SANFORD HEALTH SIOUX FALLS NURSING REPORT
SOUTH NETWORK
THE SANFORD HEALTH BROOKINGS TEAM ON NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
A letter from the Chief Nursing Officer of the South Network
I am proud to showcase the talent and contributions of nurses from the rural hospitals and ambulatory settings in the Sioux Falls Network. The Annual Nursing Report is one way to share the dedication and passion of rural nursing – living and thriving in rural communities while providing care close to home and to those held most dear. The daily efforts of each nurse caring for families, friends, neighbors and community members is tremendous. The achievements of the Network Senate, Ambulatory Council, and the Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Council demonstrates the collaboration among colleagues which are evident and valued. The performance improvement and evidence-based practice initiatives, as well as peer recognitions further demonstrate the complexity of care that occurs in these settings.
Nurses within the Sioux Falls Network have shown great tenacity and strength in 2023. Thank you for your commitment to Sanford Health, to the nursing profession, to your nursing colleagues, and the care of your communities.
With gratitude,
Amy Thiesse, PhD, RN Chief Nursing Officer, Sioux Falls, South Network
OUR MISSION
Dedicated to sharing God’s love through the work of health, healing and comfort.
OUR VISION
Improving the human condition at every stage of life through exceptional care, spiritual enrichment, innovation and discovery.
OUR VALUES
Calling
Demonstrating enthusiasm for those we serve, our vocation and the organization’s mission.
Courage
Having strength to persevere, innovate, use our voices and take action.
Family
Celebrating the connection and commitment we have to each other through it all.
Community
Providing care in a diverse range of settings and environments with a focus on the wellness of individuals.
Service
Sharing God’s love through actions that reflect compassion, acceptance, love, humility and sincerity in keeping with the common Lutheran heritage of our legacy organizations.
Resolve
Adhering to systems that align actions to excellence, efficiency and purpose.
Advancement
The pursuit of individual and organizational growth and development.
ABOUT SANFORD HEALTH
Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization serves more than one million patients and nearly 200,000 health plan members across 250,000 square miles. The integrated health system has 45 medical centers, 2,900 physicians and advanced practice providers, 540 active clinical trials, 160 Good Samaritan Society senior living centers, and world clinics in nine countries around the globe.
Sanford Health includes:
45 medical centers
211 clinic locations
160 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations
152 skilled nursing and rehab facilities
Nearly 200,000 Sanford Health Plan members
44,000 employees
2,900 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,944 registered nurses delivering care in more than 80 specialty areas
Centers of Excellence:
Sanford Cancer Center
Sanford Children’s
Sanford Heart
Sanford Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Sanford Women’s
Sanford Health’s annual patient statistics for 2023:
5.8 million outpatient and clinic visits
80,880 admissions
143,217 surgeries and procedures
9,541 births
224,223 emergency department visits
SHARED GOVERNANCE
Shared governance is a structure and process that allows nurses to collaborate with nurse leaders in making decisions about their practice. The Nursing Senate serves as one voice for nursing practice. The purpose of the Nursing Senate is to provide each professional RN the opportunity to partner in planning processes, initiatives and the development of policies and procedures through their representatives. The Nursing Senate distributes the work of professional nursing.
Network Senate Accomplishments
In 2023, the Network Nursing Senate achieved numerous milestones, showcasing their commitment to enhancing patient care and streamlining processes across the network. Monthly Situation Background Assessment Recommendations (SBARs) provided a structured platform for communication and decision-making. The SBARs included Telestroke activation, respiratory distress, infusion stop times prior to discharge, a question on the after-visit summary (AVS) regarding follow-up and reassessing needs to IV fluids to be discontinued from BRAIN.
