Jennie Edmundson’s Tracie Kerns honored with Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Hero Award

After a busy day at work in the fall of 2024, Tracie Kerns, BSN, RN, was ready to relax at her home in Glenwood, Iowa. 

Family visiting from out of town planned to go out to eat, but Kerns, tired after her shift at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, was going to stay in. 

“About 10 minutes prior, I said, ‘You know, I’ll just go,’” said Kerns, the hospital’s service leader overseeing house supervisors and floating personnel. 

She didn’t know it yet, but the decision would place her in position to perform CPR – likely saving a man’s life and leading to her earning the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Hero Award.

“Looking back, it’s crazy,” she said. “I think I was meant to be there.”

Lifesaving action

As the party ordered food, a co-worker who happened to be at the restaurant approached Kerns. She asked if she’d look at her husband, who wasn’t feeling well.

What Kerns saw was immediately concerning: The man was slouched in a booth, sweating and holding a hand to his chest. His skin was dusky, and he complained of chest pain. 

Kerns checked his pulse and found one, then began to ask the man about his medical history.

“Then he said, ‘Oh, my chest,’” she said. “As I was standing there, he slumped back and his eyes rolled back in his head.”

Kerns laid the man down in the booth and checked for a pulse again, but this time there was none. She began chest compressions and yelled for a bystander to call 911. 

After about 20 compressions, the man regained consciousness, and he was soon transported by ambulance to Jennie Edmundson for care.

Methodist cardiologist Robert Armbruster, MD, later told Kerns that her quick action was key to the man’s survival.

“He said that I pretty much saved his life,” Kerns said.

‘This is just what we do’

For her actions, Kerns was honored with the annual Hospital Hero Award at last month’s Iowa Hospital Association Annual Meeting in Des Moines. Awarded to 10 hospital employees in Iowa this year, the honor celebrates employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers.

Kerns, who recently celebrated her 21^st anniversary with Jennie Edmundson, said she was shocked to receive the award.

“As nurses say, this is just what we do,” the Nebraska Methodist College graduate said. “We take care of people. It doesn’t matter the situation. It’s kind of embedded in our blood, and I feel like so many people go above and beyond for others on the daily that they deserve this achievement as well.”

Kerns’ commitment to caring for others is equally evident at Jennie Edmundson, said Jenene VandenBurg, MS, BSN, RN, the hospital’s vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer.

“Her influence is felt across the hospital,” VandenBurg said. “Whether she’s solving staffing challenges, coordinating beds, mentoring colleagues or providing direct patient care, Tracie leads with authenticity and heart. She doesn’t just do her job – she lives the values of Jennie Edmundson every day.”

David Burd, Jennie Edmundson’s president and CEO, said Kerns’ care is a reflection of the quality and compassion found at the hospital.

“We’re blessed to have Tracie on the team,” he said. “She goes above and beyond every day to help patients and assist her colleagues. We’re incredibly proud of her and the entire Jennie family.”

Anyone can make a difference

While Kerns is proud of the Hospital Hero Award, she’s most happy to have made a difference in someone’s life.

She recalls how the day after the incident, her co-worker asked her to visit her recovering husband in the hospital.

“He started crying,” Kerns said. “He said, ‘You saved my life,’ and he gave me a hug. I can’t describe how grateful I am for him and his family.”

Kerns knows her health care experience played a key role in his outcome, but she “100%” recommends that everyone take a CPR course.

“It doesn’t just happen in a hospital. It can happen anywhere. And your knowledge and skills are just so important.”

The Daily Nonpareil: Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital nurse wins Hero Award for saving life in Glenwood