SANFORD HEALTH SIOUX FALLS NURSING REPORT
SANFORD USD MEDICAL CENTER AND CLINICS
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Letter from the Chief Nursing Officer of Sioux Falls
Greetings fellow nurses and friends of nursing,
As I reflect on the journey of 2024, I am filled with immense pride in the extraordinary contributions that each of you has made to our shared pursuit of excellence. The 2024 Sanford Health Sioux Falls Nursing Report for Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics showcases the hard work, dedication and passion of our professional nursing practice –values that keep us focused on delivering safe, highly reliable, person-centered holistic care.
I am consistently inspired by how our nurses push the boundaries of evidence-based practice, exploring initiatives that impact patient outcomes in meaningful ways. This year, through our nursing team’s relentless commitment to improvement, we have continued to make strides in projects aimed at eliminating health care-acquired conditions, improving patient experience, and enhancing clinical practices in our ambulatory, inpatient and community spaces.
Through thoughtful collaboration and our shared governance process, our Nursing Senate has spent deliberate time focusing on our employee engagement results to establish the workforce objectives in our nursing strategic plan. This includes relying on our bidirectional flow of information with our unit-based councils to ensure we meet the evolving needs of our professional nursing practice.
As we navigate the complexities of growth and increased demand for health care services in our community, our nurses remain a trusted and valuable part of our health care delivery team. I am grateful for the mentorship and dedication shown by our experienced nurses, the fresh perspectives brought by new graduates, and the enthusiasm and energy of our summer interns. Our nursing workforce is deeply committed to our SAFE (Sanford Accountability for Excellence) work, and this is what fuels our focus to deliver safe, reliable care.
Looking ahead to 2025, I want to thank you for choosing the profession of nursing and for allowing Sanford to be a part of your nursing story. Together, we have the incredible opportunity to build on the momentum of our collective accomplishments, to foster a culture of excellence, and to collaborate in creative and impactful ways to influence the lives of those we serve.
It is a privilege to work alongside each of you. I am incredibly honored to serve as your nursing leader, and I am confident that together we will continue to shape the future of nursing for each other, our patients and our communities.
Gratefully,
Kelly Hefti, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, COHN-S Chief Nursing Officer, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics, Sioux Falls
MISSION
To care, comfort and cure.
OUR VISION
To be the premier rural health system in the United States.
Service
Doing our best every day to uphold and care for others.
Courage
Having the strength to persevere, problem solve and take action.
Humility
Respecting others and knowing there is more to learn.
Stewardship
Safeguarding the resources that have been entrusted to us.
Family
Honoring the commitment we have to each other through it all.
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 2.4 million patients and more than 425,000 health plan members across the upper Midwest including South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Iowa, Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The integrated nonprofit health system includes 56 hospitals, more than 270 clinic locations, 144 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers, nearly 1,000 active clinical trials and studies, and nine world clinic locations around the globe.
About Sanford Health
The integrated nonprofit health system includes:
• 56 medical centers
• 270 clinic locations
• 144 senior care locations
• 132 skilled nursing and rehab facilities
• 195,593 Sanford Health Plan members
• 42,775 employees
• 2,931 physicians and advanced practice providers and 8,291 registered nurses delivering care in more than 80 specialty areas
• Centers of Excellence: – Cancer – Children’s – Heart
– Orthopedics and Sports Medicine – Women’s Health
Each year, Sanford Health provides:
• 5.8 million outpatient and clinic visits
• 80,880 admissions
• 143,217 surgeries and procedures
• 9,541 births
• 224,223 emergency department visits
Quick facts about Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics in 2024:
• 2,928 nursing staff members
• 545 licensed beds
• 90 clinic locations
• 507,079 outpatient visits
• 26,488 inpatient admissions
• 126,689 patient days
• 46,235 emergency department visits
• 25,768 surgical procedures
– 6,314 inpatient surgeries
– 19,454 outpatient surgeries
• 17,029 gastrointestinal procedures
• 8,561 cath lab encounters
• 3,377 deliveries
• Average daily census of 346.14 patients
• Average length of stay (LOS) of 4.78 days
• Case mix index (CMI) of 1.68
Culture
At Sanford Health, we believe quality health care should be available close to home for everyone, everywhere.
From our roots in the Midwest, we are proud to set the standard for delivering world-class care. By building on the talents, experiences and beliefs of our employees, we aim to improve the lives of patients and residents throughout the communities we serve. Through our shared commitment, we can become the nation’s most-connected, widestreaching health care system, shrinking the distance between every patient and their best, healthiest life.
OUR NURSING VISION
We are committed to advancing the professional practice of nursing through safe, reliable, person-centered care in a healthy work environment, inspiring innovation and leading discovery.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Our Magnet ® Journey
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet ® Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence, making it the gold standard for nursing practice. This credential is the highest international honor for professional nursing practice.
To achieve initial Magnet® recognition, organizations must pass a demanding and lengthy process that calls for widespread participation from leadership and staff. This process includes an electronic application, documentation to meet the required standards, an on-site visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet® Recognition.
Health care organizations must reapply for Magnet® recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet® concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. An organization reapplying for Magnet® recognition must provide documented evidence to demonstrate how staff members sustained and improved Magnet® standards, performance and quality over the four-year period since the organization received its most recent recognition.
In 2024, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics submitted the interim monitoring report which was accepted and approved, thus setting the pace for redesignation in 2026.
Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics is one of 613 hospitals with Magnet® designation. Only 14.5% of hospitals with Magnet® designations have achieved Magnet® status at least five times.
Research demonstrates that Magnet ® recognition provides specific benefits, such as:
• Higher patient satisfaction
• Better patient outcomes
• Improved safety and quality
• Highly educated and skilled nurses
• Higher job satisfaction among nurses
By becoming Magnet® recognized, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics empowers nurses to reach their true potential. When a health care organization earns Magnet® status, it garners more than external prestige – it demonstrates to the world that it’s an organization that recognizes the invaluable potential of nurses to lead change in health care.
Shared Governance (Nursing Senate)
Professional nursing practice is enhanced through a shared governance model. Shared governance (Nursing Senate) is a structure and process that allows nurses to collaborate with nurse leaders in making decisions about their practice. Nursing Senate provides an overarching framework for nurses at Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics to have the autonomy to influence nursing practice decisions as well as nursing practice delivery. Through transformational and adaptive leadership efforts, Sanford strives to cultivate, enhance and nurture a positive workplace, support shared decision-making, promote effective communication, and foster practice innovation.