By bolstering nursing support processes, they fostered an environment conducive to efficient and effective nursing practices. Updates to High-Risk Patient/Suicide and Mental Health Order Sets reflected a commitment to addressing complex patient needs with sensitivity and expertise. Initiatives such as Weapons Signage and Curos Caps implementation contributed to enhancing safety protocols within the network. The introduction of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) Brain Worklist incorporating added tasks streamlined workflow and improved task management. The senates influenced network policy updates, notably shifting observation-focused assessment to as clinically indicated. Moreover, the establishment of a rural med/surg pathway addressed unique challenges faced in rural health care settings. Collaborative efforts were further fostered through the partnership of the Ambulatory Council with the Network Senate, enhancing knowledge sharing. The Network Nursing Senate’s achievements in 2023 epitomize their unwavering dedication to advancing patient care, fostering innovation and promoting collaboration across the network.
QUALITY CARE
Sanford Immunization Team received a $25,000 HPV Grant from the South Dakota Department of Health to improve HPV rates for patients 9-13 years old in Beresford, Canton, Chamberlain, Hartford and Brookings.
NURSES IN THE NEWS
DATE
April 21, 2023
June 1, 2023
Oct. 27, 2023
Once-homeless student will graduate with nursing degree
Aberdeen Screenwriter shoots movie in hometown
Sanford Health providing more access to breast cancer screenings in Chamberlain
Lapka
Sheldon Clinic Expansion
On July 20, the Sanford Sheldon Clinic celebrated a 4,000-square-foot expansion featuring eight additional exam rooms, four procedure rooms and advanced technology.
Sidney Welling
Sanford Health News
Megan
Dakota News Now
Kala Shepherd
Sanford Health News
National Rural Health Day
On Nov. 16, 2023, the Sioux Falls region celebrated National Rural Health Day recognizing the invaluable contributions of network providers, support staff and outreach clinicians.
Sanford Canby
Sanford Canby
Sanford Canby
Sanford Health Network Leadership Team
Sanford Clinic Windom
Sanford Canby
Sanford Canby
Sanford Chamberlain
Sanford Vermillion Clinic, Pod 2
Sanford Aberdeen
Sanford Canby
Sanford Clinic Mountain Lake
Sanford Vermillion Operating Room (OR) Team
Sanford Clinic Lake Norden
Heart Month
We are proud to recognize Heart Month each February to raise awareness and encourage ourselves and each other to lead heart-healthy lives.
SANFORD CANBY
SANFORD WORTHINGTON OB/GYN
SANFORD WESTBROOK
SANFORD ABERDEEN
SANFORD CHAMBERLAIN
Sanford Improvement Symposium
The Sioux Falls Sanford Improvement (SI) Symposium took place on Nov. 14, 2023, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to showcase quality improvement projects across the region. There were 123 posters submitted among the eight categories. Sanford Health nurses were involved in 29 posters presented from network locations. The poster categories included: Quality of Life, Safety, Sanford Experience, Cost, Communication, Clinical Care, Evidence-based Practice and Research. Posters are judged on various criteria depending on category, such as patient-centeredness, data-driven results, leadership involvement, application of improvement principles, skillful management of a project, improvement tools, accountability, enthusiasm and passion, next steps, and the overall clarity, creativity and appearance of the poster.
