For Bailey Krull, director of quality services at Waverly Health Center (WHC), caring for patients extends far beyond the walls of a hospital room. It means advocating for those who may struggle to find their voice and ensuring every patient receives compassionate care. That commitment has earned Krull recognition as a 2026 Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Hospital Hero. She was one of 10 hospital employees across Iowa selected for the honor, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, dedication and a lasting impact on patients, colleagues and their communities.
Krull was honored during IHA’s Hospital Hero recognition ceremony, for her dedication to establishing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at WHC. For survivors of sexual assault, seeking medical care can be an extremely vulnerable and overwhelming experience. SANE nurses receive specialized training to provide trauma-informed care that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of survivors. During an examination, SANE nurses can assess and treat injuries, address concerns about sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and collect forensic evidence when appropriate. They also provide emotional support, explain available resources and help patients understand their options, giving survivors choices throughout their care. For Krull, establishing the program was about ensuring survivors in rural communities did not have to travel long distances to receive specialized care.
“When I first started at Waverly Health Center, we didn’t have any SANE nurses available to provide these specialized exams. I wanted to change that. When someone comes to us after experiencing sexual assault, the last thing we want is to send them somewhere else to receive the care they need, Krull explained. “My goal was to make sure survivors could receive that care right here at WHC, surrounded by people who are there to support them, advocate for them and help them through an incredibly difficult experience.”
Turning that vision into reality required specialized education, new procedures and nurses prepared to respond to some of the most sensitive situations they may encounter. Under Krull’s leadership, three WHC nurses have become trained sexual assault nurse examiners. Krull also pursued additional specialized training herself. Building a team of SANE nurses is a notable achievement for a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital, particularly as rural communities across the country continue to face challenges accessing SANE nurses and maintaining consistent coverage
But for Krull, the importance of the program isn’t measured by certifications or numbers. It’s about the people who turn to WHC for help.
“My hope is that every survivor who comes to Waverly Health Center feels safe, supported and comfortable sharing their experience without fear of judgment,” said Krull. “Everyone who has gone through something like this deserves compassionate care and a place where they feel heard. That’s why this work is so important to me. I want survivors to know they are not alone and that we are here to help them through one of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
Krull’s work has also created opportunities for WHC nurses to expand their knowledge and skills while strengthening the hospital’s ability to care for patients who have experienced trauma.
“Bailey’s passion for patient advocacy and her commitment to providing compassionate care has made a lasting difference for people during some of their most vulnerable moments,” said Jodi Geerts, CEO of WHC. “By establishing and growing our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, she has expanded access to critical services and support for victims of sexual assault. We are proud to see her recognized for the leadership, expertise and empathy she brings to her work every day.”
Krull earned her nursing degree and Master of Science in Nursing, with a focus on nursing administration and leadership, from Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. A Waverly resident, she has built her career in the community she proudly calls home. The IHA Hospital Hero Award celebrates hospital employees who go above and beyond in service to others through extraordinary compassion, dedication and meaningful contributions to their communities. For Krull, that impact can be seen in the nurses she has helped prepare, the specialized care now available close to home and the survivors who can turn to WHC during some of their most difficult moments. Sometimes, being a hospital hero isn’t about one extraordinary moment. It’s about recognizing a need and refusing to let it go unmet.