Nursing Senate serves as one voice for the nursing practice with the Nursing Cabinet as its leadership. The purpose of the Nursing Senate and governance structure is to provide each professional RN the opportunity to partner in planning processes, initiatives and the development of policies and procedures through their representatives. Nursing Senate distributes the work of professional nursing to specialized councils and committees. Unit-based councils address issues specific to the unit and refer issues affecting multiple units to the respective organizational councils
“I think Senate is invaluable! It literally gives nurses a voice in the decisionmaking process. It allows us to express our concerns about changes and work through ways to solve problems. My role as speaker is to simply be a facilitator of the conversation. I help the conversation keep moving which allows us to cover all the topics being brought forth in a timely manner.”
Karla Krogmann, BSN, RN, CCRN (2024 Speaker)
Sioux Falls Region Equity and Experience Council
Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics recently reestablished the Sioux Falls Region Equity and Experience Council. Over 100 employees applied for a seat at the table. Of those applicants, 30 were chosen to serve on the council. Members come from diverse backgrounds and represent various job roles such as physicians, nurses, improvement advisors, sterile-processing technicians, educators, integrated health therapists and more. The mission of the council is to help lead strategies that drive inclusion and access for employees, patients, residents and the communities Sanford serves. The Equity and Experience Council initiatives aim to strengthen employee engagement, attract and retain talent, enhance patient experience, improve access to care, and reduce health disparities for underserved populations.
Becky Nelson Fellow
Stacy Jewett, BSN, RN, NE-BC
Over her 25 years with Sanford Health, Stacy has served in several leadership positions. She currently oversees four family medicine clinics in the Sioux Falls area, including one on the campus of Augustana University, and she leads a team of ambulatory RN care managers for the region. Stacy’s leadership was instrumental in many efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in establishing drive-thru testing sites, running vaccine clinics and building strong relationships among her teams and with other system leaders. The 2024 Becky Nelson Fellow was Stacy Jewett.
In 2014, The Becky Nelson Fellowship was created to celebrate Becky’s contributions to Sanford Health over her many years of dedicated service. Throughout her tenure, Becky held various positions. She began her career as a staff nurse and progressed through nursing leadership to finally serve as the senior vice president and COO for Sanford Health in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Fargo, North Dakota, and Bemidji, Minnesota, regions. Nelson oversaw the development of services and facilities that provide state-of-the-art programs and services in an environment that promotes health, healing and exceptional service. Her passion for lifelong learning and sharing knowledge with others is honored through the Becky Nelson Fellowship, which will consist of a year-long experience of mentorship, leadership training and integration.
“Stacy is an exceptionally talented leader who makes the most of every opportunity for the betterment of our patients and our Sanford team,” said Jon Pociask, Stacy’s supervisor and executive director of primary care and behavioral health in Sioux Falls. “Her positive attitude and willingness to lead change and innovation is truly impressive and has been demonstrated throughout her career. Stacy is a worthy recipient of this honor and I’m confident that she will use the Becky Nelson Fellowship as an opportunity to once again step up and positively create change.”
STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT
Nursing Education
Sanford Health is dedicated to encouraging nursing professional development through educational advancement. Sanford leadership promotes opportunities for professional growth and allows flexible scheduling to accommodate a balance of work, school and life. Education is also supported through nursing scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs.
Sanford’s Nursing Education Goal: To maintain the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing at 80%.
Board Certification
National certification enhances professional credibility and personal confidence in clinical abilities. It increases nurses’ feelings of personal accomplishment, as certified nurses are often recognized as expert and skillful leaders for their validated specialized knowledge. Certification is not just letters after a name – it identifies nursing’s highest value of professionalism.
Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics supports nursing specialty certification by hosting certification review courses, providing access to certification exam study materials, and offering exam fee reimbursement through the Sanford Initial and Renewal Certification Reimbursement program.
In 2024, Magnet ® made changes to the accepted eligible nursing certifications. Approved nursing certifications now must be accredited by one of three certifying bodies. As such, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics experienced a drop in the number of certified nurses when previously approved certifications were removed from the list of approved certifications. The change in Magnet ®-approved certifications challenges Sanford Health nurses to pursue new certification opportunities and provides the nurses with the opportunity to set new certification goals.
Nurses in the Community: Comprehensive Care and Community Services
The Comprehensive Care and Community Services (CCCS) team at Sanford USD Medical Center is a nurse-led interdisciplinary team consisting of certified nurse practitioners (CNPs), nurse case managers, a social worker/integrated health therapist, and a community health worker. The team works collaboratively with primary care providers and communitybased organizations across all segments of society with a special emphasis on marginalized, high-risk patients – primarily the economically disadvantaged, those who are experiencing homelessness, Native Americans, and people with immigrant/refugee status. CCCS uses an innovative approach to care delivery by going where patients reside for provider visits, mental health counseling and care management. Most encounters occur in the patient’s place of residence, whether that is a house, apartment, homeless shelter or on the streets of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In 2024, the Comprehensive Care and Community Services team served 208 patients, logging 1,399 encounters and 6,118 interventions. The team coordinates care for hospitalized patients who have a high risk of readmission, patients who are discharging from nursing facilities, those who don’t have access to primary care, or those who have needs beyond what primary care can provide. The team’s goal is to remove barriers to social determinants of health such as housing and food insecurity, transportation barriers, lack of health insurance and financial concerns. By helping individuals engage in their health goals, patients experience a reduction in hospital readmissions and missed primary care appointments. These initiatives also increase access to necessary health interventions, chronic disease management and preventive care services.
24th Annual Health Ministry Conference –Soul Shop™: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide
On Nov. 1, 2024, the Sanford Faith Community Nursing Center and Spiritual Care Department hosted the 24th Annual Health Ministry Conference entitled “Soul Shop: Ministering to Faith Communities Affected by Suicide.” Each year these departments team up to provide relevant education for nursing and interprofessional staff, including local faith community members, to address a particular health and wellness issue pertinent to the Sioux Falls area.
This year, Soul Shop was chosen due to South Dakota being eighth in the nation for deaths by suicide. This program, that targets faith communities, uses a train-the-trainer model which the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP) recommends. AFSP sponsored the national speaker, Michelle Snyder, who helped participants meet the faces of desperation, practicing the CALL of God to be there for others. “CALL” stands for “Commit, Ask, Listen, Lead.” In addition, participants learned how to support people in suicidal desperation by creating a “soul safe community” within their workplace, faith community or agency.
Over 80 participants from more than 16 different churches and agencies attended the conference. Each group of participants received a booklet and access to a presentation deck and talking points so they can offer Soul Shop for congregations or for youth in their own congregations and communities. There was an overwhelming response from participants about the usefulness of this material.
Sanford Wound Healing Centers and Inpatient Skin Team: A Comprehensive Approach to Healing
At the Sanford Wound Healing Center, patients receive specialized, compassionate care designed to address a wide variety of wound types and complexities. With a robust, multidisciplinary approach, the center is equipped to tackle even the most challenging cases, ensuring that patients experience optimal healing.
