Amanda Phillips and Deb Lefler with Knoxville Hospital and Clinics have been chosen as two of the 2025 Great Iowa Nurses.

Phillips has been a nurse for 11 years, working her way from a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to RN. Working in the Emergency Department for most of her 11 years at KHC, Phillips enjoys the opportunity given to her to also work in the Specialty Clinics. 

Prior to her retirement in December, Lefler served as an RN at KHC for 36 years. Throughout the years, she worked primarily in the Emergency Department, but also served as an evening shift supervisor and assisted with the recovery of patients having cataract surgery in the Surgery Department.  

 The program, formerly known as 100 Great Iowa Nurses, annually honors Iowa nurses for their contributions to the nursing profession. A committee of individuals from various health care organizations across Iowa reviews nominations for the honor. Great Iowa Nurses are chosen based on demonstrated service to patients, leadership, and mentoring, or serving as a role model. A virtual ceremony will occur later this year to recognize the 2025 honorees. Phillips tells KNIA/KRLS she was honored to be recognized.

“I’m overwhelmed actually. I’ve had a lot of people tell me what a great nurse I am and I’m just trying to be me and do the kind of nursing that I think is quality. To me I’m just doing me, but it’s really nice to hear how I’ve impacted other people I’ve worked with, my co-workers, and how I’ve impacted the community.”

 The Great Iowa Nurses program 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. Hear more from Phillips on an upcoming Let’s Talk Knoxville.