2025 Sioux Falls Annual Nursing Report

SIOUX FALLS NURSING REPORT

SANFORD USD MEDICAL CENTER AND CLINICS

OUR NURSING VISION

The Sanford nurse is committed to advancing the professional practice of nursing through safe, reliable, person-centered care in a healthy work environment –inspiring innovation and leading discovery.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Dear Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinic Nurses,

I am proud to present the 2025 Annual Nursing Report for Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics. This report reflects the strength, professionalism, and compassion of our nursing workforce and the meaningful impact nurses make every day for each other, our patients, and our communities.

Throughout 2025, our nurses delivered safe, reliable, person-centered care across inpatient, ambulatory, community, and global settings. In a year marked by complexity and continued change, nursing remained a steady and trusted presence – advancing quality, improving outcomes, and supporting patients through some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

This year also represented important progress in our Magnet® journey, as we formally declared intent to pursue our sixth Magnet re-designation. Our sustained commitment to Magnet principles – shared governance, professional practice excellence, and nurse-led innovation – continues to distinguish Sanford as an organization where nurses are empowered to lead meaningful change. Our Nursing Senate and councils remain central to this work, ensuring the voice of nursing shapes practice, policy, and improvement.

Professional growth and workforce development were key priorities in 2025. We collaborated with our academic partners, expanded options for specialty certification preparation, and celebrated continued success in our Nurse Residency Program, including achieving ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) Accreditation with Distinction. These efforts reflect our belief that investing in nurses at every stage of practice directly supports quality, safety, and retention.

Nurses also led impactful quality and safety initiatives throughout the year, including patient injury prevention efforts, evidence-based practice projects, and research that improved patient experiences and outcomes. Our nurses shared new knowledge through publications, presentations, and conferences – extending Sanford’s influence well beyond our organization.

Equally important, we remained focused on nurse well-being and workplace safety. Intentional strategies – including Schwartz Rounds, interdisciplinary collaboration, and proactive safety initiatives –reinforce psychological safety and our commitment to caring for those who care for others.

Finally, 2025 was a year of recognition and gratitude. Through DAISY Awards, annual nursing awards, Brand Ambassadors, Hero Awards, and everyday moments of appreciation, we celebrated the extraordinary impact of nurses across our market. These stories remind us that nursing excellence is lived out daily through skill, compassion, and presence.

As you read this report, I hope you see the collective strength of our nursing community and the values that guide our work – service, courage, humility, stewardship, and family. I am grateful to our nurses, leaders, educators, and partners, and to the patients and families who place their trust in us.

Together, we are shaping the future of nursing at Sanford.

Gratefully,

Kelly Hefti, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, NE-BC Chief Nursing Officer, Sioux Falls

overview organizational

OUR MISSION

To care, comfort and cure.

OUR VISION

To be the premier rural health system in the United States.

OUR VALUES

our mission our vision our values

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

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Leadership and Innovation in Healthcare Delivery

• Sanford Health, in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation, was recognized as one of the 2025 Teams of Achievement by UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence.

• Sanford Health was named to Most Innovative Companies 2025 by Fortune.

• Sanford USD Medical Center named among best employers by Forbes.

• Sanford USD Medical Center No. 1 hospital in South Dakota, recognized by Newsweek’s 2025 Best-in-State Hospital rankings.

Healthcare Quality

• Sanford USD Medical Center re-verified Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

• Sanford USD Medical Center verified as Adult Level I Trauma Center.

• Sanford USD Medical Center has been designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) by DNV, an international accrediting organization.

• Money’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery.

Organizational Culture & Employee Well-Being

• Sanford Health was named one of the 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Healthcare.

• Sanford Health earned the 2025 Platinum Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America.

• Sanford Health was recognized as one of the 2025 Military Friendly® Brands in the Government & Non-Profit category by Military Friendly.

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.

ABOUT SANFORD HEALTH

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the healthcare experience and providing access to world-class healthcare in America’s heartland. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization has 55,000 employees and serves more than 2 million patients and nearly 415,000 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 a network of 58 hospitals, 289 clinic locations, 145 senior care communities, 4,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and 1,100 active clinical trials and studies. The organization’s transformational virtual care initiative brings patients closer to care with access to nearly 80 specialties. More than 400 residents and fellows are trained each year through graduate medical education with Sanford Health fully funding and supporting 29 of the 40 available programs. Sanford Health also includes 92 retail pharmacies, including Sanford and Lewis Drug pharmacies with locations in 6 states, and more than 300 pharmacists. Learn more about Sanford Health’s commitment to shaping the future of rural healthcare across the lifespan at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.

Sanford Health Includes:

58 Medical Centers

289 Clinic Locations

145 Senior Living Locations

415,000 Sanford Health Plan and Security Health Plan Members

55,000 Employees

2,474 Sanford Physicians, 2,043 Advanced Practice Providers and 11,060 Registered Nurses

Delivering Care in More Than 80 Specialty Areas

In 2025, 2,928 Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinic APRNs, RNs and LPNs Provided Care for and Influenced:

545 Licensed Hospital Beds

100 Clinics

26,813 Inpatient Admissions

355.72 Average Daily Census

Average Length of Stay 4.83 days

1.72 Case Mix Index

129,837 Patient Days

3,407 Deliveries

25,865 Total Surgical Procedures

• 6,271 Inpatient Surgeries

• 19,594 Outpatient Surgeries

17,472 Gastrointestinal Procedures

8,127 Cath Lab Encounters

521,522 Outpatient Visits

47,017 Emergency Room Visits

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

OUR MAGNET® JOURNEY

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® is widely regarded as the gold standard for nursing excellence. This prestigious designation is awarded to healthcare organizations that demonstrate the highest standards in nursing practice, quality patient care, and innovations in professional nursing.

Achieving initial Magnet ® recognition involves a rigorous, multi-phase process that requires active engagement from both leadership and frontline staff. The process includes submission of an electronic application, comprehensive written documentation of patient care practices, an on-site appraisal, and a final review by the Commission on Magnet © Recognition.

To maintain this esteemed status, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics must reapply every four years. The re-designation process requires evidence of continued adherence to Magnet® principles and measurable improvements in patient outcomes and care quality. Organizations must demonstrate how they have sustained and advanced Magnet® standards, showcasing ongoing excellence in nursing practice and organizational performance since their last designation.

In 2025, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics submitted their official intent to pursue their sixth Magnet® re-designation in 2026. As of September 2025, 624 organizations held Magnet® designation, and 86 of them – 13.8% – had achieved this distinction 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

Magnet® recognition empowers Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics to cultivate an environment where nurses can thrive and realize their full potential. This designation reflects more than external prestige –it signifies a deep organizational commitment to empowering nurses as essential leaders in driving meaningful change across the healthcare landscape.

leadership transformational

SHARED GOVERNANCE (NURSING SENATE)

Empowering Nurses Through Collaboration

At Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics, professional nursing practice is elevated through our shared governance model – the Nursing Senate. This structure fosters meaningful collaboration between nurses and nurse leaders, ensuring that decisions about nursing practice are made by those closest to the care.

The Nursing Senate provides a strong foundation for influence in clinical decisionmaking. Guided by transformational and adaptive leadership, the Senate supports shared decision-making, promotes a positive and inclusive work environment, encourages open communication, and drives innovation in nursing practice.

Serving as the unified voice of nursing, the Nursing Senate is led by the Nursing Cabinet and represents all professional RNs across the organization. Through elected representatives, every nurse has the opportunity to contribute to planning, to provide input on initiatives, and to contribute to the development of policies and procedures.

To carry out its mission, the Nursing Senate delegates work to specialized councils and committees. Unit-based councils address issues specific to their areas, while broader topics are elevated to organizational councils for system-wide collaboration and solutions.

Together, we are shaping the future of nursing – one decision, one voice, and one shared vision at a time.

“I feel so fortunate to work in an organization that has a nursing senate. It allows nurses at the bedside to have a voice in decision making and bringing forth changes throughout the hospital. As a representative for my unit, I am able to disseminate information brought forth in nursing senate as well as provide feedback from staff on my unit to influence change within our nursing practice. Being part of the Senate Cabinet over the last two years has also given me a chance to collaborate with nurses from the other Sanford markets and share knowledge and experience with each other.”

STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT

NURSING EDUCATION

At Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics, we are deeply committed to the professional development of our nurses through continued educational advancement. Leadership actively promotes opportunities for growth and supports flexible scheduling to help nurses balance work, school, and personal life.

To further encourage academic and professional achievement, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics offers robust support through nursing scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs, reinforcing our belief that investing in our nurses is an investment in the future of healthcare.

Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinic’s Nursing Education Goal

To maintain the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing at 80%.

PROFESSIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION

National certification plays a vital role in enhancing professional credibility and reinforcing confidence in clinical expertise. Certified nurses are often recognized as knowledgeable leaders in their specialty areas, and many report a strong sense of personal accomplishment. More than a credential, certification represents nursing’s highest standards of professionalism and a sustained commitment to excellence. Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics (SMC) actively supports specialty certification through a variety of resources, including certification review courses, access to exam preparation materials, and exam fee reimbursement via the Sanford Initial and Renewal Certification Reimbursement Program.

At SMC, nurses were supported through five live virtual certification review courses and multiple on-demand offerings in 2025. Additionally, 120 nurses received $26,364 in certification reimbursement, demonstrating a strong local investment in professional development and certification attainment.

