Deadwood’s rich history and bright future in providing health care

The historic mining town of Deadwood is known for its fascinating past and promising future, attracting over three million tourists annually. At the heart of this bustling community is one of the region’s oldest hospitals, where a dedicated team of physicians, providers, and caregivers stands ready to serve both locals and visitors alike.

Among these skilled professionals is Christine Duerksen, FNP-C, ENP-C, an Advanced Practice Provider at Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Emergency Department. Christine’s recent certification as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) is a significant achievement, as only approximately 1,700 ENPs are dual nationally board-certified in the United States in family nurse practitioner and emergency medicine.

For Christine, pursuing additional certification was a personal and professional goal. She emphasizes her commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care: “I wanted to ensure that I am competent and up-to-date on current practices, demonstrating my dedication to patients, coworkers, and Monument Health.”

The Lead-Deadwood Emergency Room is open 24/7, 365 days a year, catering to patients of all ages with various medical conditions. Christine acknowledges the importance of local access to care: “Without our ER, the community would have to travel at least 20 minutes to receive care.”

The hospital’s Ambulance Service plays a vital role in the Lead-Deadwood healthcare system, ensuring prompt patient transport from homes, hotels, or casinos to the ER. “It’s about how quickly we can provide lifesaving care or stabilize individuals for transfer to higher-level facilities like Rapid City,” says Christine.

As a nationally certified ENP, Christine brings expertise and advanced knowledge to the Black Hills community, reaffirming her dedication to delivering the safest, most efficient, and highest quality care possible. This accomplishment not only showcases her proficiency in the field but also underscores her commitment to staying current on the latest advances and best practices in emergency care.