The team consists of one nurse practitioner, 25 nurses (including 10 that are certified wound ostomy nurses and 15 who specialize in wound care) and three patient care techs. Team members work both in the outpatient wound clinics and on the inpatient skin team. They coordinate and collaborate closely across specialties to provide tailored care. From chronic wounds to surgical recovery, the team takes the time to create individualized care plans, ensuring each patient receives the attention they deserve.
One of the standout features of the center is the wide range of expertise available under one roof. Multiple specialists hold patient clinics in the wound center – podiatry, plastic surgery, general surgery, infectious disease and vascular surgery. Each specialist brings a unique perspective to the table, allowing for a truly comprehensive approach to wound healing.
For more specialized care, there are two distinct wound healing centers – the Vascular Wound Healing Center and the Sanford Wound Healing Center. The Vascular Wound Healing Center is specifically focused on addressing wounds related to poor circulation. The Sanford Wound Healing Center provides a broader range of services.
Schwartz Rounds
Schwartz Rounds are grand rounds that focus on a case or a theme related to the emotional impact of patient care that team members experience. The purpose of the event is to create a safe place for caregivers to express the feelings and emotions that occur when caring for patients with complex social, cultural or medical problems.
Topics covered include:
January: “Navigating the Abyss: A Schwartz Round Session on High-Risk Obstetric Cases”
March: “Let Me Care: Navigating the Complexities of Family Dynamics in Health Care”
May: “MVPs of Sanford”
July: “Losing One of Our Own”
September: “No Parent Apparent”
November: “Trauma and Public Attention: The Impact of a High-Profile Case”
Lifelong Learning
Sanford nurses continue to learn and develop professionally through conferences, classes and training. Some educational offerings in 2024 included:
• Behavioral Health Education Series
• Child Maltreatment Grand Rounds
• BeHEARD (Behavioral Health Education Awareness and Response Development) Courses
• Foundations and Applications of Formal Precepting Nurse Leader Training
Annual APP Recognition and Appreciation Event
The 2024 Sioux Falls Region Advanced Practice Provider Recognition Event took place on Sept. 25, 2024, at the Sanford Barn during National APP Week. Awards were presented to eight recipients. Advanced practice providers include physician assistants, certified nursemidwives, certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
Recipients:
Exemplary Professional Practice Award
Ashley Frost, MSN, FNP-C – Sanford Center for Digestive Health, Sioux Falls, SD
Carol McGinnis, DNP, CNS – Center for Care Management, Sioux Falls, SD
New Knowledge Innovations Improvements Award
Robin Horstman, MSN, WHMP-BC, BC-ADM –Sanford Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD
Structural Empowerment Leadership Award
Lynn Ward, MSN, NNP-BC, C-NPT –NICU, Sioux Falls, SD
Friend of APPs Award
Deb Pritchett, PharmD –Pharmacy, Sioux Falls, SD
Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Award
Lynn Paul, MSN, NNP-BC –NICU, Sioux Falls, SD
Nurse Recipients of the Employee of the Year Awards
Each year, Sanford Health recognizes Employee of the Year recipients. In 2024, 471 nominations were received. Of the 24 awarded in the Sioux Falls region, seven 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.
Birkeland Clinical Innovation Employee of the Year
Janelle Olson, LPN
Conradi Family Intensive Care Nursery Employee of the Year
Ashley Jarman, RN
Donna Gaspar Rising Star Nurse of the Year
Nataliya Strizhius, RN
Carlson Family Outstanding Pediatric Oncology Employee of the Year
Amanda Gerber, RN
Patricia K Van Wyhe Nurse of the Year
Bethany Wassom, RN
Excellence in Women s Health Employee of the Year
Denise Elhoff, RN
Al Lindgren Memorial Nurse Anesthetist of the Year
Allan Pudwill, CRNA
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
The DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses who exemplify excellence in patient care, has become a celebrated tradition at Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics. 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 6,500 health care organizations around the world to partner with the DAISY Foundation. Recipients of the DAISY Award receive a certificate, a DAISY pin, cinnamon rolls to recognize the team, and a unique, hand-carved serpentine stone statue called “The Healer’s Touch”, created by artisans in Zimbabwe. Recipients are also featured on the DAISY Foundation website, Sanford’s social media profiles and internally on the Inside Sanford network and Sanford Nursing SharePoint Site.
DAISY Award
Recipients:
Sanford Clinic Quarterly Winners:
Cindy Horst, RN
Sanford Cancer Center
Sherra van Donkersgoed, RN
Sanford Cancer Center
Julie Deibert, RN Cardiology
Sheryl Bradford, LPN
Sanford Psychiatry & Psychology Clinic
Sanford USD Medical Center Monthly Winners:
Julie Christensen, RN NICU
Rachel Buysse, RN The Birth Place
Brandi Guenther, RN Critical Care Unit
Kiley Achen, RN Cardiology
Angelo Barbaruolo, RN Central Resources Pool
Abby Gaspari, RN Critical Care Unit
Rachel Anderson, RN The Birth Place
Kayla Laycock, RN Emergency Department
Sydney Tirrel, RN Pediatrics
Masue David-Tonny, RN Medical Oncology
Grant Martinson, RN Cardiology
Jon Sahagun, RN Emergency Department
Hero Awards
Sanford Heroes are chosen each month for demonstrating excellence in one of the Sanford values of calling, courage, family, community, service, resolve and advancement. Sanford employees as well as patients and visitors can nominate employees for a Sanford Hero award.