In 2024, the Magnet Recognition Program updated its criteria for eligible nursing certifications, requiring that approved certifications be accredited by one of three designated certifying bodies. As a result, Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics experienced a decrease in the number of certified nurses due to the removal of previously accepted certifications. While this change presents a challenge, it also opens the door for Sanford nurses to explore new certification opportunities and set fresh professional goals. With continued support and resources, our nurses are well-positioned to pursue these new pathways and further elevate the standard of care.

NURSES IN THE COMMUNITY

The Heart of Healing: A Day in the Life of a Faith Community Nurse

Faith Community Nursing (FCN) is a unique specialty that blends clinical nursing with spiritual care, holistic wellness, and a deep connection to community life. Rooted in compassion and service, FCNs bridge faith and health – tending to the needs of body, mind, and spirit.

Real-Life Moments in Faith Community Nursing

Joan, age 76, had just returned home after a hospital stay. With her family living hours away, she was grateful when her church’s Faith Community Nurse called to check in. During the visit, the nurse brought a meal prepared by a church volunteer and quickly noticed the house was uncomfortably warm – the thermostat still set to heat after a dramatic weather shift. A simple adjustment brought Joan immediate relief. Together they reviewed her discharge papers and realized she had forgotten a new prescription. A small visit, a caring presence, and a bit of follow-through likely prevented a serious complication.

Karen Morfitt, RN, leads a twice-weekly fitness class for seniors from her church and neighborhood. Through exercises focused on balance, strength, and endurance, Karen helps older adults reduce fall risk, improve mobility, and stay socially connected. Her group thrives not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.

Priscilla Bragg, MSN, RN, serves as the FCN/Coordinator at the Stepping Into Good Health (SIGH) Clinic at Falls Community Health, a free foot-care clinic that supports underserved populations, including those experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable groups. She provides health education, spiritual support, and practical care – clean socks, fitted shoes, and a warm welcome. She even learns greetings in her clients’ native languages to help build trust and connection.

Around South Dakota, rising youth suicide rates prompted an FCN team to host a faithbased prevention workshop. Partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, they created a safe space for youth and families to talk openly, learn warning signs, and find hope rooted in both faith and community.

What Is Faith Community Nursing?

Faith Community Nursing is a professional nursing specialty that focuses on whole-person health and the intentional care of the spirit. It complements – not replaces – medical care and pastoral ministry. FCNs walk alongside individuals and families during health challenges, life transitions, and spiritual struggles.

Recognized by the American Nurses Association since 2005, the movement began in the 1980s when Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg launched the first parish nurse program in Illinois. Today, more than 15,000 FCNs serve across the U.S. and in over 30 countries, working in congregations, clinics, hospitals, schools, and community settings – some paid, some volunteer.

What Do FCNs Do?

FCNs provide health education, counseling, home visits, emotional and spiritual support, resource connection, advocacy, guidance through illness, hospitalization, grief, and aging. Their work is grounded in trust, presence, and whole-person care.

PATIENT PLEDGE

OUR PROMISE TO YOU

We promise to take the time to listen to you, work well as a team to take care of you, and make sure you know what to do next.

SANFORD BRAND AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Sanford Brand Ambassador Program (SBA) celebrates exceptional employees who embody the spirit of Sanford Health – providing health, healing, and comfort while serving our patients, residents, communities, and each other. Each year, following an organization-wide nomination process, 20 individuals are selected as Sanford Ambassadors for their stories of excellence and limitless passion. Three of the 20 ambassadors from across the Sanford footprint were nurses from the Sioux Falls market. Ambassadors begin their journey with a memorable three-day trip designed to connect, refresh, and celebrate their accomplishments.

As Linda Grace Freeman, MSN, RN, CLC, a recent Ambassador, shared: “When the SBA group was on the plane heading into Palm Springs last April, the pilot announced that there was a group of healthcare workers onboard and the entire plane broke out in applause! That was a special moment.”

Beyond the trip, Ambassadors form lasting connections across the enterprise. Grace reflected: “I really enjoyed meeting a diverse group of Sanford employees from across the Enterprise – dedicated, hard-working individuals who care about their work, their patients, their communities, and their co-workers.”

The experience reinforces pride and purpose: “I felt affirmed in how honored I feel to work for an organization where I feel heard, my job matters, and I feel supported to deliver the best care I know how to do.”

As ongoing brand advocates, Ambassadors give an authentic, impactful voice to Sanford’s story. Grace explained: “I feel empowered to continue to put our patients first and work as an advocate for them in our daily jobs as nurses.”

The program also shapes perspective and teamwork: “I appreciate more what my co-workers and administration bring to the work we do for our organization and our patients. I feel we really work as a team. It makes me more aware of the diamond that is Sanford – many facets to make a whole.”

Ambassadors extend their influence beyond our walls: “I think the SBA program can be utilized in the community to help speak for good healthcare systems for patients in our communities.”

Sanford Ambassadors are champions, advisors, and storytellers – helping us share who we are and what we stand for.

Stacy Nelson, BSN, RN, another Sanford Ambassador describes her experience in this way: “It was such an incredible honor to be selected as a Sanford Brand Ambassador. I have been at Sanford for 30 years and I have always joked that I “bleed blue”, I love working for an organization that I am proud of and to be honored for doing a job I love was such a blessing. I have seen Sanford from an employee perspective and also from the perspective of a family member having loved ones cared for here. My mom was a patient during COVID and even through the difficulty of that time her nurses treated her like she was the most important part of their day. They made sure she could see the smile in their eyes even though she couldn’t see their face. That made me proud to be a part of this organization. Shortly after her death my dad was diagnosed with cancer. I felt the love and care from the cancer team, floor nurses and eventually the incredible caring staff at Ava’s. Again, being a part of an organization that shows that level of expertise, empathy, care and understanding made me incredibly proud. I pray every day that I am touching someone’s life in that way. It is my goal for my patients to feel comforted, know they are important and feel like they are an intricate part of their care.

“One of the most meaningful things about being a Sanford Ambassador has been the friendships I have made. I went on the trip with 19 strangers and came home with 19 friends. This amazing group supports me, cheers for me and encourages me to be the best version of myself.

“Being the best version of myself is what it means to me to represent Sanford. There is always a story behind what is going on with our patients and our coworkers. You might be the one person that shares a smile, encouragement or understanding with that person today. I try to make every interaction meaningful and encouraging.

“My hope is that the staff at Sanford are always making our values of service, courage, humility, stewardship and family a priority. If we keep those values on the forefront every day, each one of us could see ourselves as an ambassador for our amazing health system.”

Casey Olson, MSN, RN, CCRN, our final ambassador, shares about her experience: “My comments would be how truly grateful I was for the opportunity to be recognized and meet 19 other incredible people on this trip. It was a reminder that we have such good people doing great work all across our footprint and it takes all of us to do so. It was fun to network and collaborate and I came back feeling reset and energized to continue to fulfill my mission at the Medical Center as a mentor to all of our nurse residents. I can’t really put into words how grateful I was for this experience and that our organization takes the time and energy to host such a recognition event from year to year. I am always proud to tell people that I work at Sanford!”

25TH ANNUAL HEALTH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE

Spiritual Care During Anxious TimesFinding Strength, Clarity and Meaning in the Midst of Uncertainty

Written by: Karla Cazer, MSN, RN, CFCN, GCNS-BC

The purpose/goal was to ensure participants gain a deeper understanding of how chronic anxiety shows up in individuals and systems; how to respond and communicate with clarity, resilience, spiritual depth, and practice strategies for self-regulation to care for self and others experiencing anxiety.

Across our health system, nurses, chaplains, and faith community leaders are encountering rising levels of anxiety among patients, families, and colleagues. This mirrors national trends showing increased emotional distress, workplace violence, and societal unrest. Within our own organization, the Spiritual Care Department has observed a growing need for structured support – particularly in high-stress environments such as the Emergency Department, where staff are frequently called upon to calm distressed individuals and debrief after challenging events.

Faith Community Nurses and hospital-based teams have expressed a strong desire for deeper education on recognizing anxiety, managing stress, and applying practical tools grounded in both clinical insight and spiritual care. Many also report limited opportunities for guided reflection on their own emotional well-being, despite the intense demands of their roles.

In response, the Health Ministry and Spiritual Care teams partnered to host the 25th Health Ministry Conference on November 7. The program was led by Melissa Hiatt, MA, CDWF, CDTLF, a leadership consultant and emotional health expert known for her work in cultivating resilience, and Abby Lawrence, MBA, LCSW, QMHP, a licensed therapist and trauma-informed yoga instructor who specializes in supporting individuals through stress and crisis. They were joined by an exceptional panel of nurses, clergy, and chaplains who brought diverse perspectives from clinical practice and spiritual care. Together, they guided participants in exploring how to recognize anxiety in ourselves and others, and how to support individuals navigating today’s rapidly changing and often overwhelming environment.

The conference drew 82 engaged participants across in-person and virtual formats, including a significantly larger group of hospital and ambulatory care nurses than in previous years. The strong turnout and enthusiastic discussion underscored both the urgency of this topic and the value of creating shared spaces for learning, reflection, and resilience-building.

ELEVATING LEADERSHIP

Moving Beyond Survival to Intentional Connections

Written by: Michelle Ahnberg, DNP, RN, PCNS-BC, CPN

The 2025 Sanford Leadership Event, “Lead the Shift from Chaos to Connection”, was a live, in-person leadership development retreat offered multiple times between late September and early November 2025 at the Sanford Center. Designed for inpatient and ambulatory clinical and non-clinical managers, supervisors, team leads, and Clinical Care Leaders, the event provided 2.5 ANCC contact hours. The program responded to identified professional practice gaps revealed through leader survey feedback, which indicated many leaders are operating in “survival mode” and are seeking greater support to manage workload, maintain psychological safety, and sustain professional growth.

