided 35 minutes of lifesaving CPR and defibrillation with an AED, ultimately saving Ron’s life.
“Her superhero activities go well beyond her official duties as a school nurse,” says Michele Kelly, BVRMC Chief Clinical Officer. “Chris is a superhero in her community and family as well.”
Our communities’ own superhero was surprised with her honor during an all-staff meeting at Storm Lake Middle School on Monday morning. Many of her family members, including her father who is still here today thanks to Chris’ heroic efforts, along with her fellow school nurses and coworkers at BVRMC joined in on the surprise celebration.
