Nancy Gabrielson Receives DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award
Nancy Gabrielson of Belmond, IA, was recently awarded the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award during a ceremony held at the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond campus. Family members, friends, Hospital Foundation Board members, and Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics providers and staff were in attendance as she was honored with this award. 
The DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award honors nurses who have devoted their life’s work to compassionate care. Recipients are nominated by colleagues for active mentoring, outstanding leadership, role modeling, patient advocacy, and promoting a positive image of nursing throughout their distinguished careers. Honorees are then selected internally by the DAISY Foundation’s partner organizations, which often include other hospitals, health systems, and universities.
Nancy’s nomination was submitted by Amy McDaniel, Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond CEO. Steve Simonin, Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics President and CEO, presented her award by reading her nomination:
“In 1973, a gifted musician chose a different kind of harmony: the rhythm of healing. Despite her family’s initial wishes for her to pursue music and education, Nancy Gabrielson followed a calling that began as a CMA and Nurse Tech at Iowa Methodist. After earning her nursing diploma, Nancy embarked on a 41-year clinical journey that spanned states and specialties—from the delicate world of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s in Phoenix to the high-stakes environments of Surgery, ER, OB, and the Cardiac ICU.
As her career evolved, Nancy proved that a nurse’s perspective is vital at the highest levels of healthcare leadership. Whether serving as a School Nurse for seven years at Belmond-Klemme or leading as a Director of Nursing, she remained anchored by one unwavering principle: “It is always about taking care of people.”
Her transition into administration was marked by an extraordinary 12-year tenure as a Nursing Home Administrator, where she achieved the rare and prestigious feat of remaining deficiency-free for her entire term. Even as an executive, Nancy never forgot her clinical roots; she was frequently the one called upon by her community to flush a line or change a dressing in a neighbor’s home. She wasn't just an administrator; she was the community’s nurse.
Recruited as the CEO of Iowa Specialty Hospital-Belmond in 2010, Nancy navigated partnerships, rebranding, and complex renovations, including the landmark 2010 building project that transformed local care. Under her leadership, the hospital didn't just grow in square footage; it grew in its commitment to excellence.
Even in "retirement," Nancy’s service has not wavered. With 53 years in healthcare and counting, she continues to shape the future of medicine through her work on the ISH Belmond Board, the Hospital Foundation Board, and her recent 2024 Board Certification from the Iowa Hospital Association.
Perhaps Nancy's greatest achievement is the inspiration she has provided to the next generation. Her influence is most beautifully reflected in her own family. Of her 10 beloved grandchildren, four are currently in college pursuing healthcare careers in Nursing, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, and Psychology. Nancy has taught them—and all of us—to "take the high road" and to understand that regardless of the title, the mission remains the same: the privilege of caring for others.
Nancy Gabrielson embodies the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award because she never saw nursing as a narrow path, but as a door to infinite possibilities. She led with a nurse’s heart, governed with a CEO’s wisdom, and continues to serve with a volunteer’s soul. We are honored to nominate her for this recognition of a lifetime well-lived in the service of Iowa's patients and families.”
When asked about why she chose nursing, Nancy said, “Working in nursing and healthcare is an incredibly rewarding career. I’ve always wanted to help care for people.”
When presented with the award, Nancy shared with those in attendance, “Thank you so much for this incredible, unexpected honor. Receiving the Lifetime Achievement DAISY Award means more to me than words can say. However, this milestone isn't just mine—it belongs to the entire team. Healthcare is complex and demanding, and it truly takes a dedicated, talented group of people to make everything work. I’ve been fortunate to spend my career surrounded by the absolute best professionals at Iowa Specialty and in our community. This award is a reflection of their hard work and dedication, and I am eternally grateful for the privilege of working alongside them. Thank you so much.”
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics providers and staff, the Hospital Boards, and the Foundation Boards would like to congratulate Nancy Gabrielson on this remarkable achievement. Many thanks to Nancy for her years of extraordinary service, her compassionate heart, and the difference she has made in so many lives.