The retreat focused on helping leaders transition from surviving to thriving by strengthening leadership purpose, prioritization, delegation, recognition, and connection. Core content areas included sustainable leadership practices, meaningful recognition and appreciation, coaching and development, stress management and well-being. Through active learning strategies such as discussion, reflection, activities, and facilitated dialogue, participants were encouraged to reconnect with their purpose, support one another, and foster cultures where individuals feel valued and recognized. Overall, the event was intended to build resilient, connected leaders who can lead with clarity, compassion, and intention in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

MAGNET CONFERENCE 2025

Connection, Governance, and the Power of Nursing

Written by: Branden Boyd, MSN, MBA, RN

Attending the 2025 Magnet Conference was a meaningful and energizing experience that reinforced the importance of professional governance, accountability, and authentic connection in nursing leadership. The conference brought together nurses and leaders from across the country, creating space for learning, reflection, and organic networking that highlighted just how impactful our profession truly is.

Coming from an acute care background and now practicing in the ambulatory setting, I attended with the goal of identifying practical ways to strengthen engagement and effectiveness within ambulatory council work. Prior to the conference, a survey I authored highlighted barriers to participation – particularly among frontline staff – guiding my focus toward sessions that emphasized transparency, shared ownership, and meaningful nurse involvement.

One standout session, “A Brave New World,” explored a professional governance model and demonstrated the direct connection between access to information, accountability, and engagement. The message was simple and powerful: nurses cannot take ownership of outcomes they are unaware of. When transparency is paired with purpose, organizations see measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and trust.

“Nurses cannot take ownership of outcomes they are unaware of. Transparency, access to data, and shared accountability are essential to meaningful engagement and trust.”

–

Branden Boyd, MSN, MBA, RN

Several sessions reinforced the value of nurses shaping the systems they use every day. Medical Oncology nurse Kennedy Anderson, BSN, RN, highlighted a breakout session on a nurse-designed documentation system that saved millions of clicks and thousands of RN hours by simplifying care planning while still meeting requirements – an example of how frontline-driven innovation can meaningfully improve practice.

Mentorship and lifelong learning were also recurring themes. One session showcased a peer mentorship program supporting nurses beyond their first year, improving retention and strengthening connections across generations through intentional development and support.

“The magnitude of the conference was something I was not prepared for. It was inspiring to meet nurses from across the country and see the difference we are making everywhere we work.”

– Kennedy Anderson, BSN, RN, Medical Oncology,

Senate Cabinet

Networking was another highlight – from celebrating Fargo’s first Magnet designation to reconnecting with colleagues across the Sanford enterprise. These moments reinforced the strength of collaboration and shared learning within nursing.

The conference closed with a reminder that leadership shows up in everyday moments through authentic presence and intentional connection. As Kennedy shared, if the experience could be summed up in one word, it was “encouraging.”

Overall, the Magnet Conference reaffirmed that this work is already happening within our organization and strengthened the belief that nursing excellence is built through shared governance, lifelong learning, and empowered nurses to bring ideas forward.

RECOGNITION – NURSES AWARDS

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 nurses are recognized with a week of festivities including a recognition event at the Washington Pavilion. Over 700 nominations were submitted showcasing the excellence in care throughout the Sioux Falls Region and South Network; 54 individuals received awards at the 2025 Nursing Recognition Event on May 6, 2025.

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. Fostering high nursing standards through practice, education, leadership and research, have contributed to a healthy work environment, improved healthcare services, and stimulated the professional development and general welfare of registered nurses.

Janine Menholt – ADN, RN (Pulmonary, Sanford USD Medical Center)

Loretta Schroeder – ADN, RN, CBC (Family Suites, Sanford USD Medical Center)

The Exemplary Professional Practice Nurse Award

For recognition of achieving board certification and 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.

Paige Weeden – BSN, RN, OCN® (Sioux Falls Oncology, Sanford Clinic)

Julie Babb – BSN, RN, RNC-OB (Perinatal Outpatient Services, Sanford USD Medical Center)

The Florence Nightingale Professional Nurse Award Sanford Clinic

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.

Marilyn Haiar – LPN (SCSC Pulmonology)

Sarah Harrington – BSN, RN (SCSC Infectious Disease)

Amy Juffer – ADN, RN, CBC (Women’s Health MFM)

Judy Swartz – LPN (Women’s Health Female Pelvic Medicine)

Jennifer Feilmeier – BSN, RN (Orthopedics & Neurology)

Grace Freeman – MSN, RN, CLC (Clinical Call Center)

Liz Hakl – BSN, RN (Intensive Care Nursery)

Kelly Hendel – BSN, RN (Patient Appointment Center)

Kaycie Johnson – BSN, RN, CCRN® (Pediatrics Intensive Care)

Carissa Lathrop – BSN, RN (Clinical Call Center)

Kathryn Lengkeek – ADN, RN (Patient Appointment Center)

Valorie Lipscomb – ADN, RN (Medical & Oncology)

Seth Lohr – BSN, RN (Critical Care Unit)

Jessica Maeschen – ADN, RN (Family Suites)

Marissa Oswald – BSN, RN (Labor & Delivery & HROB)

Amber Reinesch – BSN, RN, CFRN®, CEN® (Air Transport - Clinical)

Allison Schulz – BSN, RN, RNC-OB (Labor & Delivery & HROB)

Jessica Tofteland – BSN, RN (Inpatient Rehab-Routine)

Staci Voss – ADN, RN (Newborn Nursery)

Deb Whipple – BSN, RN, CCM® (Ava’s House)

Callie Zirpel – BSN, RN, CCRN® (Pediatrics Intensive Care)

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 healthcare team and Sanford Health.

Kelsie Jo Hansen – RRT (SCSC Pulmonology, Sanford Clinic)

Sue Christensen – CTRS (Outpatient Rehab Services, Sanford USD Medical Center)

The New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements 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 integrating evidence-based practice, research and innovations into clinical and operational processes.

Sandra Reinesch – ADN, RN, CHPN®, OCN® (Palliative Care, Sanford USD Medical Center)

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.

Carmen Sandman – MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CCRC® (LEAD, Sanford Clinic)

Kally Korn – BSN, RN, CSC®, CCRN® (Cardiology, Sanford USD Medical Center)

Structural Empowerment Award

For recognition of achieving board certification and 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.

Crystal Enstad – MBA, BSN, RN, OCN® (Infusion Clinic, Sanford Clinic)

Taryn Califano – BSN, RN, CPHON®, CPN® (Pediatrics Acute, Sanford USD Medical Center)

Star Performance Award

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 healthcare environment for staff nurses and patients.

Christine Grosz – CMA (Sioux Falls Oncology, Sanford Clinic)

Jamie Boomgarden – PCT (Ortho/Neuro, Sanford USD Medical Center)

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.

Laura Torkildson – ADN, RN (CI Ops, Sanford Clinic)

Joslyn Strating – BSN, RN, CMSRN® (LEAD, Sanford USD Medical Center)

Employee of the Year - Nurse Recipients

Lisa Fink – CRNA

Jessie Wolf – BSN, RN, CNRN

Kristie McGee – BSN, RN

April Timat – BSN, RN

Haylee Waterfall-Jensen – BSN, RN

Jami Jacobson – ADN, RN, RNC-OB

Taryn Califano – BSN, RN, CPHON, CPN

Michelle McGregor – MSN, RN

Caitlin Erlandson – BSN, RN, AMB-BC

ANNUAL APP RECOGNITION/APPRECIATION

EVENT

The 2025 Sioux Falls Region Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Recognition Event took place on September 26, 2025, at the Sanford Barn during National APP Week (September 22-26, 2025). 200 nominations were received for 134 individuals. Awards were presented to nine recipients. Advanced practice providers include physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists. Sanford Health includes audiologists and certified genetic counselors as part of our APP group, recognizing their partnership in care excellence. As such, they are eligible for recognition within the APP awards.

Kylee Whitney – MSN, FNP-C, CWON

Enterostomal Therapy Center/SMC, Sioux Falls SD

New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements Award

Stefanie Hoffman – DNP, RN, FNP-C, CEN

Sanford 69th & Minnesota Acute Care, Sioux Falls SD

Rising Star

Taylor Beagle – CGC

Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic, Sioux Falls SD

Distinguished Wisdom Keeper Award

Donna Dickey – MSN, RN, FNP-C

Sanford Surgical Associates, Sioux Falls SD (40 years)

HONORING EXTRAORDINARY NURSES

The DAISY Award at Sanford Medical Center and Clinics

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by Bonnie and J. Mark Barnes in memory of their son, J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away at age 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. In his honor, the family created the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to recognize the compassionate, skillful care nurses provide to patients and families every day.

Today, the DAISY Award is a global symbol of nursing excellence, celebrated in over 4,000 healthcare organizations worldwide – including at Sanford Medical Center and Clinics.

Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics DAISY Award Program

Each month, DAISY Honorees from the medical center and quarterly honorees from the clinics are surprised by Sanford executives and their leadership teams. Honorees receive:

• A certificate in a DAISY portfolio

• A hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture from Zimbabwe

• An Honoree pin

• A copy of their nomination

• A gift bag

• And cinnamon rolls to share with their team

Award recipients are celebrated across Sanford’s internal platforms, including the intranet, social media, and the Nursing SharePoint site. They are also featured on the national DAISY Foundation website, gaining access to a variety of professional development, education, and wellness opportunities.