Nurse Recipients of Sanford Hero Awards
CALLING COURAGE FAMILY COURAGE CALLING FAMILY
• Tate Scotting, RN, Critical Care
• Michelle Waring, RN, NICU
• Maura Lysne, RN, Pulmonary
• Sara Beck, RN, Pediatrics
• Brianna Johnson, RN, Orthopedics/NACU
• Colleen Noshbush, RN, & Taylor Zwart, RN, Orthopedics/NACU
• Ambria Knobloch, LPN, Women’s MB3
• Kendall Nelson, Nurse Practitioner, Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Julie DeVos, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Rosemary Gregersen, RN, Clinical Call Center
• Kris Wickett, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Rachel Chamness, RN, Central Resource Pool
• Abby Gogolin, LPN, Women’s Ellis Clinic
• Robin Horstman, Nurse Practitioner, Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Megan Lundstrom, RN, Newborn Nursery
• Jessica Willuweit, RN, Wound Healing
• Roxy Sorensen, RN, Care Management
• Amanda Sehnert, RN & Keeley Fischbach, RN, NICU
• Amanda Gerber, RN, Sanford Children’s Specialty
• Megan Ellison, RN, & Stacey DeVries, RN, Gyn Onc Clinic
COMMUNITY
• Amanda Gibson, RN, Surgical Renal Unit
• Judy Koulavong, LPN, Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Amanda Fellbaum, Nurse Practitioner, Weight Management Clinic
SERVICE RESOLVE
• Adam Stall, RN, Critical Care 2800
• Brooklyn Reitsma, RN, Pediatrics
• Courtney Cohrs, RN, Pediatrics
• Brandi Dozark, RN, Ava’s House
COMMUNITY SERVICE RESOLVE ADVANCEMENT
• Lynnzee Biggs, RN, & Mariah Kostal, RN, Surgical Trauma Unit
• Courtney Ehlers, RN, Sanford Children’s Specialty
• Lindsey Roberts, RN, Cancer Center Oncology
• Grant Linneman, RN, Cardiac Specialty Unit
• Hope Rappuhn, RN & Megan McEneaney, RN, NICU
• Hannah Sperle, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Nicole Little, RN, NICU
• Emily Bruscher, RN, PACU
• Leah Queck, RN, Case Management
• Mike Viereck, RN, Case Management
• Jordan Goens, RN, Transplant Services
• Amy Taylor, RN, Oncology Infusion
• Katelyn (Kate) Timmerman, RN, Sanford Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Charish Weeldreyer, RN, Kidney Organ Acquisition
• Semana Khadka, RN, Surgical Renal Unit
• Chelsea Ryan, RN, Home Dialysis
• Paige Weeden, RN, Oncology Clinic
• Katie Lengkeek, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Grace Roberts, RN, PICU
GEM Awards
GEM stands for Going the Extra Mile, and the award is given as a result of a unique and unanticipated, spontaneous or heroic event that reflects Sanford Health’s values. It often involves the community and falls outside of job expectations and hours.
GEM Award Recipients:
• Kelly Haines, CRNA
• Jodi Dittbenner, RN
• Julie Babb, RN
• Tonya Pitts, RN
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 the safety SharePoint site.
Good Catch Award Recipients:
• Nicole Christensen, RN, PICU
• Micheala Wosje, CRNA, Short Stay/Surgery
• Julie Dally, RN, Sanford 26th & Sycamore Family Medicine
• Katie Beitelspacher, LPN, Sanford Harrisburg Clinic
• Stacie Van Den Berg, RN, Pulmonology
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 United States 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. Over 650 nominations were submitted, showcasing excellence in care throughout the Sioux Falls region. Fifty-four individuals received awards at the 2024 Nursing Recognition Event on May 7, 2024.
The Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Nurse Award
For recognition of outstanding leadership in and contributions to the discipline of nursing demonstrated by a distinguished lifetime service to the nursing profession. Achievements include fostering high nursing standards through practice, education, leadership and research, contributing to a healthy work environment, improving health care services, and stimulating the professional development and general welfare of registered nurses.
Distinguished
Wisdom Keeper Nurse Award
Lisa Ehrman, RN
Oncology Nurse Navigation
Recipients:
Debbie Hettinger, RN
Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) Center
The Exemplary Professional Practice Nurse Award
For 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 and Sanford Health.
Exemplary
Professional Practice Nurse Award
Dixie Falk, RN
Recipients:
Dialysis – Sanford Chamberlain Clinic
Laurie Madsen, RN
Central Resource Pool
The Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award
For recognition of nurses for outstanding involvement in the provision of the art and the science of nursing, as evidenced through strength of character, commitment and competence that has been recognized by peers as an outstanding asset to the community, nursing profession and Sanford Health organization.
Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award Recipients:
• Britney Berndt, RN, Women’s Health
• Lesley Bohnet, RN, Pediatrics Acute
• Julie Byrum, LPN, Family Medicine
• Madelyn Carstens, RN, Medical & Oncology
• Logan Dahl, LPN, Sanford Harrisburg Clinic
• Jodi Dittbenner, RN, Family Suites
• Jennifer Edwards, RN, Family Suites
• Molly Green, RN, Labor & Delivery/HROB
• Cindy Gully, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Kilee Ihnen, RN, Post-Anesthesia Services
• Cindy Jass, LPN, Family Medicine
• Andrew Laycock, RN, Pediatrics Acute
• Starla Meyer, RN, Women’s Female Pelvic Medicine
• Connie Mulder, RN, Patient Appointment Center
• Rachel Nelson, RN, Critical Care
• Melissa Riechers, RN, Sanford Vascular Associates
• Ashley Schriever, RN, Clinical Call Center
• Madeline Souter, RN, Medical & Oncology
• Candace Tiede, RN, Pediatrics Intensive Care
• Lora VanLaecken, RN, Orthopedics and Neurology
• Haylee Waterfall, RN, Orthopedics and Neurology
• Darcy Weber, RN, Family Suites
• Kayleen Wiederhoeft, RN, Pulmonary
Friend of Nursing Award
For recognition of 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.
Friend of Nursing Award
Recipients:
• Jennifer Weiss, Quality and Strategy
• Monty McMurphy, EMT and Flight Paramedic – AirMed
The New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvement Award
Recognition of excellence in nursing that ensures the safest and best practices for patients and the nursing practice environment by sharing new knowledge through the integration of evidence-based practice, research and innovations into clinical and operational processes.
The New Knowledge Innovations Improvement Award Recipients:
Emily Livingston, RN Women’s Health
McCall Lutmer, RN Children’s Service Line
The Spirit of Nursing Leadership Award
For recognition of 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.
The Spirit of Nursing Leadership Award
Ashley Heupel, RN Medical & Oncology
Recipients:
For recognition of 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.
Star
Performance Award Recipient: Star Performance Award
Melinda Jacobson Surgical and Cardiovascular
Structural Empowerment Award
For recognition of nurse professional engagement, development and community involvement, as evidenced by involvement in shared governance, decision-making structures, processes that establish standards of practice, and by serving on committees, task forces and professional organizations that address excellence in patient care and in the safe, efficient and effective operation of the Sanford Health organization..
Structural Empowerment Award
Recipients:
Madison Haaland, LPN Oncology
Caitlin Leimbach, RN Pediatrics Intensive Care
Transformational Leadership Award
For recognition of transformative leadership in nursing through the development of a clear vision, well-articulated philosophy and professional practice, as demonstrated by communicating expectations, developing leaders, meeting current and anticipated needs and strategic priorities, and advocating on behalf of staff and patients.
Transformational Leadership Award
Jeralyn Nelson, RN
Family Suites
Recipients:
ORGANIZATIONAL HONORS
Level 1 Trauma Center
The American College of Surgeons has verified Sanford USD Medical Center as a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center, the only one in South Dakota. This verification recognizes the center’s capability for and dedication to providing the highest level of trauma care possible. From prevention through rehabilitation, patients across the entire region can count on Sanford for expert, lifesaving care in any emergency.
