WEBSTER CITY, IA | Two members of the emergency department team at Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) were recently recognized by the Iowa Emergency Nurses Association during the 2026 Iowa ENA Conference for their outstanding dedication to emergency care and patient advocacy.
Nurse Practitioner Jeff Hadwiger was named Iowa ENA Emergency Provider of the Year, while Kelli Elliott, RN, received the Iowa ENA Frontline Staff Award.
The Iowa ENA Emergency Provider of the Year Award recognizes an emergency department provider who delivers exceptional patient care while serving as a strong advocate and partner for ED nurses — someone who consistently goes above and beyond for both patients and colleagues.
In Hadwiger’s nomination, colleagues praised his leadership, mentorship and unwavering support of the emergency department team.
“Since joining the ED provider team full time, Jeff has been a mentor, educator and collaborator — supporting students, guiding nurses and working to improve systems and workflows that directly impact patient care,” the nomination stated. “His role in updating critical supply kits and developing the trauma cart has strengthened department readiness when every second counts.”
The nomination also highlighted Hadwiger’s calm leadership during a critical burn case that occurred during severe winter weather conditions.
“Jeff’s leadership shines brightest in the most critical moments,” the nomination continued. “During a devastating high-acuity burn case in severe winter conditions, he led the team with steady direction, compassion and precision — ensuring seamless care, clear communication and a dignified patient experience even in chaos. His calm presence helped create space for humanity in the middle of an emergency.”
The nomination concluded by describing Hadwiger as “the provider every emergency department hopes for — clinically excellent, deeply collaborative and unwaveringly supportive of the entire care team.”
The Iowa ENA Frontline Staff Award honors an emergency department nurse who exemplifies excellence at the bedside, serves as a resource for coworkers and provides the kind of compassionate care one would want for their own family member.
Elliott’s nomination recognized her teamwork, leadership and willingness to step forward in difficult situations. Her nomination specifically highlighted her response during a multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 35 during blizzard conditions on Dec. 28.
As whiteout conditions shut down the interstate, Elliott — serving in an RN exempt role at the time — chose to respond in the first-out ambulance alongside EMS crews to provide additional clinical support at the scene.
“Dressed only in scrub pants, a sweatshirt and tennis shoes, and wearing borrowed oversized winter gear, she spent nearly three hours on scene assisting first responders, assessing patients and providing critical care in a chaotic and dangerous environment,” the nomination noted.
Among those Elliott cared for were two young women traveling back to college after the holidays.
“She connected with them, helping to ease their fear and uncertainty. It was not just clinical care she provided, but genuine human connection,” the nomination read.