This program is a meaningful way to recognize the impact of our nurses and celebrate the heart of healthcare – compassionate, expert care.

Sanford Clinic Quarterly Winners

Jennifer Andersen BSN, RN

Sanford Clinic Family Medicine

Kimber Palmquist BSN, RN, CPN® Pediatric Outpatient and Sedation

Patrica Haak LPN

Sanford Clinic Dermatology

Melissa Illg

BSN, RN Edith Sanford Breast Center

Sanford USD Medical Center Monthly Winners

Kenny Tomek BSN, RN Medical Oncology

Laura Hare BSN, RN Medical Oncology

Sean Roiger BSN, RN Surgical/Trauma

Patrick Fiegen BSN, RN Central Resource Pool

Lindsay Chapman ADN, RN Ava’s House

Bryce Bomgaars

BSN, RN, CCRN Critical Care Unit

Judah Belile BSN, RN Surgical Trauma

Jamie Moos BSN, RN Sanford Ortho/Neuro Unit

D’Kera Grassrope BSN, RN, CBC Labor and Delivery

Maggie Reinart BSN, RN Emergency Department

Brianna Schmit BSN, RN Medical Oncology

Daytona Smedsrud BSN, RN Critical Care Unit

HERO AWARDS

Resolve

Brittany Hoffman BSN, RN, ONC® Ortho NACU

Julie Drew ADN, RN Patient Appointment Center

Maria Driesen BSN, RN Cardiology

Stewardship

Sage Pulse BSN, RN Medical Oncology Unit

Service

Aimee Carls BSN, RN Patient Center

Jen Brands BSN, RN Family Suites

Aubree Andrews BSN, RN Pulmonary

Breanna Romero MSN, RN PICU

Karla Krogmann BSN, RN, CCRN® Central Resource Pool

Family

Barb Riley BSN, RN Labor & Delivery

Sarah Mittleider BSN, RN Surgical & Renal Unit

Tate Scotting BSN, RN, CRRN® Heart Hospital 2800

Community

Erin Darling BSN, RN, CMSRN® Case Management

Advancement

Jordan Slusser BSN, RN CCRN® PICU

Lynn Ymker BSN, RN Medical Oncology

Calling

Emma Williams BSN, RN Pediatrics

Courage

Sara Fraser BSN, RN Clinical Call Center

Ashley Schriever BSN, RN Clinical Call Center

GROUP HERO AWARDS

NICU

Alexis Lunstra – BSN, RN

Crissy Strong – ADN, RN, RNC, C-NPT

Megan McEneaney – BSN, RN, RNC

Mila Pugach – ADN, RN, C-NPT, RNC-NIC

Danyelle Foy – BSN, RN, RNC-NIC

Molly Brynjulson – MSN, RN, NNP-BC

Pulmonary Unit

Sarah Bushman – BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC

Janine Menholt – ADN, RN

Von Christian Lloren – BSN, RN

Rachael Schwab – ADN, RN

Laura Hoiten – BSN, RN

Acute Rehab, 176 day stay

Macie Engles – BSN, RN

Kieran Waltner – BSN, RN, CRRN®

Jodi Glanzer – BSN, RN

Family Suites

Darcy Weber – RN, CCE

Ashley Grandprer – BSN, RN

Marlee Schauderr – BSN, RN, CBC

Anna Sudbeckr – BSN, RN

Brianna Hinkeldeyr – BSN, RN

Whitney Sickelka – BSN, RN, CBC

HERO AWARDS

Mission

Alex McCann, BSN, RN (Surgery)

Kylie Minske, BSN, RN (Home Dialysis)

Jody Poppens, MSN, RN, CNML, CEN® (Emergency Department)

Megan Lipinski, ADN, RN, CEN® (Emergency Department)

Sweet Rose Alejandre, ADN, RN (Ava’s House)

Vision

Nina Adams, MSN, RN (Care Management)

Allison Schulz, BSN, RN, RNC-OB (Labor & Delivery)

Humility

Shawna Rorvick, BSN, RN (Anticoagulation Management Services)

Staci Bennett, BSN, RN, CCCTM (NICU)

Kasey Gauthier, BSN, RN, CPHON® (Anticoagulation Management Services)

Stewardship

Kris Wickett, BSN, RN (Patient Appointment Center)

Alicia Robinson, BSN, RN (PACU)

Jennifer Pischke, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC (Outpatient Care Center)

Service

Carter Hunter, BSN, RN (Emergency Department)

Mickey McGrann, BSN, RN, CCRN® (Central Resource Pool)

Mariah-Joy Marlette, BSN, RN (Labor & Delivery)

Courage

Emma Lamoreux, BSN, RN (Labor & Delivery)

Rachel Stout, BSN, RN (Cardiac Specialty Unit)

Family

McKenzi Hackett, BSN, RN (Pediatrics)

Sara Fraser, BSN, RN (Clinical Call Center)

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.

Darcy Rowan, ADN, RN (PACU)

Kamdyn Roemen, BSN, RN (Patient Center)

GOOD CATCH AWARDS

The Good Catch Award recognizes individuals who take proactive steps to prevent errors or stop them before they reach the patient – demonstrating a strong commitment to patient safety and a culture of accountability.

Award recipients are honored with a surprise recognition from leadership, a thoughtful gift, and the opportunity to share their story across the organization. Their contributions are highlighted through nursing councils and featured on the Safety SharePoint site, inspiring others to remain vigilant and engaged in creating a safer care environment.

Morgan Farr, BSN, RN (Pre/Post Op)

Shauna Jacobs, MSN, RN, FNP-C, OCN® (Oncology)

Gabby Rohlik, BSN, RN (Cardiology)

Emily Martinez Soto, LPN (Internal Medicine)

Brianna Sparks, BSN, RN (Surgical Trauma)

Stacie Fuller, BSN, RN (Pulmonology)

Kelsey McDonald, BSN, RN (NICU)

SANFORD NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Written by: Casey Olson, MSN, RN, CCRN

Sanford’s Nurse Residency Program (NRP) is an evidenced-based, 12-month program designed to support newly graduated registered nurses and those with less than one year of hospital experience as they transition into the inpatient clinical practice setting. In 2025, Sanford USD Medical Center invited 199 RNs to participate in NRP with a retention rate of 91.4% at one year of employment. Since implementation in 2019, the Medical Center has had over 3,500 RNs participating in the program, with an overall retention rate of 86% at one year of employment.

Each month, guest speakers from across our organization lead discussions on featured topics and self-care, not only didactically, but also through hands-on simulation, case studies, panel discussions and escape rooms. Residents also engage in focused discussions on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) with the aim of fostering curiosity, strengthening skills in evaluating evidence to enhance patient outcomes, and guiding practice improvements from initial inquiry through the development of a Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) proposal.

The program concludes with each small group presenting its SBAR proposal to peers and leaders. In 2025, seventeen innovative EBP projects were proudly pitched. One project titled, Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Medication Infusions Through Dual Verification at Shift and Unit Transitions, was implemented enterprise-wide in November 2025 and was accepted for a poster presentation at the 33rd National Evidence-Based Practice Conference at the University of Iowa in April 2026. Additionally, six other projects are currently under review for potential implementation at the Medical Center.

This year marked a significant milestone for our Nurse Residency Program with the attainment of Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) Accreditation with Distinction – the highest honor conferred by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This esteemed recognition affirms the rigor, effectiveness, and meaningful impact of our program in supporting new graduate nurses as they transition into clinical practice.

Achieving accreditation was a truly collaborative enterprise-wide effort. Program leaders from each region partnered to develop compelling value stories grounded in program metrics. These narratives highlighted not only measurable outcomes but also the human impact of our work, emphasizing improved retention, strengthened confidence and competence, and the professional growth of our nurse residents.

A notable moment of the year was the PTAP site visit on April 9, which was an overwhelming success. The visit brought together bedside nurses, educators, and leaders who shared authentic examples of how the program has advanced professional development and supported safe, high-quality patient care. Site visitors praised the program’s strong alignment with ANCC standards and were particularly impressed by the depth of engagement, enthusiasm, and shared commitment demonstrated across all levels of the organization.

STUDENT SERVICES

Written by: Kelly Tollefson, MBA

Preceptor/Directed Studies/Group Clinical

In the calendar year of 2025, Sanford Health nursing staff supported graduate and undergraduate nursing students for clinical experiences each semester (Spring/Summer/Fall). The clinical experiences consisted of group rotations, preceptorships and observations. Sanford hosted a total of 1,595 students from the region’s nursing programs.

Student Survey - Student Experience

LEAD Student Services continues to deploy undergraduate nursing student surveys to gauge student interactions with staff. Feedback is shared with Sanford leaders each semester to enhance student experience and promote employment with Sanford Health.

student

services

SANFORD STUDENT NURSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (SSNIP) AND

EXTENDED SSNIP (ESSNIP)

Written by: Joslyn Strating, MSN, RN, CMSRN

The SSNIP and ESSNIP programs offer clinically based internships for nursing students entering their senior year of graduation. These programs serve as a workforce pipeline to recruit registered nurses, hosting internships for prospective nursing students throughout the enterprise. These internships help students develop knowledge, technical skills, and clinical judgment, preparing them for entry into practice. The Sioux Falls Region has two versions of the internship program. The first version is our traditional summer 10-week full time internship, which includes the option to continue into the school year as an Extended Intern (ESSNIP). The second version of the internship began in 2024 and is offered to accelerated nursing students. This internship is 12-36 hours per month until the accelerated intern graduates, allowing for flexibility around their rolling school schedule. Their internship typically lasts 8-9 months. This accelerated internship is the only one in the state of SD and is growing to include all accelerated nursing programs in 2026-2027.