A Level 1 trauma center is required to have a certain number of surgeons and anesthesiologists, specialty services and other services on duty 24/7.
Qualifications met to achieve this verification include:
• Provide 24-hour medical coverage by general surgeons and prompt availability to specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, hand surgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, plastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial, pediatric, interventional radiology, critical care and many other services along a full spectrum of surgical and medical specialists
• Provide orthopedic care overseen by an individual who has completed a fellowship in orthopedic traumatology
• Maintain a surgically directed ICU service
• Train surgical residents
• Serve as a referral source to regional communities
• Provide leadership in prevention through public education
• Provide continuing education for trauma team members
• Incorporate a comprehensive quality improvement program
• Help direct new innovations in trauma care through a successful trauma research program
• Serve specific volumes of severely injured patients
Such centers also are required to have a rigorous performance improvement program, keep an extensive database, and submit data to the National Trauma Data Bank.
A nurse’s role in a Level 1 Adult Trauma Center is multifaceted, involving rapid assessment, triage, emergency care, collaboration with health care teams, emotional support, patient stabilization and assistance with procedures and surgery.
Senior-Friendly Member Site
Sanford USD Medical Center has been a senior-friendly member site of Nurses Improving Care of the Health System Elder (NICHE) since 2006.
Power of Joy
Sanford Health earned the Power of Joy Corman IMPACT honorable mention in 2024 from the Schwartz Center. The Corman IMPACT honorable mentions recognize Schwartz Center health care members that have created impactful programs that promote compassionate, collaborative care within their organization or system.
100 Most Influential People in Healthcare
Bill Gassen, Sanford Health’s president and CEO, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2024.
Becker’s CNOs to Know
Kelly Hefti, Sanford Health’s chief nursing officer (CNO), was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 213+ CNOs to Know. CNOs are responsible for overseeing nursing departments, launching novel initiatives and maintaining outstanding patient care outcomes. These leaders bring a unique blend of clinical and leadership experience to their roles.
Newsweek and Statista has named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls as the only hospital in South Dakota on its Top 100 lists in the following areas:
America’s Best Cancer Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford Cancer Center in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2024.
Sanford Cancer Center is a regional leader in cancer treatment, participating in cuttingedge research with access to Phase 1 clinical trials and bringing emerging technologies and advanced treatment options to patients in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas.
America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Cardiac Hospitals 2024. Sanford is the only hospital in South Dakota to be named to the Top 100.
America’s Best Children’s Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals 2024. Sanford is the only hospital in South Dakota to be named to the Top 100.
America’s Best Neurological Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Neurological Hospitals 2024. Sanford is the only hospital in South Dakota to be named to the Top 100.
America’s Best Maternity Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls to its list of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals 2024. Sanford is the only hospital in South Dakota to be named to the Top 100.
Newsweek’s List of The World’s Best Hospitals
Newsweek and Statista named Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls to its list of The World’s Best Hospitals 2024.
American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain –MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award
Sanford USD Medical Center received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award in 2024 for its quality of care.
U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospital in South Dakota
For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Sanford USD Medical Center as the top hospital in South Dakota.
Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award
Sanford Health has received the American Heart Association’s “Get With The Guidelines” –Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the best treatment.
“Get With The Guidelines” puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. “Get With The Guidelines” – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.
Best Government & Nonprofit Employer for Veterans and Military Spouses
Military Friendly Brands ranked Sanford Health as the top government and nonprofit employer on its annual list of organizations that set the standard for providing the best opportunities for veterans and military spouses.
Money Magazine’s 2024 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care
Sanford USD Medical Center has been named as one of Money Magazine’s Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care. It is the only hospital in the Dakotas to receive this honor.
2024 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health
Mental Health America has awarded Sanford Health the 2024 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. The Bell Seal is a first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees. This is the second year in a row Sanford Health has received this recognition.
Sanford Health has led efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout through resiliency groups, training, a clinician assistance program, counseling, a physician wellness council and comprehensive mental health resources. These help employees take care of themselves physically and emotionally while caring for patients and residents.
Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care
Sanford USD Medical Center has been recognized as a Blue Distinction Center+ for maternity care by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune
Fortune has named Sanford Health one of America’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024. The list honors 300 companies who do business in the United States and “transform industries inside and out.”
Sanford Health has several innovative nursing initiatives that are empowering nurses to do their most fulfilling work, including using predictive analytics to manage clinical staffing, leveraging technology to support patients at the bedside, and automating workflows to build a more resilient workforce while improving patient care.
Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Psychiatry and Mental Health Programs
Becker’s Hospital Review has named Sanford Health to its list of “Hospitals and health systems with great psychiatry and mental health programs.” The hospitals and health systems included on this list are lauded for their dedication to improving patients’ mental and behavioral health. They have implemented programs, initiatives and service lines that will enhance quality of life for their patients.
150 Top Places to Work by Becker’s
Sanford Health has been named on Becker’s Healthcare 2024 edition of 150 top places to work in health care. The list honors health care establishments that are committed to advocating for uniqueness in the workplace, promoting work-life balance and boosting employee engagement.
Sanford Health Presented with the Theo Award at the 2024 National Comp and Risk & Insurance Convention
The Theo Award is a prestigious recognition designed to honor and celebrate the remarkable innovations and achievements in workers’ compensation and injury prevention across various industries. It recognizes successful efforts to find solutions to injury and claims challenges and puts a spotlight on the strategies and tools helping today’s work comp teams. The Theo Award is named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who enacted the first significant workers’ compensation legislation in the United States.
Sanford Health was challenged to find an easy, effective way for staff to report a workrelated injury. The prior system was difficult to access, and certain divisions were still using paper to process their requests. A centralized process was created in ServiceNow to give employees the ability to report a work-related injury or near miss online. The new reporting system was implemented in the spring of 2023 which allows employees to use any computer in the enterprise to report a work-related injury. Not only did this improve the ease of reporting an injury – it also improved the ability for the injury management team to contact the employee to assess the injury, determine measures to mitigate the hazard, and ensure that a claim is reported in a timely manner to the work comp carrier. By simplifying the reporting process, Sanford Health has encouraged employees to speak up about safety concerns and promptly report employee injuries, incidents and near misses.
Foley Free in 2023 and Patient Injury Prevention (PIP) Rounds in 2024
In 2024, the quality and safety team and inpatient units celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Foley Free in 2023 initiative that reduced in-dwelling foley use to decrease catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). From this initiative, the team demonstrated a 37% reduction in foley catheter utilization while the average external catheter use increased by 90%. Furthermore, patient injury prevention (PIP) rounds were implemented to improve patient safety and reduce harm. The PIP rounds are led by the unit coordinator as a crosscheck with nursing staff to monitor nurse-sensitive indicators and identify that injury prevention measures are in place. Since implementation in July of 2024, the team has had a 62% reduction in CAUTIs, 71% reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), an average decrease of 2.2 fall events per month, and an average decrease of 3.2 health care-associated pressure injuries per month.