Quality of Life Projects
A ‘Hub of Care’ to Drive Positive Social Determinants of Health Rhonda Swanson, CHW, BME, Suzanne Littler, CCA, CME, Christina Dykman, Erin Keeley, Megan Lapka, Suzanne Littler, Brenda Lyke, Allison Marlow, Michelle Miner, Kathy Pfaff, Sarah Schneider, Tonya Struble, Rhonda Swanson, Sarah Wulff
Access to Primary Care Rachel Olson, MPA, Kirsten Bickett, RN, Karen Sorensen
Home Is Where the Heart Is (First Place, Quality of Life) Lori Reetz, RN, Ashley Ewing, BSN, Kim Kauman, BSN, Denise Below, BSN, Isaac Gerdes, Elizabeth Gravley, MD
If You Don’t Ask You Don’t Know: Social Determinates of Health (Sanford Board Award) Juan Perez, CHW, Virginia Cerda, CHW, Kylie Turner, RN, Christine Bullerman, Julie Gerber, Jena Versteeg, RN, Lisa Dean, RN
Success for Moms and Babies. Benefits of an RN Lactation Consultant in Ambulatory Care (Third Place, Experience) Amy Hockett, RN, Jo Lynn Rowbotham, RN, IBCLC, Amy Cook, MD
Safety Projects
Cover Your Bases Shelby Muhl, RN, Heather Wasilk, RN, Michael Greenman, EMS-P, Tracy Wente, RHIA, CPHQ, Justin Kindopp, PharmD
Pink About It Bonnie Dix, BSN, RN, Erin Keeley, BSN, RN, Kasara Sutton, MSN, RN
Scanning to Success Elishia Schmidt, DON, Haley Bouvette
Sanford Experience Projects
2023 Focus on Patient Experience Cole Kantos, Sammie Benson, RN, BSN, Jessi Bradley, RN
Continuing Care in Rural Nebraska Kirsten Bickett, RN, Rachel Olson, MPA, Molly Onell, RN, Connie Block, CMA, Chantel Bostwick, Amy McGill, PA-C, Carlee Uhl, CNP
For Score and 7% ago: Using Readmission Risk Scoring to Prevent Hospital Readmissions
Katie Folkerts BSN, RN, CPHQ, Laurie Gebauer, MSN, RN, Lisa Kroemmendyk
Hello...It’s Me... I’ve Been Wondering if After All This Time You’d Like to Room Me
Alex LeTendre, RN, Stephanie Jensen, RN
Cost Projects
Sticking to the Date Susan Kooi, RN, BSN, MSN
Communication Projects
Improving Provider Time Documentation Janice McGuire, DON, Roy Mortinsen, MD
The Winding Road of Care Management Alesha Andrade, AA, RN, Jeanne Demuth-Suby, MBA, BSN, RN, PHN, ACPF, Kaitlin Bullerman, BAN, RN, Jenna Gehl, MPH, DO, Melinda Miller, MSN, RN, Jennifer Weg, MS, RN
Clinical Care Projects
“Prep for Success” Get Screened! Lori Schmit, RN, Betty Hargan, MSN, BSN, Lori Schmit, RN, Laura Potthoff, RN, Betty Hargan, MSN, RN, Dawn Schnell, Sanford Jackson and Lakefield Clinic Staff
Are You at Risk? Improving Pneumococcal Vaccination Rates in High-Risk Patients
Tammy Baer, RN, Kelly Hawks, RN, Elishia Schmidt, DON, Haley Bouvette, Kelli Stee, LPN
Bet the Pharm to Improve TTR Jason Stubbe, PharmD, Marla Jenniges, RN, BAN, Jason Stubbe, Marla Jenniges
Bundle Up To Save Lives Jesica Steeg, RN
Championing & Revamping Pneumovax Renae Gerlach, PA-C, Mindi Smith, BSN, BA, RN, Mitchell Team
Diabetes: Don’t sugar coat it! Amanda Mattson, RN, Delaney Boerboom, Windom & Mountain Lake Patient Access, Nurses, and Providers
Harvesting Hope: Cultivating Mental Health in Rural Minnesota Amber Humphrey, RN, MSN, Brooklyne Boerboom, RN, BSN
Let’s be Breast Friends Cheyenne Glaus, RN CBC, Michelle Schelske, RN, Sarah Talbott, RN, Brittney Sawhill, RN, Lauren Knippling, RN
Let’s Talk About [Safe] Sex Ann Suedkamp, LPN, Brittany Smeins, MSN, RN, Claire Johnson, RN
No Butts About It. Let’s Get Our Patients Screened Karen Raml, RN, Liz Mattson, RN, Erica Bevers, RN
Prevention is the Intention Jessica Bauman, RN, Cheryl Ferguson, RHIA, Michelle Danielson, CNP, Kelly Drietz, LPN, Luke Fuhrman, MD, Maggie Giese, CMA, Lindsey Hanson, MD, Kase Jacobs, CNP, Lori Jelen LPN, Tawny Olson, LPN, Mandy Ragels, CMA, Jenna Schlimme, CNP, Stacey Texley, CMA
Right Here, Right Now! Dasha Mumm, RN, Marcy Wittrock
Stop and Pause: Do We Need to Activate Trauma Team? Ronda Newgard, RN, Betty Hargan, MSN, RN, Nursing Staff and Providers, Radiology and Laboratory Staff
What’s Your Number? (Third Place, Clinical Care) Dasha Mumm, RN, Jeri Schons, RN, Katie Alms, RN
Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Two network projects were reviewed at the Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Council in 2023 to develop best practices and innovation for patient-centered clinical and operational improvement.