2024 Summer 115 83 77/115 = 67%

2024-25 Accelerated Year Round 6 6 6/6 = 100%

2025 Traditional Summer 108 76 29/38 = 76% December Grads were retained as RN< May Grads TBD

2025-26 Accelerated Year Round 6 6

TBD – 3/6 have already committed to RN positions within Sanford

2024-2025 USF Accelerated Intern Pilot Cohort 1 (August 2024-May 2025, 6 interns total)

• 6/6 were retained as RNs

2025 Traditional Summer Interns (June 2025 to August 2025-many are currently completing extended intern hours, 108 interns in total):

• 29/38 of our December graduate interns were retained as RNs

• 11/70 of our upcoming May 2026 grads retained as RNs so far (this number will increase in the coming months as May grads typically wait until after January to apply)

USF Accelerated Intern Pilot Cohort 2 (August 2025-May 2026, 6 interns total)

• 3/6 have accepted RN positions with the remaining 4 all planning to apply for RN jobs within Sanford this spring

Future Growth:

• Traditional Summer Internship for 2026 will include 109 interns (94 at SMC, 15 Network sites)

• Pilot for USF Accelerated Interns was successful, therefore accelerated internship opportunities were expanded to all accelerated nursing programs in SD

• SDSU Accelerated Internship started December 2025-end of July 2026 (7 interns hired)

• Augustana Accelerated Internship will start March 2026-end of November 2026 (3 interns hired)

• USF’s next Accelerated Internship group will start August 2026-May 2027 (TBD-likely 5 interns)

NURSING RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

K-12 Aspire by Sanford: Career Exploration and Development Programming

Written by: Allison Hutchinson, MS Ed, MS GC

The K-12 Aspire team promotes healthcare career exploration and development in both patient-facing and support roles. Sanford offers internships, job shadows, facility tours, classroom visits, camps, career advising and more in both large and small group settings. They also partner with local schools and post-secondary institutions to promote the nursing profession at various college and career fairs. In 2025, the Aspire team facilitated career exploration opportunities for almost 13,000 K-12 students in and around Sioux Falls with nearly 100 of those interactions being nursing job shadows.

Sanford Sioux Falls partners with local high schools to offer internships to students who have earned their nursing assistant certification. Intern candidates go through a competitive hiring process and then complete onboarding and orientation before working in various inpatient and ambulatory settings for a total of 100 hours in either the fall or spring academic semester. In addition to this paid time, Aspire offers 10 to 12 hours of career exploration opportunities in high-need roles that interns may not see in their departments or clinics. In 2025, Sanford Sioux Falls hosted 21 total nursing assistant high school interns with 16 transferring to PRN positions after the completion of their internship.

During the 2025-2026 academic year, Sanford Sioux Falls is supporting 18 high school seniors taking up to 12 dual-credit courses through a program called Classrooms to Careers (C2C). Sanford Sioux Falls and Southeast Technical College (STC) partner with the Sioux Falls School District to support students preparing for life after graduation by reducing barriers to higher education. Through a competitive application process, Sanford’s C2C program covers the cost of STC dual-credit course tuition, books, and transportation, if needed. Students receive personalized career guidance from the Aspire team while exploring their interests and future goals through self-assessment and hands-on learning. Visits to Sanford facilities and interactions with healthcare professionals offer real-world career experiences, giving students a clearer view of the opportunities ahead. Together, these experiences help students and their families make confident, informed decisions about college and career paths, especially nursing, after high school.

Other impactful programming includes a medical explorers club called MedX. In 2025, Aspire engaged with a total of 230 local high school juniors and seniors over eight sessions throughout the school year at various Sanford facilities to learn about healthcare through tours, career chats and hands-on activities. Aspire also heavily supports a career and technical student organization for future health professionals called HOSA. Three Sanford Sights and Sounds tours at the Sanford USD Medical Center were hosted for 165 total students. Aspire also lead sessions to showcase nursing and other healthcare careers to the 900 HOSA members at the State Leadership Conference.

EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

GUIDING EXCELLENCE IN NURSING

Sanford’s Professional Practice Model serves as the foundation for how and why nursing care is delivered across our organization. It provides a clear vision for nursing, aligns with Sanford’s mission, vision, and values, and informs decision-making around priorities and practice standards.

This model defines the essential elements of professional nursing and promotes consistency in care delivery. It supports the autonomy and accountability when caring for patients and families.

The model is based on person-centered holistic care and includes six core domains that reflect the depth and scope of our nursing practice:

• Evidence-Based Practice, Innovation and Research

• Care Delivery System/Model

• Shared Governance Structure

• Professional Development

• Interprofessional Collaboration

• Safe, Highly Reliable Care

Together, these domains create a unified framework that supports excellence, empowers nurses, and drives continuous improvement in patient outcomes.

GUATEMALA TRIP

Meet Team Thankful 2025

Sanford World Clinic is a unique and defining initiative of Sanford Health. Established in 2007, the program was designed to provide permanent healthcare services through partnerships around the world. Collectively, Sanford and its partners are building sustainable operations that positively impact children and families for generations. Ultimately, the mission elevates the importance of nurses while offering experiences they might not otherwise have.

During the 2025 Guatemala trip, Sanford partnered with the International Esperanza Project to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to underserved communities. The team provided essential medical services, strengthened global partnerships, and inspired hope for a healthier future – reflecting Sanford’s commitment to improving lives through collaboration and shared learning. Tiffany Mehlhaff, BSN, RN, CCRN® with Surgery and Cambria Wynja, BSN, RN, Edith Sanford Breast Center were two of the Sanford team members selected for Team Thankful. They share their experiences below:

“Working with Team Thankful was an amazing experience and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Traveling to Guatemala was definitely out of my comfort zone, but exactly what I needed.

“The impact the trip has had can be difficult to put into words. After our first case, the patient was crying, and we needed an interpreter. It turned out they were tears of joy and gratitude. We were able to use our gifts to give someone treatment they never thought they would be able to receive. Working with Team Thankful and the Esperanza Project, revitalized my love for taking care of people. It also reminded me how rewarding volunteering can be and that there’s always something you can do to help others. I realized I had the time and skills. That’s all I had but it was all I needed to help. In return they rewarded me with a renewed courage and hope.

“Team Thankful and Sanford World Clinic work with the Esperanza Project to provide medical care to underserved communities in Guatemala. While we were working on improving health, there were also teams working with the Esperanza Project other two pillars, which are improving education, and improving homes. We were fortunate enough to meet up with the other teams at the end of the trip, including a tour of the medical facilities and classrooms built to serve the community. We also had a free day, and a small group of us chose to climb a volcano! The only thing I wish I could change about this trip is that I wish I had more time to get to know the people we were serving, otherwise everything was amazing.

“Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the little things that make our days hard, and we forget there’s an entire world out there that could only dream of the kinds of resources and healthcare we are privileged to have. The trip felt like the purest form of healthcare, with the only goal being to do as much good as we could in a short amount of time we had. Because the trip was fairly short, it was a great opportunity for a first mission trip. I was able to meet some amazing people and truly get to know some of the providers I work with every day. I would encourage anyone who thinks they’d be interested to seek out these opportunities; they are life changing.”

Tiffany Mehlhaff, BSN, RN, CCRN® (Surgery)

“Team Thankful worked so well together to achieve our goal of giving safe, effective and compassionate care to all the Guatemalan people we encountered. It really speaks volumes to the culture, training and high standards that Sanford has implemented. Even though most of us had never met nor worked together, we were able to work professionally and cohesively, and it was a beautiful thing to witness.

“The International Esperanza Project is inspiring people to dream big and helping those people see the possibilities that are available to them. It was an incredible team to be part of, and I am excited to see how their programs grow in the future. Being part of the Sanford team gave me a renewed energy in why I chose to be a nurse and fulfilled the desire within me to serve people.”

Cambria Wynja, BSN, RN (Edith Sanford Breast Center)

SCHWARTZ ROUNDS

Written by: Dawn Seeley, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC

Schwartz Rounds provides an interdisciplinary forum where healthcare team members come together to reflect on the emotional, social, and ethical dimensions of caregiving. Rather than focusing on clinical outcomes or medical decision-making, Schwartz Rounds emphasizes the human experience of caring for patients and families and the impact that work has on caregivers themselves.

Participation in Schwartz Rounds has been associated with improved staff well-being, increased compassion toward patients and colleagues, reduced feelings of isolation, and strengthened teamwork. By creating protected space for reflection and dialogue, Schwartz Rounds supports resilience, reinforce organizational values, and contribute to a culture of psychological safety and professional fulfillment.

Presentations during the reporting period included:

• January 14th: Honoring Wishes: “Help Me”

• March 11th: “A Glimpse of What Happens Behind Closed Doors”

• May 13th: “Honoring Life Through Loss: The Power of the Honor Walk”

• July 8: “The Many Faces of Comfort: When Clinicians, Families, and Patients See It Different”

• Sept 9th: “Beyond Borders: Healing When Home Is Out of Reach”

• November 11th: “Duty, Honor, Compassion: Our Connection to Veterans”

PATIENT INJURY PREVENTION (PIP) ROUNDS

SMC Nurses Lead Transformative Patient Injury Prevention Work

Written by: Kaitlyn Knodel, MSN, RN, CPPS

In July 2025, SMC celebrated the one-year anniversary of Patient Injury Prevention (PIP) Rounds. Through PIP Rounds, the nursing team has continued SMC’s progress toward zero preventable harm. PIP Rounds aim to utilize our SAFE skills of coaching, cross checking, clarifying questions, and Ask, Request, Concern, Chain of Command (ARCC) through the CCL and bedside nursing team partnership. Through this partnership, the nursing assesses appropriateness of Foley catheters and central lines while ensuring care bundle interventions are in place reliably if these devices cannot be removed. In addition, teams are ensuring that fall and hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) risk patients are identified appropriately and interventions are in place to keep them safe. This approach reflects the belief that meaningful, sustainable improvement begins at the bedside and is strengthened by shared accountability.