Sara Francis and Linda Linge at Theo Award presentation in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the National Comp Convention.
EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Professional Practice Model
Sanford Health’s Professional Practice Model outlines the “how” and “why” of nursing practice, guides the vision of nursing within the organization, and directs decisions regarding priorities. The model illustrates the alignment and integration of nursing practice with the mission, vision and values and directs and describes the key elements of professional nursing practice. It ensures consistency in the delivery of nursing care and defines for all RNs their authority, autonomy and accountability as they care for patients and families. The Professional Practice Model includes the following domains:
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Innovation and Research
• Care Delivery System/Model
• Shared Governance Structure
• Professional Development
• Interprofessional Care
• Safe, Highly Reliable Care
Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics Has The Joint Commission Triennial Visit in April of 2024
Sanford USD Medical Center opts to have The Joint Commission conduct surveys on behalf of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Sanford USD Medical Center, like many organizations, is held to federal regulations and other nationally recognized standards of care. A few examples include:
• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
• Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), which covers sterilization and high-level disinfection
• United State Pharmacopeias (USP) standards, which include the compounding of sterile, non-sterile and hazardous drugs
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
In 2024, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics had over a 50% reduction in the number of recommendations provided by The Joint Commission compared to their visit in 2021. The significant improvements made after 2021 are a testament to the organizational improvements around culture, Sanford Accountability for Excellence (SAFE) and reliability.
Care Delivery Model
The care delivery model describes how care is given, what skills are required, the setting of care and the anticipated outcomes. It outlines the nurse’s authority and accountability for clinical decision-making and outcomes. At Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics, the care delivery model is based on differentiated practice.
The differentiated philosophy focuses on the structuring of roles and functions of nurses based on education, experience and competence. It establishes that the domain of nursing is broad, with multiple roles and responsibilities of various degrees and complexities. It accepts that nurses with different educational preparation, expertise and background bring different competencies to the workplace. It seeks to ensure that the work of nursing is carried out by the most appropriate nurse in the most appropriate and timely fashion. Each defined role is different yet complementary. Nurses choose the role based on competency, skill, desire and education.
Sanford Accountability for Excellence (SAFE)
Sanford Accountability for Excellence, or SAFE, is Sanford Health’s commitment to safety on the journey to becoming a highly reliable organization (HRO). Being an HRO means having systems in place that create reliable barriers to preventable harm, reducing or even eliminating serious safety events.
Team Hope – International Esperanza Project (IEP) – Guatemala
Sanford World Clinic is a unique and defining initiative of Sanford Health. Established in 2007, the initiative is designed to provide permanent health care services in various countries through partnerships around the world. Collectively, Sanford and its partners are establishing high-quality, sustainable operations that will positively impact children and families for generations. During the 2024 Guatemala trip, the Sanford Health team was a part of the IEP PACU surgical team.
“The experience was filled with countless tears of joy from patients, families and friends who were immensely grateful for the care Team Hope provided. It was heartwarming to see how our efforts made a tangible difference in their lives. Professionally, this experience has taught me to stress less about the small details and to adapt creatively when resources are limited. I’ve learned that even without all the ideal tools and resources, effective care is still possible by thinking outside the box and making the most of what we have.
“The trip allowed me to reconnect with the core of nursing, and, after spending several years in management roles, it rekindled my passion for direct patient care. This renewed sense of purpose will undoubtedly influence how I approach my work at Sanford Health, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of my efforts.”
Lyndsey Mager, MBA, BSN, RN
“IEP helps people, but not just medically – it tries to meet their local needs so they can continue to advance and survive where they are by improving their educational opportunities, their homes and their health. IEP is changing the world for the better.”
Cindy Carlson, BSN, RN
NURSES AS TEACHERS
Internationally Educated Nurses
Internationally educated nurses (IENs) are nursing professionals who have completed their nursing education outside the country where they currently practice. They play a crucial role in addressing global nursing shortages, particularly in countries like the United States. To practice in their host countries, IENs must navigate complex processes including visa screening, credential evaluations and licensure examinations such as the NCLEX-RN in the U.S. These steps ensure that IENs meet the necessary standards to provide safe and effective care.
Despite their valuable contributions, IENs often face significant challenges. These include communication barriers, cultural adjustments and differences in health care systems. Effective cross-cultural communication is essential for improving job satisfaction and patient outcomes. By understanding and addressing these challenges, health care systems can better integrate IENs, enhancing the overall quality of care.
As such, Sanford Health has developed integrative onboarding and fellowship programs to help bridge the transition for IENs as they begin their careers in the United States.
The onboarding curriculum has been carefully designed to prepare IENs for a successful transition into the United States health care system. The curriculum includes a preparation week prior to new employee orientation called “preboarding.” In preboarding, curriculum topics include health care in the United States, physical assessment, nurse sensitive indicators, communication, medication administration, emergency response and handson skills. The interactive curriculum features case studies, hands-on simulation and active discussions to prepare IEN’s for cross-cultural practice differences.
Following the preboarding week, nurses participate in observation shifts on designated units to facilitate transition to practice. These shifts allow IEN’s to observe key nursing responsibilities like communication, hands-on skills and use of the electronic medical record. Subsequently, IEN’s undergo new employee orientation where they are reintroduced to the organization’s culture, mission and values alongside all new employees at Sanford Health.
The final phase involves unit-specific orientation, where nurses are paired with a formally trained preceptor who supports internationally educated nurses. This support extends throughout the orientation period with a mentorship program called Fellowship.
Fellowship is in place to guide and mentor IEN professionals as they transition to practicing on their own. Once orientation has been completed, it is important to continue to support new professionals on this journey. Fellowship does so by offering discussion on topics such as Sanford Health culture, communication, patient education, culture of safety and respect, ethical awareness, leadership, professional development and so much more. Each Fellowship cohort has a “graduation” ceremony filled with wonderful, authentic food from the countries represented by the IENs. To date, Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has had three cohorts graduate and continue at Sanford USD Medical Center.
NURSING RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION
K-12 Aspire by Sanford: Career Exploration and Development Programming
The K-12 Aspire team promotes health care career exploration and development in both patient-facing and support roles. Sanford partners with local schools and post-secondary institutions to offer internships, tours, classrooms visits, hands-on demonstrations, career advising and more in both large and small group settings. Additionally, Sanford promotes careers in health care through in-person and virtual experiences.
