Buena Vista Regional Medical Center’s Emily Wright, Oncology & Infusion Center RN, has been named a 2025 Great Iowa Nurse. Wright is one of 109 nurses from throughout Iowa who have been recognized with this award.
“Emily Wright exemplifies the nursing profession in all actions and words,” says Deb Colshan, BVRMC Director of the Oncology & Infusion Center. “She has positively impacted many patients and families by her knowledge, empathy and confidence in care delivery. Emily positively impacts everyone she meets.”
Wright started working in BVRMC’s Oncology & Infusion Center in 2012. She came to BVRMC with vast experience in the nursing profession, including four years of medical/surgical and obstetrics experience as well as two years of home health, hospice and public health nursing.
With over 13 years of experience in BVRMC’s Oncology & Infusion Center, Wright has solidified herself as an exceptional nurse who patients and coworkers look to.
“She does an excellent job getting to know her patients and delivers highly individualized care to all of them,” Deb continues. “Many of our patients are complex in their care, and she does her best to anticipate needs and exceed their expectations.”
Wright is also the Oncology & Infusion Center Care Coordinator, allowing her to act as a bridge between patients and their health care team. She is a central point of contact for patients, helping to meet their health care needs by ensuring they are following their treatment plans, providing education when needed and helping them navigate the health care system.
“We are incredibly proud of Emily’s dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment to her patients,” says Michele Kelly, BVRMC Chief Clinical Officer. “Her hard work and leadership embody the values we strive for at BVRMC, and this recognition is a testament to the outstanding care she provides every day.”
The program, formerly 100 Great Iowa Nurses, annually honors Iowa nurses for their contributions to the nursing profession. Nominations for the honor are reviewed by a committee of individuals from a variety of health care organizations across Iowa. Great Iowa Nurses are chosen on the basis of demonstrated service to patients, leadership and mentoring or serving as a role model.
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.
Since the program’s inception in 2004, 29 BVRMC nurses have been named Great Iowa Nurses.
BVRMC is proud of the work our nurses do every day to help improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Emily Wright has been an asset to BVRMC as a nurse and as a leader to other employees, creating a culture of excellence at BVRMC.