SMC PIP Rounds were intentionally constructed as a team-based model, engaging not only nurses but also physicians, Quality & Safety partners, directors, and clinical leaders. This collaboration ensures every discipline is aligned in its understanding of risks, safety expectations, and opportunities to protect patients from harm.

In the first 6 months of PIP rounds, we saw a 38% decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), a 57% decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), a 23% reduction in falls with injury, and a 17% decrease in HAPIs. In July, we celebrated a 67% reduction in our Serious Safety Events (SSE). Through the continued work of PIP rounds by our nursing team, we have achieved a 77% reduction in our SSEs as of September 2025.

To celebrate this shared success, all staff were invited to join a “PIP PIP Hooray - Safety Never Tasted So Sweet!” event – a moment to recognize the commitment and teamwork that brought us to this historic reduction in safety events. As we continue this journey, the story of SMC is clear: When nurses lead, safety follows.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CENTER

Written by: Karli O’Brein, MSN, RN

The Weight Management Center has experienced an extraordinary year of growth, innovation, and patient-centered progress. What began as a pilot program in May 2021 has rapidly transformed into a dynamic and in-demand service within our community. Originally housed in a small clinic with only seven exam rooms, the program quickly outgrew its space as patient volume increased and the need for comprehensive obesity care became more evident. In August 2025, the team celebrated a major milestone with the move to a new, expanded location - an achievement that reflects both the dedication of the staff and the trust patients place in the care they receive.

At the heart of the program’s success is a multidisciplinary team that brings together obesity-medicine board-certified medical providers, registered dietitians, behavioral health therapists, RN health coaches, nursing staff, and patient access representatives. This group has created an environment defined by warmth, compassion, and unwavering support. Patients consistently describe feeling welcomed, understood, and empowered from the moment they walk through the door. The team’s ability to blend clinical expertise with genuine human connection has become a defining feature of the program. Whether guiding patients through complex lifestyle changes, offering encouragement during challenging moments, or celebrating meaningful milestones or the small wins, the staff consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every individual feels seen, supported, and cared for in a safe and trusting environment.

The Weight Management Center’s approach is grounded in the Obesity Medicine Association’s Four Pillars of Obesity Treatment: nutrition, physical activity, behavioral therapy, and pharmacotherapy. This evidence-based framework allows the team to deliver personalized, comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of factors influencing weight and health, allowing the team to meet patients exactly where they are and create care plans that are both effective and sustainable. Patients receive guidance that is practical, sustainable, and tailored to their unique needs, helping them build confidence and long-term success. The team’s commitment to education and empowerment ensures that patients are not simply following a plan but truly understanding their health and taking ownership of their journey.

In addition to clinical excellence, the Weight Management Center has emerged as a leader in professional education and community engagement. In March 2025, the program hosted the first-ever Sanford Weight Management Symposium, bringing together healthcare professionals from across the region to deepen their understanding of obesity as a chronic disease. The event focused on practical, clinically relevant information that providers can apply directly in their daily practice, and its success has already paved the way for the second annual symposium scheduled for February 2026. This commitment to advancing knowledge reflects the team’s dedication not only to patient care but also to elevating the standard of obesity treatment across the broader healthcare community.

The team’s impact extends beyond the clinic walls. Staff members actively participate in community events such as the STOP the Stigma Walk and the Heart Walk, reinforcing their commitment to advocacy, awareness, and reducing the stigma surrounding obesity. The program has also embraced innovation by piloting new nutrition-tracking technologies and exploring tools that enhance patient engagement and support. These efforts demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset and a willingness to continually evolve in response to patient needs and emerging best practices.

As the Weight Management Center settles into its new home and continues to expand its reach, the team remains focused on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that transforms lives. The accomplishments of 2025 reflect not only the growth of a program but the dedication of a team that believes deeply in the work they do. Their commitment to excellence, collaboration, and patient-centered care continues to shape a program that is making a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of individuals and families across the region.

SUPPORTING NURSES THROUGH INTENTIONAL SPIRITUAL CARE ROUNDING

Contributor: Marc Anderson, MDiv, BCC

Workplace violence (WPV) remains a serious concern in healthcare, particularly in highstress environments like emergency departments. At Sanford Medical Center (SMC), nurses have faced increasing incidents of verbal and physical assaults, creating emotional strain and safety challenges.

To address this, SMC launched an innovative intervention in January 2025: intentional spiritual care rounding. Chaplains began rounding during peak evening hours, collaborating with charge nurses and security teams to identify high-risk situations and provide emotional and spiritual support to patients, families, and staff. This proactive presence offered a calming influence during tense moments and reinforced a culture of care and safety.

Feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that they felt more supported and less isolated during stressful encounters. Interdisciplinary collaboration between Spiritual Care, Nursing, and Security has strengthened, and preliminary data shows a reduction in the escalation of security interventions during rounding hours.

This initiative reflects Sanford Health’s commitment to nurse well-being through:

• Zero-tolerance for workplace violence

• Proactive safety strategies

• Emotional and spiritual support for staff

• Continuous improvement based on data and feedback

By prioritizing both physical safety and emotional resilience, Sanford Health ensures nurses have the support they need to provide exceptional care – even in the most challenging circumstances.

SUPPORTING NURSES AND ENSURING SAFETY IN FORENSIC PATIENT CARE

Contributors: Emilee Geddes, MS, RN, CNL, CCRN and Courtney Bornitz, MSN, RN, RN-BC

Caring for forensic patients – those in custody of law enforcement or correctional agencies – requires a coordinated approach to maintain safety for patients, staff, and visitors. Recent updates, including the Forensic Patient Policy and nurse-driven protocols in EPIC, provide clear guidelines for admission, communication, and procedural considerations.

Key Focus Areas:

• Nurse Support: Nurses play a critical role in implementing safety measures. They receive detailed handoff reports, review the Longitudinal Plan of Care (LPOC), and collaborate with mental health and security teams to ensure safe ambulation and transport.

• Constant Observer (CO) Expectations: COs are essential for high-risk patients, including those under forensic holds. Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining continuous line-of-sight observation, even during showers or restroom use.

• Completing the CO Checklist each shift and ensuring proper handoff.

• Keeping the room free of personal belongings and hazardous items.

• Sitting between the patient and the door, with panic alarms and communication devices readily available.

• Safety Precautions:

• Place “Safety Precautions” signage and ensure forensic patients remain in hospital attire.

• Security sweeps hallways before patient movement; staff should never attempt to physically restrain a patient – use panic alarms and call for assistance.

• Remove items that pose hanging, cutting, or swallowing risks; monitor for hiding places.

• Staff Protection: Employees should never tolerate verbal or physical abuse. Use ARCC (Ask, Request, Concern, Chain of Command) to escalate concerns, document behaviors, and report incidents promptly.

These measures reflect our commitment to creating a safe environment while supporting nurses in delivering compassionate, secure care. Forensic patients present unique challenges, but with teamwork and adherence to protocols, we ensure safety for all.

BARIATRIC SURGERY PROGRAM/ SANFORD

SURGICAL

ASSOCIATES

Written by: Morgan Feenstra, BSN, RN, CBN®

At Sanford Surgical Associates in Sioux Falls, SD, there is a successful and robust Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery program that is averaging approximately 330 bariatric surgeries per year. We offer a variety of surgical options that cater to the patient’s individual healthcare needs. We treat obesity as the complex disease process that it is, and each patient is set up with the best course of treatment for them. Different surgery options may include the duodenal switch, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy as well as revisional surgery and lap band management.

Accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) as a Comprehensive Center with Adolescent and Obesity Management Qualifications, our program is held to a variety of standards we are expected to meet annually. We go through a vigorous site survey every three years. Nationally, there are roughly 900 programs accredited through MBSAQIP, and only 4% of these accredited programs hold the same accreditation level as our program at Sanford Surgical Associates.

Our team consists of a metabolic and bariatric surgeon, 4 advanced practice providers, 6 nurses, an RN health coach, medical assistants, a bariatric dietitian, a bariatric pharmacist, an insurance specialist, and a program coordinator. With a large multidisciplinary team, patients are welcomed to our program with 50+ years of combined experience in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery care. Additionally, the Program Coordinator and RN health coach are Certified Bariatric Nurses, the only ones at Sanford USD Medical Center.

In 2025, our program was also named one of Money’s Best Hospitals for Bariatric Surgery. This list recognizes 75 hospitals across the nation for their excellence in bariatric care, and Sanford is the only program in South Dakota to be recognized.

Our goal with surgery is to improve the health and quality of life for each of our patients –the weight loss is a bonus side effect.

2025 INTEGRATIVE THERAPY INITIATIVE: ELEVATING PERSON-CENTERED CARE THROUGH NURSE-LED INNOVATION

Written by: Margaret Kropuenske, MSN, RN, AMB-BC and Karen Story, BSN, RN, AMB-BC

In 2025, the Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery Clinic at SMC demonstrated the power of nursing leadership and collaboration. Guided by our Professional Practice Model (PPM) –with its core of Person-Centered Holistic Care – nurses spearheaded an initiative to transform the patient experience during procedures.