In 2024, the program engaged over 29,000 students across the Sanford Health enterprise, delivering 4,100+ hours of career exploration and education. Activities such as classroom visits, career exploration camps, tours, internships and job shadowing provide students with real-world insights into the health care field, both for patient-facing and support roles.
Sanford partners with select high schools to offer students who have earned their nursing assistant certification an opportunity to intern as a CNA in various inpatient and clinic settings. Interns go through the hiring, onboarding and orientation process and work with us for a total of 100 hours in a semester. In addition to this paid time, Sanford also offers 10-12 hours of career exploration opportunities in high-need areas that they may not see in their units.
Classrooms to Careers is another partnership program. It helps students in the Sioux Falls School District (SFSD) actualize their post-secondary education dreams by partnering with Sanford Health and Southeast Technical College (STC). Students hoping to pursue a health care career but who might have financial (or other) barriers to post-secondary education go through an application and selection process. Sanford USD Medical Center financially supported 18 students for up to 12 dual-credit courses. Students in this program also gain valuable exposure to health care careers through field trips to local Sanford Health facilities, exploration time with health care professionals, job shadows, part-time jobs and more.
Other programming includes a medical explorers club called MedX. Members meet monthly throughout the school year at the medical center to learn about health care careers through tours, chats and hands-on activities. K-12 Aspire supports local Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapters by supplying speakers for chapter meetings and bringing multiple staff to the state leadership conference to run competitive events, share breakout sessions and showcase their careers at a special career carnival event. Sanford also host between three and five Sanford Sights and Sounds events each year for HOSA members, as well as other classroom-based and large-scale events that provide exploration opportunities to middle and elementary students.
Sanford Health Nurse Residency Program
Sanford Health’s Nurse Residency Program (NRP) is a 12-month, evidence-based program accredited with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP). Standardized across Sanford Health in 2019, the program supports newly graduated registered nurses, RNs with less than one year of hospital experience, and transitioning licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in inpatient settings as they adapt to their roles in clinical practice. Since implementation in 2019, Sanford USD Medical Center has put 1,103 nurses into the program.
As one of only 200 PTAP-accredited programs globally, Sanford Health’s NRP helps new nurses navigate the challenges of transitioning from students to competent nurses. Participants are automatically enrolled upon meeting eligibility criteria after the hiring process – no separate application process is required.
Overall, first-year retention for new-graduate RNs post-residency completion in the Sioux Falls and the south network by year are:
Curriculum and Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP)
In 2024, a new 12-month curriculum was implemented based on feedback from leaders and previous cohort nurse residents. The monthly featured topics are:
1. Transition to practice/cognitive shift
2. Patient & family education and staffing overview
3. Responding to the changing patient condition
4. Ensuring a culture of safety
5. Cultivating a culture of respect
6. Delivering quality care
7. Providing end-of-life care
8. Maturing ethical awareness
9. Leading at the bedside: Leading self
10. Leading at the bedside: Leading others
11. Developing professionally: Developing self
12. Developing professionally: Impacting practice
Each month, guest speakers from across the organization’s footprint lead discussions on the featured topic. The curriculum is rooted in SAFE principles and incorporates various learning methods, such as simulation, case studies and escape rooms. The program also includes dedicated time for self-care, exploration of clinical scenarios, and the inquiry and analysis of evidence-based practices. In the final session of the nurse residency program, each small group presents an EBP “project pitch” to their peers and leaders. In 2024, 23 innovative projects were proudly showcased.
STUDENT SERVICES
Preceptor/Directed Studies/Group Clinical
Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinic nurses supported nursing students for clinical experiences each semester for group rotations, observation experiences and preceptorships. In 2024, Sanford Health hosted a total of 1,654 students from regional schools.
LPN Students – Inpatient setting
In the spring of 2024, LPN students normally placed in an ambulatory setting were introduced to the inpatient departments with the expansion of the scope of practice by the South Dakota Board of Nursing. These local LPN program students were placed in a clinical group for an inpatient pilot in the cardiology department.
ACE Clinical Group
In the fall of 2023, Sanford USD Medical Center partnered with South Dakota State University to pilot a new model of nursing clinicals called the Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE). This model pairs one Sanford RN as an ACE clinical instructor with the same four students for the entire rotation in the nurse’s home unit. The pulmonary unit hosted the pilot which included cohorts of four students paired with a Sanford RN ACE clinical instructor to care for a full patient assignment for one 12-hour shift per week for six weeks. ACE clinicals provide a professional development opportunity for Sanford Health nurses to become a clinical instructor in their department while providing a valuable, real-life learning experience for nursing students.
The program has grown to include the Augustana University BSN program and has expanded into the surgical trauma and medical oncology departments. To date, 32 nursing students and six Sanford Health nurses have participated. Students consistently share positive feedback about feeling welcomed, supported and satisfied with the skills they learn and experiences they participate in while working alongside the Sanford USD Medical Center nurse. Moving forward, the goal is to expand the ACE model to more schools, addressing the ongoing challenge of adjunct shortages in clinical education while offering growth opportunities for Sanford Health nurses.
Student Survey – Student Experience
LEAD Student Services deploys a survey to undergraduate nursing students. The purpose of this survey is to obtain feedback regarding student clinical experiences at Sanford USD Medical Center to enhance the student experience, ultimately impacting workforce development. The results are shared with nursing leadership each semester and used to implement action items to improve the student’s experience at Sanford Health. (The scores are based on the Likert Scale, 1-5, with 5 being the best).
NEW KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Publications
O’Neil, A., Schumacher, B., Dorr, S., Jarding, L. (2024). Customized silicone foam dressing under noninvasive ventilation and skincare bundle to reduce hospital-acquired pressure injuries in neonates. Neonatal Network, 43(3), 165-175. http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/NN-20230070
Gierach, M., White, L. L., Miller, T., Aukerman, R., & Wolles, B. (2024). Orientation of new graduate registered nurses post-pandemic: A follow up study. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 55(7), 345-350. https://doi-org.usd.idm.oclc.org/10.3928/0022012420240426-02
Smith, E., Madsen, L., Swanson, Cl, Leichter, J., & Preussler, R. (2024). Behavioral health education, awareness, and response development (BeHEARD). Journal for Nurses in Professional Development. Advanced online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ NND.0000000000001102
Presentations
Age+Action Conference Team – Older Adults: Curbing the Crisis
Wellness Study: a podium presenter for the 35th Annual Nursing Research Symposium. Held at Augustana University’s Hamre Recital Hall in the Fryxell Humanities Center.
ISHAPED Bedside Report for Emergency Department Nurses. Sanford Emergency Department registered nurses: Marissa Mohr, BSN, RN, CEN; Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN, CNE; Erica Frost, BSN, RN, CEN; Amy Mertz, BSN, RN, CEN, CNML; Robin Huether, BSN, RN, CNML; Dana Heidebrink, MSN, RN, CCRN; Abby Gramlick-Mueller, APRN, DNP, RD, CCM. 2024 ANCC Magnet ® Conference.
