In times of instability and heartbreak, it can be the constants in our lives that hold us together. For one Iowa family, Amanda Hoepner, RN, and Katie Luchtel, RN, were the warm, caring presence that sustained them through the highs and the lows of infertility.

The emergency department (ED) has its own rhythm. It can be fast, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. It’s often a place where exhaustion and frustration can quickly build for patients and families. For Makinsy (Mak) Brantsen, BSN, RN, she’s learned that it’s also a place where small acts of care can make the biggest difference.

Skipping the soda and reaching for popular sports drinks may seem like a healthy choice, but most sports drinks are only slightly better than soda in terms of sugar and calories. A 32-ounce sports drink contains between 56 and 76 grams of sugar – equal to about 14 to19 teaspoons – and four to six times the recommended daily amount for kids and teenagers.

If traditional cancer treatments are no longer working well or are not the right fit, theranostics may offer another option.

For pediatric nurse Zoie Burton, BSN, RN, caring for her teenage patient went beyond providing regular medical duties – she created a welcoming environment connected over shared interests.

Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand. Sparklers, firecrackers, and large community fireworks displays are typically the highlight of the day. But along with the fun and excitement comes the possibility for burns, injuries, and emergencies, especially when children are around.

At University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Craniofacial Clinic, Bodhi received specialized care, surgery, and helmet therapy that helped him grow into the vibrant little boy he is today.

For many men, finishing prostate cancer treatment marks a major milestone — but it’s also the start of a new journey. Life after treatment brings its own challenges, including physical recovery, emotional adjustment, and ongoing health monitoring. At UI Health Care, you can count on a supportive, personalized approach to survivorship.

Not long ago, UI Health Care nurse Avalon Brinton was cleaning out her desk when she stumbled across a paper from nursing school – a short assignment detailing her “nursing philosophy.” Back then, it felt like just another assignment on a long list of requirements. Now, more than a year into her first job as a cardiovascular intensive care nurse, her words as a student served as a powerful…

After years of monitoring a leaky heart valve, worsening fatigue led one Iowa man to surgery. At UI Health Care, a minimally invasive approach helped him recover faster and get back to daily life.