Gudenkauf and Martin Recognized as 2026 Great Iowa Nurses

Gudenkauf and Martin Recognized as 2026 Great Iowa Nurses

March 6, 2026 in Medical/Surgical/Intensive Care, News, OB, Regional Medical Center

Regional Medical Center (RMC) has the distinct honor of announcing Mary Lou Gudenkauf, LPN and Angel Martin, BSN, RN have been recognized as one of the 2026 Great Iowa Nurses.

The Great Iowa Nurses program recognizes nurses in the state of Iowa and spotlights qualities that demonstrate efforts beyond those expected of a nurse within their normal duties. The honorees are nurses who take that extra step to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients. They also take on leadership and mentoring responsibilities, serving as role models for everyone they interact with, especially those just entering the profession. 

Mary Lou Gudenkauf, a nurse within the RMC Medical-Surgical department and Angel Martin, a nurse within the OB & Family Health department, were both recognized amongst the list of other 2026 Great Iowa Nurse honorees. 

A piece of Gudenkauf’s nomination reads: “Mary Lou knows even the smallest actions can mean the world to a patient and their family. She knows a few extra minutes of listening, giving a back rub, etc. can be so important to the patient’s healing and well-being.” A snippet from Martin’s nomination reads: “Angel leads by example. Her commitment to continuous improvement in patient care and developing nurses to be able to provide exceptional care has been significant to our facility’s success.” 

A virtual ceremony will occur later this year to recognize the 2026 honorees. On behalf of everyone here at RMC, we congratulate Mary Lou and Angel on this well deserved recognition and thank them for their many years of dedicated service. 

Pictured: Mary Lou Gudenkauf & Angel Martin