Recognizing the anxiety and discomfort often associated with cystoscopy, nurses introduced integrative therapies such as music, aromatherapy, and guided breathing. These evidence-based interventions were designed to reduce pain and support emotional well-being, aligning perfectly with the PPM’s pillars of innovation, interprofessional care, and evidence-based practice.

The results were clear: patients reported lower pain scores post-procedure, and the success of this pilot led to a major milestone in March 2025 – the expansion of integrative therapy to all procedures in the clinic. By April, every patient undergoing treatment had access to these supportive measures, reinforcing our commitment to holistic, person-centered care.

This achievement reflects more than improved outcomes; it highlights the support Sanford provides to nurses – empowering them to lead change, collaborate across disciplines, and innovate for better patient experiences. Through shared governance and professional development, nurses continue to shape care that honors the individual and advances quality across our system.

ADVANCING AWARENESS DURING FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK

Written by: Dawn Seeley, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC

During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, nursing leaders and staff across Sanford Health demonstrated a commitment to patient and community safety through coordinated hospital- and community-based outreach activities. These efforts focused on raising awareness, promoting evidence-based fall prevention strategies, and connecting individuals with meaningful resources to reduce fall risk.

Fall Prevention Awareness Week was highlighted during daily safety briefs, featuring brief presentations from interdisciplinary leaders to reinforce key prevention messages. Abby provided an overview of Fall Prevention Awareness Week and announced the launch of a new fall prevention grant. Karla Cazer, MSN, RN, GCNS-BC, CFCN shared information on community-based fall prevention programs and issued a call for additional instructors to support growing program demand. Quality perspectives were provided by Kaitlyn Knodel, MSN, RN, CPPS emphasizing performance improvement and data-driven prevention efforts, while Keila Smtih addressed safety considerations and reinforced system-wide best practices. These concise, focused messages ensured fall prevention remained a visible priority across clinical teams throughout the week.

Interprofessional collaboration further strengthened these efforts. Nursing students participated alongside staff, gaining valuable experiential learning while expanding outreach capacity. Community partners contributed safety recommendations and supported referrals, reinforcing a shared responsibility for fall prevention across care settings.

To further engage inpatient teams and reinforce fall prevention messaging, units participated in a Fall Prevention Awareness Week decorating competition. Units were challenged to create displays that were both educational and creative. Judging criteria emphasized clear communication of fall prevention tips, relevance to the patient population, visual engagement, creativity, and compliance with safety regulations. A People’s Choice category expanded participation by inviting staff, patients, and families to vote via QR code, encouraging shared learning and conversation. This interactive initiative promoted teamwork, innovation, and patient-centered education, while keeping fall prevention highly visible throughout inpatient care environments.

Beyond the hospital walls, the Stand Strong Team expanded their impact through multiple community-based events. In partnership with local organizations, screening and education booths provided fall risk assessments and individualized education for older adults. Participants were connected to proven community programs – including A Matter of Balance, Bingocize®, SAIL, and CAPABLE/Empower – helping translate awareness into sustainable action.

Fall Prevention Awareness Week highlighted the strength of a nurse-led, interprofessional approach to community health. Through coordinated efforts across diverse settings, the Sanford Stand Strong Fall Prevention Team advanced fall-prevention awareness, expanded access to evidence-based programs, and strengthened partnerships that support safe, healthy aging across the region.

Impact Summary

• 32 full individual fall screenings

• 33 individuals received 1:1 education (65 total reached)

• 3 Individuals referred to CAPABLE/Empower program for home safety assessment and probable home modifications

• 5 direct referrals to the upcoming A Matter of Balance (AMOB) class; 9 added to the waitlist

• Multiple new Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) referrals

• 6 USF nursing students gained hands-on experience in fall risk screening and education

SIOUX FALLS PATIENT AND FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL

Written by: Lisa Groon

The launch of the Sioux Falls Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) on November 18, 2025, marked a meaningful milestone in the market’s commitment to patient and family centered care. The council represents a significant step forward in formally integrating the voices of patients and families into quality, safety, and experience initiatives across Sanford USD Medical Center. This work reflects a strong commitment by nursing leadership and frontline nurses to ensure care is shaped not only by clinical expertise, but by the lived experiences of those we serve.

From its earliest planning stages, nursing played a central role in building the foundation of the council. Nurse leaders partnered closely with patient experience and quality teams to define the council’s purpose, structure, and expectations, ensuring alignment with Magnet principles and Sanford’s mission of patient centered care. Nurses helped identify opportunities where patient and family perspectives could most meaningfully inform practice, policy, and education, reinforcing nursing’s role as a bridge between patients, families, and the broader care team.

The PFAC was designed as a collaborative forum where patients, family members, nurses, and interdisciplinary leaders come together to improve the safety, quality, and experience of care. Council members provide input on policies, care practices, and educational materials, identify opportunities for improvement, and partner with staff to co create solutions that reflect real world patient needs. Nursing support was instrumental in shaping this model, ensuring the council emphasized dignity, respect, participation, information sharing, and collaboration as core principles of engagement.

The inaugural meeting brought together a diverse group of patient and family advisors representing a wide range of care experiences. Nursing leaders and staff attended as partners and listeners, reinforcing a culture of humility and shared learning. Advisors were invited to openly share what mattered most to them during their care journeys, providing insights that challenge assumptions and inspire meaningful change.

Looking ahead, the Sioux Falls PFAC will meet bimonthly to learn about organizational initiatives and offer patient and family perspectives on quality, safety, and experience priorities. Nurses will continue to play a vital role by bringing PFAC insights back to units, councils, and improvement teams, ensuring feedback translates into action. Opportunities for collaboration include reviewing patient education materials, informing communication practices, and supporting care transitions and safety initiatives where nursing has direct influence and impact.

The launch of the Sioux Falls Patient and Family Advisory Council reflects the strength of nursing leadership and the profession’s commitment to partnership, compassion, and continuous improvement. By creating space for patient and family voices to inform care, nurses are advancing a culture where excellence is defined not only by outcomes, but by relationships, trust, and shared purpose. This work embodies the spirit of Magnet nursing and reinforces Sanford Health’s dedication to delivering care that is truly centered on those we serve.

NEW KNOWLEDGE, INNOVATION & IMPROVEMENTS PUBLICATIONS

Reinesch, S., Wolles, B., Gramlick-Mueller, A., Leuthold, E. (2025). Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS) - A Pilot. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 69(5) e598-e599.

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

February 5–8, 2025 – Annual Assembly of Hospice and Palliative Care, Denver, CO. Sandra Reinish ADN, RN, CHPN

“I had the honor of presenting our poster Respiratory Distress Observation Scale (RDOS)A Pilot at AAHPM in February of 2025. During the first poster session a nurse educator was waiting to talk to me and excited to learn about our experience and the process. It was a great way to start the sessions. The opportunity to attend the conference allowed me to learn and be inspired by what is happening in Palliative Care and Hospice and bring back a renewed energy for this important work. I attended the Certification Lunch and won the raffle to renew my CHPN certification!”

– Sandra Reinish, ADN, RN, CHPN

April 9–13, 2025 – 50th Annual ONS Congress, Denver, CO. Ashley Heupel MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, OCN - Revitalizing Care: Leveraging PIP to Enhance Nursing Quality and Patient Outcomes.

“This experience strengthened my ability to clearly articulate the work we are already doing to promote safe and effective patient care, while exchanging ideas to support patients at centers across the country. The connections established during my initial presentation fostered ongoing dialogue and created opportunities for broader impact in advancing positive patient outcomes.”

– Ashley Heupel, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC

April 16–17, 2025 – University of Iowa EBP Conference. Deb Hickman DNP, RN, CPNP-PC and Abby Gramlick DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM - APP Transition to Practice.

April 29–30, 2025 – 33rd National Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Conference Lauren DuCharme, BSN, RN & Ryann Davidson, BSN, RN “Enhancing Safety in High-Risk Medication Infusions Through Dual Verification at Shift and Unit Transitions”.

April 29–30, 2025 – 33rd National Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Conference. Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN and Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM; “Lived Experience of Internationally Educated Nurses Transition to Nursing Practice in Rural America”

May 1, 2025 – Sanford Nursing Symposium Fargo, ND. Katie Orton, BSN, RN, CPEN, CEN and Emily Smith, DNP, RN, CNE - Internationally Educated Nurses

June 17–22, 2025 – AANP Conference, San Diego, CA. Deb Hickman DNP, RN, CPNP-PC and Abigail Gramlick-Mueller DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM – The Current State of RN Wellness.

PODIUM PRESENTATIONS

February 13–15, 2025 – International Clinical Nurse Leader Conference, Charlotte, NC. Whitney Edgington MSN, RN, CNL- “Bringing Diabetes Down: An Evidence Based Project Standardizing Social Determinants of Health Screening and Interventions in a Midwestern Hispanic Free Clinic Population to Improve Diabetes Control”

“It was an honor to attend the International Clinical Nurse Leader Association (ICNLA) Conference and share my project. This experience deepened my understanding of how patient stories, paired with strong data, can drive meaningful quality improvements. Learning from CNLs at other organizations reinforced how CNL principles can positively impact my role as a community health nurse. Since attending the conference, I have implemented a research project funded by a Daisy Grant to improve screening and resource fulfillment for our patients’ social needs, and I have continued building data management tools to support our program’s improvement initiatives and measure the impact of our care on patient outcomes. Overall, the conference broadened my perspective on outcome measurement, publishing opportunities, and the emerging influence of AI in healthcare practice and decision-making.”

