JEFFERSON, Iowa – For Abby Skoglund, RN, Director of Acute Care and the Emergency Department at Greene County Medical Center, leadership has never been about sitting behind a desk or having a title. It’s about showing up for her Team.
That approach recently earned Skoglund statewide recognition as an Outstanding Nurse Leader through the Iowa Organization for Nursing Leadership (IONL). Her nomination came from Amanda Lass, Chief Nursing Officer, who says the award reflects something she hears from employees during rounding.
“One thing that’s consistent every month is that they recognize Abby for her hard work, being available for staff, supporting them, just showing she’s part of the Team,” Lass said. “She’s out there on the floor, helping them as much as possible.”
Skoglund said that’s simply what leadership should look like. “I decided to become a leader because I like to be part of a team that works together to make sure that patients are cared for, and the community is cared for. Not only that, but that they are getting the best care.”
That philosophy shows up in everyday details. Skoglund introduced a stoplight process in Acute, giving employees a way to see what happens with their suggestions. Ideas are marked green when resolved or implemented, yellow when in process and red when something cannot be changed or done. “The goal for this was to let them know I personally listen to everything,” Skoglund said. “I recognize their ideas and suggestions, take them to the Team and help put them into play.”
She also worked alongside Megan Hawkins, PharmD, Pharmacy Director at Greene County Medical Center, to improve medication administration barcode scanning compliance, an effort that earned them a 2026 Compass Healthcare Collaborative Safety Award.
Lass said what truly distinguishes Skoglund is that her commitment extends beyond hospital walls. “She’s very passionate about serving our communities, serving neighbors, family and friends,” Lass said. “She wants our communities to love the hospital. She wants this to be the place where everybody receives care.”
Skoglund credits several mentors for helping shape her leadership style, including former long-term care director, Linda Bills, who demonstrated that no task was beneath a leader, and Ann Erickson, whom she admires for leading with quiet strength and by example while holding her Team to a high standard. She also credits Lass as a key mentor who continues to offer guidance and support. Now, Skoglund is working to provide that same encouragement and example to the people she leads.
The IONL is a statewide professional organization that has represented Iowa’s nursing leaders since 1977. They work to strengthen healthcare through leadership development, education, collaboration and advocacy. Its membership spans the nursing profession, from bedside clinical leaders and department directors to hospital executives. The Outstanding Nurse Leader award recognizes the important role nursing leadership plays in advancing patient care and strengthening health care across Iowa.