Sanford Improvement Symposium
The Sioux Falls Sanford Improvement (SI) Symposium took place on Nov. 13, 2024, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center to showcase quality improvement projects across the region. The speaker for the event was Joy Baldridge, and she gave a presentation about effective communication concepts that bring people together to work effectively, efficiently, cohesively and profitably – both internally and externally. Additionally, she highlighted the importance of exceptional communication skills, leadership, teambuilding, wellness, priority management skill development, positive behavior and change management.
There were 148 posters submitted for judging at the event among the eight categories. The poster categories included: communication, cost, Sanford experience, quality of life, safety, evidence-based practice, research and student projects. Posters are judged on various criteria depending on category, such as patient-centeredness, data-driven, leadership-directed, 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. Below are the winning projects at the event.
Sanford Experience
“Brush Up to Drink Up” – Improving Oral Cares on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit (IRU) in Relation to the Dysphagia Water Protocol (DWP) Kelli Nelson, MA, CCC-SLP, MDTP, LSVT LOUD, NMES, Sydney Treiber, MA, CCC-SLP, MDTP, Sydney Carda, MA, CCC-SLP, Sue Christensen, Director, MS, CTRS, Shelby Schmidt, Manager, BSN, RN
Cost Projects
Improving Transportation Options in Pregnancy and Decreasing Costs Sarah Bruns, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, CBC, Jessica Johnson, BSN, RN, Camille Moser, BSN, RN, Brittany Christion, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Brittany Feilmeier, BSN, RN, Nicole Schroeder, BBM,
“Crossing Over to Blue” SMC Clinical Documentation Integrity’s Prioritization of Patient Record Deb Clark, BAN, RN, GERO-BC, CCDS, Kayla Gengler, BAN, RN, Jana Niles, BSN, RN, CCDS
Clinical Care Projects
Meeting the Inpatient Diabetes Management Standards Rhonda Jensen, MSN, APRN-CNS BC-ADM, CDCES, Amanda Loudenslager, BSN, RN, CDCES, Benjamin Hoag, MD, Nour Aljariri Alhesan, MD, Brandon Allard, MD, Rhonda Hammerquist, PharmD, BCPS, Karen Hanisch, MSN, CNP, Janet Anderson, MSN, RN, CNN, Mary Bills, RD, CDCES, Michelle Ahnberg, DNP, RN, PCNS-BC, CPN, Kelsey Fujan, BSN, Andrea Wolff, BSN, RN, CNP
Communication Improving Care Coordination for Medically Complex Children and Families Sarah Thu, MSN, CPNP
Bridging the Barrier Piper Schulz, BSN, RN-BC, TCRN, Courtney Bornitz, BSN, RN-BC, Hilda Sanchez-Herrera, CHI – Spanish, CHW
Quality of Life Projects
Stand Strong Fall Prevention Karla Cazer, MSN, RN-BC, GCNS-BC, Natalie Fick, DPT, Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, APRN-CNP, RD, CCM, Noel Miller, BNSc, RN, PED-BC
Safety Projects
Rounding Up/Falling Down Jennifer Biteler BSN, RN, OCN, Lynn Ymker RN BSN
Rounding With a Purpose Brendan Huisman BSN, RN, Sarah Bushman BSN, RN
Pre-Operative Precision: Elevating Patient Communication Chas Chleborad, BSN, RN, Marie O’Farrell, BSN, RN, Tim Guy, BSN, RN, Alex Overwig, BSN, RN
Evidence-Based Practice Projects
Standardizing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Screening and Interventions in a Hispanic Free Clinic Population to Improve Diabetes Control Whitney Edgington, MSN, RN, CNL, Elizabeth Hindbjorgen, MSN, RN, Jamie Ackman, PharmD, BCACP, Lindsey Lopez, BSN, RN, Vivian H. Franco Diaz, PhD, MA, Steeven Vidal Alomar, CHW, Mariana Gutierrez
Offering Integrative Therapy to Women Undergoing Cystoscopy in a Midwest Clinic: An Evidenced Based Project Karen Story, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, Margaret Kropuenske, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, Kelsey Schnepf, APRN-CNP, Carey Duffy, BSN, RN, Katie Weber, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, Annette Geiken, Lead Patient Access Representative, Sanford Urogynecology and Pelvic Medicine Clinic Staff
Where would you be without a PCP? Stefanie Hoffman, DNP, CNP, APRN, CEN, Kaley McNab, CNP, APRN, CEN, Leslie Greguson, MSN, APRN, CNP
Research Projects
Academy of Clinical Essentials (ACE) Clinical Pilot Casey Olson, MSN, RN, CCRN, Brittany Brennan, PhD, RN, CHSE, CNE, Abby Gramlick Mueller, DNP, APRN-CNP, RD, CCM
Braithwaite Award
Routine Central Line Dressing Change: Improving Outcomes with Specialized Team Approach Mark Bonnema, MA, BSN, RN, Maynard Reimnitz, ADN, RN
Additionally, three student projects were presented.
Sanford Board Award
Collaborative Management of Edema in NICU: Neonatal Therapy & Neonatal Nurses Combine to Optimize Intervention Elizabeth Schuster, OTD, R/L, CLT, PCLT, Elizabeth Jeanson, PT, DPT, CNT, NTMTC, DCS, Kristi Randall, BSN, RN, CCRN, Ashley Jarman, BSN, RN, BNC-NIC, Anita Sunde-Walsh, RN, CCRN, Becky Blogg, BSN, RN, Beth Abrahamson, NNP
Contributors
Special thanks to the individuals and teams who contributed to this report:
• Michelle Ahnberg, DNP, APRN-CNS, PCNS-BC, CPN
• Erin Baker-Daggett
• Cindy Carlson, BSN, RN
• Karla Cazer, MSN, RN, CFCN, GCNS-BC
• Tanya Cuppy, MSN, RN, CIC
• Katie Field, MSN, RN
• Sara Francis, MSN, RN, CCM
• Carly Goodhart, BSN, RN, CCRN, CBC
• Allison Hutchinson, MEd, MS, GC
• Karla Krogmann BSN, RN, CCRN
• Michelle Lovro, MHA, BAN, RN, CNN
• Lyndsey Mager, MBA, BSN, RN
• Doreen Miller, MS, RN, GCNS-BC
• Casey Olson, MSN, RN, CCRN
• Dawn Seeley, MSN, APRN, ACNS-BC
• Delayne Severson, MSN, AMB-BC
• Kelly Tollefson, MBA
• Connor Turek, MS, RN, CJCP
Visit sanfordhealth.org/nursing-excellence to view this report digitally.