**Sam (Samatha) Pauley receives a certificate of recognition from Kelby Eck, emergency department director at Crawford County Memorial Hospital.** SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Sam (Samantha) Pauley with Crawford County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) was one of 100 nurses in Iowa who were recognized by the Great Iowa Nurses organization.

She is a nurse in the emergency department.

Sam said she felt fortunate to work with a team of nurses who made her award possible.

"I would never have deserved this recognition without the support of my colleagues, which includes the paramedic team, and that day after day, we all work as a single team for the benefit, safety, and care of our patients,” Sam said.

She added, "The recognition belongs to all members of the department because they made me the nurse that I am today. I feel fortunate to live in this beautiful community."

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A number of Sam Pauley’s family members attended the celebration that Crawford County Memorial Hospital hosted in her honor. From left are Sarah Luft (Sam's mother-in-law), Sam Pauley, Scott Pick (Sam's father), Katie Pick (Sam's mother), and Jeannie Gorman (Sam's grandmother).

Emergency Room Department Director Kelby Eck said that he nominated Sam because of his essential role in training other nurses for the department.

"The decision was difficult because in my department I am surrounded by nurses with devotion to their careers, who demonstrate it in their care and dedication to our patients."

He added, "Sam also demonstrates her dedication by taking her colleagues under her wing to train and guide them in the different activities of our department."

Kelby said he was notified about Sam's award in January of this year.

“That gave us enough time to make a shirt with the motto, “The Great Iowa Nurse.’”

Great Iowa Nurses is a non-profit organization that recognizes nurses in Iowa and spotlights qualities that demonstrate efforts by nurses that go beyond their regular duties.

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