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I was born and raised in Brookings, graduating as a
Brookings Bobcat in 1987. I
attended
South Dakota
State
University
and obtained my B.S. in Nursing with high honors in 1991.
I worked as both a staff RN and charge RN on the
oncology/renal/diabetic unit at
McKennan
Hospital
in
Sioux Falls
until 1998. I was part of many
exciting changes and medical advances during that time.
My unit was the first in
South Dakota
to accomplish bone marrow stem cell transplants.
In fact, I was the very first nurse to transfuse stem cells into a
patient. My unit was also the
first in
South Dakota
that took care of patients that had kidney transplants.
My favorite part of working in the hospital was getting to know my
oncology patients and their families; it was a very special time to share
in the last moments of so many courageous individuals.
Between 1996-1998 I taught medical-surgical clinicals
for S.D.S.U. at the
Brookings
Hospital
. Witnessing the enthusiasm
and accomplishments of my nursing students’ first IV starts, first
injections, ADL’s, and other skills was very gratifying.
I enjoyed teaching and sharing my passion for nursing –
encouraging new nurses to believe in themselves and helping them find the
joy in assisting others to achieve their highest level of health and
well-being.
In 1998, I became the school nurse at the Middle School, Medary
Elementary, and shared the school nurse position at Central Elementary.
I enjoyed the day to day interaction with the students and staff at
the schools. Not only was I
able to provide a little TLC to the kids that came in my office, but I was
also able to assist in identifying physical and emotional concerns in the
students and provide parents with information and direction on how they
could help their child receive the care and services that were needed.
I started taking care of an individual student with
special healthcare needs in 2002. She
and I have been together for over 6 years now.
She has become like a daughter to me.
My main role is not only to take care of her physical needs, but to
be her advocate, her teacher, her supporter, and her friend.
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