– Whitney Edgington, MSN, RN, CNL

March 20, 2025 – STTI Nursing Research in Brookings, SD. Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN and Abigail Gramlick-Mueller DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM - The current state of RN Wellness.

March 20, 2025 – STTI Nursing Research in Brookings, SD. Karen Story BSN, RN, AMB-BC and Margaret Kropuenske MSN, RN, AMB-BC – Integrative Therapy for women undergoing cystoscopy.

October 24, 2025 – Avera McKennan Nursing Excellence Conference. Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN and Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM: State of Nurse Wellness in Rural America, Phase 3.

November 12, 2025 – Sanford Improvement Symposium. Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN and Brenda Wolles: The Lived Experience of Internationally Educated Nurses Transitioning to Nursing Practice in Rural America.

November 12, 2025 – Sanford Improvement Symposium. Whitney Edgington, MSN, RN, CNL, Jamie Ackman, PharmD, BCACP & Elizabeth Hindbjorgen, MSN, RN; Social Drivers of Health. Screening to Improve Diabetes Control in a Free Clinic Population.

SIOUX FALLS SANFORD IMPROVEMENT (SI) SYMPOSIUM

The Sioux Falls Sanford Improvement (SI) Symposium was held on November 12, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and highlighted quality improvement initiatives from across the region. The event welcomed 393 attendees.

The keynote speaker Brian Boyle is a published author, healthcare writer, and international healthcare advocate. As one of the leading voices in the field of patient safety, he has given over 400 keynote presentations all over the world for all audiences of healthcare providers regarding the topics of the patient experience, innovation, quality of care, gratitude, effective communication, and patient safety. Brian’s story about catastrophe, survival, and transcending all odds has initiated new and innovative strategies for improving patient safety and quality of care on an international level, as well as serving as a learning experience for healthcare providers of all backgrounds. At the very heart of Brian’s story and presentation is his appreciation and gratitude for the work that healthcare providers do for their patients.

There were 142 posters submitted among the eight categories. The poster categories included: clinical care, communication, cost, Sanford experience, quality of life, safety, evidence-based practice, and research. 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.

CLINICAL CARE

Depression Screening-It’s Not Just For Primary Care

Sanford Sioux Falls Neurology Clinic

Team: Melonie Steffen, BSN, RN; Delayne Severson, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, CPPS

Clean Lines, Clear Minds: Reducing EVD Infections through Standardized Care

Sanford USD Medical Center; Sanford Children’s Hospital - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Team: Callie Zirpel, BSN, RN, CCRN; Erin Thurlow, BSN, RN, CCRN; Holly Madison, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN; McCall Lutmer, MSN, RN, CPN

Behavioral Health Bed Placement: A Virtual Care Team Providing Care Near and Far, Here, There, Everywhere!

Sanford Virtual Care Center Team: Carissa Lathrop, BSN, RN; Brooke Van Dam, BSN, RN; Samantha Johnson, BSB, IT Applications Analyst, EPIC; Mary Kara, BSBA Data Navigator, RHIA; Abby Kuper, MSN, RN, CMSN; Jean Vargas, BSN, RN, CNML & Clinical Call Center Team

Blocks, Nerves, and What the Patient Deserves

Sanford Sioux Falls Spine Center/Physical Medicine & Rehab Team: Amanda McGreevy, BAN, RN; Cassandra Menzel, ADN, RN; Christina Osborn, ADN, RN; Lori Jaeger, BSN, RN; Kristen Ferwerda, BSN, RN; Brittney Thiel, BSN, RN; Kirsten Campbell, ADN, RN; McKenna Dillabaugh, MA

COST

Stocked for Success: A Strategic Approach to Interventional Radiology Supply Management

Sanford USD Medical Center-Interventional Radiology Team: Michele Strasser, MSN, RN, CNML; Angela Helfrick; Alex Magnuson RT(R); Annie Roggenbuck RT(R)

SANFORD EXPERIENCE COMMUNICATION

Walk The Talk: Leadership Rounding that Enhances Experience

Sanford Sioux Falls Children’s Specialty Clinic Team: Shane Hamilton, MBA, MSW, CSW-PIP; Sarah Brown, BSN, RN, CPN; Kristina Tramp, Patient Access Manager

Your Experience Matters

Sanford USD Medical Center-Pulmonary/Pulmonary Acute Team: Brendan Huisman, BSN, RN; Sarah Bushman, BSN, RN, BC; Breana Young, BSN, RN, BC

From Confidence to Care: Vax Champs Advancing the Sanford Experience

Sanford Immunization Strategy Team: Victoria Standley; Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN; Kathleen Paul, BSN, RN, MPH, CPHQ; and others Quality & Safety, Immunization Strategy

QUALITY OF LIFE

Nourish & Nurture: Integrating Food Security into Women’s and Children’s Health

Sanford Sioux Falls Women’s Health OB/GYN, Women’s Health MFM, Midtown Family Planning, Children’s MB2 Clinics

Team: Margaret Kropuenske, MSN, RN, AMB-BC; Karen Story, BSN, RN, AMB-BC; Tina Johnson, BS, RDMS; Karen Wingler, Administrative Asst; Sarah Schaefer, MSN, RN, AMB-BC, CBC; Camille Moser, BSN, RN; Megan Johnson, BSN, RN; Emily Livingston, BSN, RN; Nicole Schroeder, Patient Access Supervisor; Brittany Aman, Administrative Asst; Karen Montileaux, Administrative Asst; Paige Metz, BSN, RN, CBC; Heather Hofer, BSN, RN; Kristina Tramp, Patient Access Supervisor; Jessica Johnson, BSN, RN; Taylor Tieszen, PCT

Filtering Facts

Sanford Sioux Falls Nephrology Clinic Team: Charles Olinger, BSN, RN, GERO-BC; Rui Shen, ASN, RN

SAFETY

Drifting Towards Patient Safety

Sanford USD Medical Center – Surgical Trauma

Team: Piper Schulz, BSN, RN, RN-BC, TCRN; Emily Fairbanks, BSN, RN; Kendra Minnaert, BSN, RN, RN-BC; Courtney Bornitz, BSN, RN, RN-BC

Patient Centered Fall Prevention

Sanford USD Medical Center – Surgical Renal

Team: Sarah Azure, BSN, RN, CCRN; Dawn Seely, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC; Michelle Lovro, MHA, BAN, RN, RN-BC, CNN; Amanda Gibson, BSN, RN, RN-BC

RESEARCH

Promoting Wellness Among Rural Nurses: Barrier, Interventions and Implications for Practice

Sanford Health Nurses

Team: Jennifer Wiik, MA, RN; Heather Tverstol, ADN, RN; Karen R. Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN; Michelle Gierach, EdD, RN; Emily Smith, DNP, RN, CNE; Deborah Hickman, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC; Abigail Gramlick-Mueller, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, RD, CCM; Martha Erickson, BSN, RN; Becky McDaniel, PhD, RN, PMH-BC; Amber Allen, MSN, RN, CPHQ, OCN; Anna Ferguson, MSN, MBA, RN; Samantha Bartelt, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC

EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE RESEARCH

To Foley or Not to Foley: Weighing the Benefits Against the Risks for MAG3 Renogram

Patient Imaging

Sanford Nuclear Medicine/Stress Lab

Team: Suzanne Swan, BSN, RN; Eric Egan, CNMT; Jill Swanson, BSN, RN; Brett Peterson, CNMT

Building a Safer Foundation: Establishing Core Nurse Intern Competencies for Quality Care

Sanford Enterprise LEAD team

Team: Ann Massey, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, NPD-BC; Amy Hunsley-McTighe, MSN, RN, CNECS; Joslyn Strating, MSN, RN, CMSRN; Michelle Johnson, BSN, RN, ONC; Andrea Lewis, MSN, RN; Camie Anderson, BSN, RN; Traci Barnable, PhD, MSN, RN; Adam Johnston, BAN, RN, CEN, CPEN, NPD-BC; Morgan Brilz, MSN, RN; Donna Hardie, E.Ds.

Implementing a Hospital-Based Internship or Students in an Accelerated Nursing Program: An Evidence-Based Practice Initiative

Sanford USD Medical Center

Team: Joslyn Strating, MSN, RN, CMSRN; Samantha Shantz, MSN, RN; Abby Gramlick-Mueller DNP, RN, FNP-BP, RD, CCM

BRAITHWAITE AWARD

PIP PIP Hooray!

Team: Ashley Jarman, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC; Brittany Hoffman, BSN, RN OCN; Brittany Vierhout, ADN, RN; Jen Biteler, BSN, RN, OCN; Joseph Segeleon, MD, FAAP; Kaitlyn Knodel, MSN, RN, CPPS; Kally Korn, BSN, RN, CSC; Kayley Garry, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC; Kelly Hefti, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, COHN-S: Kelsey Fujan, BSN, RN; London Zerfas, MSN, RN, CIC; Nick Schaefers, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN; Sawyer Hill, BSN, RN; Sharese Kelliher, BSN, RN, RN-BC; Tanya Cuppy, MSN, RN, CIC

SANFORD BOARD AWARD

Thera-WORKS: Boosting Bathing Compliance One Wipe at a Time

Sanford Hospital Pediatrics

Team: Gabrielle Holbert, BSN, RN; Erin Thurlow, BSN, RN, CCRN; Holly Madison, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN; McCall Lutmer, MSN, RN, CPN