PROJECT
TITLE
Self-management of insulin pumps versus insulin injections in adults with type 1 diabetes
Implementation of prediabetes risk assessment and motivational interviewing in adults ages 35 and older
UNIT/CLINIC TYPE
Network Clinics EBP
Sanford Jackson EBP
RECOGNITION & AWARDS
Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Recognition Event
The 2023 Sioux Falls Region Advanced Practice Provider Recognition Event took place on Sept. 27, 2023, at the Sanford Barn during National APP Week, Sept. 25-29, 2023. Over 200 people gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of our APPs. Awards were presented to eight recipients. Advanced practice providers include physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists, audiologists and genetic counselors.
Award recipients:
Good Catch Awards
Good Catch Awards are presented to individuals who prevented an error or stopped an error from reaching the patient. Good Catch Award recipients receive a surprise presentation and gift, and their story is shared widely through the nursing councils and safety SharePoint site.
Recipients:
Ashleigh Hilt, RN, Rock Rapids Clinic
Michelle Schaeffer, LPN, Aberdeen OB/GYN Clinic
Paige Clark, RN, Worthington OB/GYN Clinic
KORTNEY KRICK, APRN-CNP WESTBROOK CLINIC
KARISSA GETTING, APRN-CNP SANBORN & SHELDON CLINICS
SUSAN PFEIFFER-HANSON, PA-C ABERDEEN ACUTE CARE CLINIC
Exemplary Professional Practice Award
Exemplary Professional Practice Award
Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Award
Nurse Recipients of the Employee of the Year Awards
Each year, Sanford Health recognizes Employee of the Year recipients. In 2023, 595 nominations were received. Of the 24 awarded in the Sioux Falls region, nine were awarded to nurses. The awards recognize Sanford Health employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance and show a relentless pursuit of perfection through the Sanford Health values.
Sanford Clinic Clinical Employee of the Year
Jennifer Neilson, RN
The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who exemplify excellence in patient care. Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes founded the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Foundation in memory of their son, J. Patrick Barnes, who died of complications from an autoimmune disease at age 33. In tribute to and appreciation of the nurses who cared for their son, they established the DAISY Foundation to honor nurses who positively impact the lives of their patients and families.
Sanford Health is one of more than 4,000 health care organizations around the world to partner with the DAISY Foundation. Recipients of the DAISY Award receive a certificate, a DAISY pin and a unique, hand-carved Serpentine stone statue called “The Healer’s Touch,” created by artisans in Zimbabwe.
Winners
Jennifer Coester, RN Sanford Webster
Tom Goodlaxson, RN Worthington Clinic
Michelle Miner, RN Aberdeen Clinic
Dana Kruse, RN Orange City Area Health
The Canton Inpatient Nursing Team and Inwood Medical Center received the 2023 DAISY Team Award.
Immunization Champion Award
Tammy Baer, RN, a dedicated nurse at Sanford Clear Lake Medical Center, received the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) 2023 Immunization Champion Award for the state of South Dakota. She is known as the “vaccine nurse” in the community. Tammy goes above and beyond in her immunization work, keeping close tabs not only on who is overdue but who will be due soon. She proactively works with families to ensure children receive their vaccinations on time, sometimes coming in on her days off to vaccinate so as not to delay their immunization schedule. Tammy also coordinates school-based vaccine clinics and never passes up an opportunity to educate vaccine-hesitant patients.
Guardian Angels
The Guardian Angel program gives patients and families the opportunity to celebrate exceptional care by making a gift in honor of a caregiver. Guardian Angels attend a special recognition ceremony, and the gifts enhance services for future patients at Sanford Health.
Nurse recipients:
Chelsea Gomer, CNP, Aberdeen OB/GYN
Tiffanie Kolander, RN, Worthington Women & Children Center
Molly Glover, RN, Aberdeen Labor & Delivery & HROB
Lauren Morgan, CNP, Aberdeen OB/GYN
Lindsey Hahler, RN, Aberdeen Labor & Delivery & HROB
South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) Quality Champion Award
In 2023, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) added a new distinguished service award, the Quality Champion Award. This individual demonstrates a commitment to providing the highest level of quality within the organization. This individual communicates effectively, fosters an environment of continual process improvement, promotes transparency in all levels of health care organization, and achieves improved sustainable outcomes through the implementation of a strong culture of safety. This year’s first Quality Champion Award was presented to Sarah Wulff, an infection preventionist and improvement advisor with Sanford Health.
Sarah has served as the improvement advisor for Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center and the clinic for the past four years and recently has taken a position in quality for the Sanford Health South Network.
Sanford World Clinic Global Nurse Mentor Program
The Sanford World Clinic Global Nurse Mentor Program is an opportunity to impact care across the globe by participating in a shared learning experience with one of Sanford’s international partners. Nurses will work side-by-side with a Sanford World Clinic clinical team to develop and implement a clinical project based on need in Costa Rica, Ghana or New Zealand.
Carrie Henning, RN, was selected as a 2023 mentor in the Sanford World Clinic Global Nurse Mentor Program. Carrie is a special procedures nurse in Worthington, Minnesota – she will work with Sanford World Clinic partners in Ghana to share best practices and educate midwives, physicians and nurses to improve maternity care.
Nurses Week
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Events are hosted across the U.S. to honor nurses for the work they do. Sanford Health nurses are recognized with a week of festivities including a recognition event at the Washington Pavilion. Nearly 600 nominations were submitted, and 56 individuals received awards at the 2023 Nursing Recognition Event on May 2, 2023.
The Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Nurse Award
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the discipline of nursing demonstrated by a distinguished lifetime of service to the nursing profession. Fostering high nursing standards through practice, education, leadership and research, each recipient has contributed to a healthy work environment, improved health care services and stimulated the professional development and general welfare of registered nurses.
Nurses gather at the Nurses Week Recognition Event.
MARY DREVECKY, RN WATERTOWN FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC
DIANA WILLIAMS, RN WESTBROOK MEDICAL CENTER
The Exemplary Professional Practice Nurse Award
This award is presented in recognition of outstanding nursing professional practice in providing the highest quality care to those served by Sanford Health, and in illustrating the alignment and integration of the mission, vision, values and philosophy adopted by the nursing profession with Sanford Health.
JOLYNN ROWBOTHAM, RN BROOKINGS CLINIC
KAITLIN DAGEL, RN SHELDON MEDICAL CENTER
The Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award
This award recognizes nurses for outstanding involvement in the provision of the art and science of nursing, as evidenced through strength of character, commitment and competence. The peers of these individuals can attest to their contributions to the community, nursing profession and Sanford Health.
Nurse recipients:
NATALIE KARSCHNIK, RN MOUNTAIN LAKE CLINIC
CHEYENNE GLAUS, RN CHAMBERLAIN CLINIC
SARAH STOEBNER, RN ABERDEEN ONCOLOGY CLINIC
BRENDA ANDERSON, RN JACKSON MEDICAL CENTER
LEAH BERKNER, RN JACKSON MEDICAL CENTER
KRISTIN SEANOR, RN TRACY MEDICAL CENTER
ALLIE SKATTUM, RN LUVERNE MEDICAL CENTER
LOIS HEALD, RN CANBY MEDICAL CENTER
Friend of Nursing Award
This recognizes an individual or group who, though not a nurse, has demonstrated significant contributions to the nursing profession, the work environment of the health care team and Sanford Health.
Recipients:
JUNE HAWLEY CHAMBERLAIN PATIENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
ROBBIE AAMOT, RPH, STACY ANDERSON,PHARMD, BILLIE BARTEL, PHARMD, NATHAN BOSSERT, PHARMD, DREW DIEDRICH, PHARMD,QUINTEN GLASS, PHARMD, KIRSTEN NASH, PHARMD, K.C. NELSON, PHARMD, JOSHUA THUROW, PHARMD ABERDEEN REMOTE PHARMACY SERVICE PHARMACISTS
The New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvement Award
This award recognizes excellence in nursing that ensures the safest and best practices for patients. The recipient also improves the nursing practice environment by sharing new knowledge through the integration of evidence-based practice, research and innovations into clinical and operational processes.
Nurse recipient: Krista Kempema, RN, Luverne Medical Center
The Spirit of Nursing Leadership Award
This recognizes a professional nurse who has demonstrated leadership and has made significant contributions to the nursing profession, the professional advancement of nurses and the general welfare of nurses.
Nurse recipient: Sheila Westfield, RN, Luverne Medical Center
Star Performance Award
This award recognizes an individual who, though not a nurse, has helped the profession of nursing advance safe, patient-centered care by demonstrating significant partnership to the nursing profession and improvement to the health care environment for staff nurses and patients.
Recipient:
Teresa Leimkuhl, Webster Medical Center
Structural Empowerment Award
This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional engagement, development and community involvement as evidenced by participation in shared governance, decision-making structures and processes that establish standards of practice. Furthermore, these recipients serve on committees, task forces and professional organizations that address excellence in patient care and the safe, efficient and effective operation of Sanford Health.
Transformational Leadership Award
The recipient of this award is recognized for transformative leadership in nursing through the development of a clear vision, well-articulated philosophy and professional practice. Their leadership is demonstrated through the communication of expectations, the development of other leaders, the fulfillment of current and anticipated needs, and their advocacy for staff and patients.
Nurse recipient: Jessica Justi, RN, Sheldon Medical Center
BRITTANY HAUGEN, RN BROOKINGS CLINIC
ADRIA ALCORN, RN TRACY MEDICAL CENTER
ORGANIZATIONAL HONORS
Chartis Performance Leadership Awards
Eleven Chartis Performance Leadership Awards were earned in the Sanford Health South Network for excellence in quality, outcomes and/or patient perspective:
• Sanford Aberdeen
• Sanford Canby
• Sanford Chamberlain
• Sanford Clear Lake
• Sanford Jackson
• Sanford Luverne
• Sanford Sheldon
• Sanford Tracy
• Sanford Westbrook
• Sanford Vermillion
• Sanford Worthington
Stroke Care Recognition
Sanford Sheldon Medical Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association of Iowa for their dedication to improving care for stroke patients through the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke Post-Acute Care Initiative.
Sanford Sheldon is one of 24 facilities across the state of Iowa that has been recognized for their commitment to this initiative.
Contributors
Special thanks to the individuals and teams who contributed to this report:
Amy Thiesse, PhD, RN
Allison Tilley
Natalie Van Houten
Visit sanfordhealth.org/nursing-excellence to view this report digitally.