Nursing At Monument Health

Stephanie Battell, MSN, RN
Nursing Director of Inpatient Oncology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Surgical and Medical Departments at Rapid City Hospital

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• There were so many lessons from my education experiences. I think one of the biggest lessons was to always continue to grow and challenge yourself even when there are days when it is hard to do so. What some might find as unattainable goals are the same things that keep others going. We need to continue to grow our knowledge in the nursing profession.  

Area of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Inpatient Oncology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Surgical and Medical Departments. 

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Grateful, Passionate & Stimulating 

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Implemented the concept of Flexible Acuity through the entire RCH inpatient hospital. Initiated intermediate care throughout the hospital while implementing telemetry and changing the entire orientation and training for all nurses in the inpatient adult setting, with the exception of ICU. Allowing all patients to stay where they are originally placed. This decreased internal transfers from over 200 a month to less than 20. Most importantly, it kept the patient where they would receive the best care related to their diagnosis.

Michelle Boelter, MSN, RN
Nursing Director at the Cancer Care Institute

Achievements:

• MSN Leadership and BSN
• MSN with Distinction
• BSN with Honors

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• The most valuable lesson that I learned from my education is that real world mentorship is crucial to attaining true knowledge in all areas of study.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Oversight of clinical staff in Cancer Care Institute

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Challenging, fulfilling, humbling

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Professionally, I am most proud of challenging myself by venturing out of the health care bubble I had been nestled in for 25 years. The prospect of leaving my former organization, where I had started as a unit clerk and eventually transitioned to a registered nurse, was very daunting. Accepting that challenge and growing from that change has been exceedingly rewarding.

Heath Boetker, BSN, RN
Nursing Director at the Heart and Vascular Institute

Achievements:

• I have been nominated for the Daisy Award, Rising Star Award and the Guiding Star Mentor Award. Although I did not win these awards, I take great pride in being nominated. I was chosen as a recipient of the Lee Health award for Nursing Excellence.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• During my BSN classes, I learned the value of evidence-based practice and how change can and should be used for nursing practice. This has helped me during my career from the bedside to leadership.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• I oversee nursing operations for the Heart Vascular Institute clinic in Rapid City. This includes all areas within General Cardiology, Electrophysiology and Device Clinic, Vascular, Structural Heart, Heart Failure, Cardiac Surgery departments. The Heart and Vascular Institute also completes testing for patients who need nuclear and exercise stress testing as well as a full-service line of ultrasound testing including vascular and echocardiograms.
  I am responsible for inpatient and outpatient nursing and sonographers within our Cardiac Services Department. This area is responsible for testing and care for patients that need stress testing, echocardiograms and transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE), and inpatient electrocardiograms.
  I also oversee operations for Cardiac Rehab in Rapid City, Sturgis, Spearfish, and Lead Deadwood.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Rewarding, Challenging, and Exciting

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• The fact that I was able to enter the nursing profession as an older (non-traditional age) student and progress through my field from a bedside nurse to a Director of Nursing. I have been able to make a difference for patients, co-workers and staff members – all in my chosen specialty of cardiology.

Rebecca Bradley, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Nursing Director of Float Pool, Transfer Center and Nursing Excellence at Rapid City Hospital

Achievements:

• Currently enrolled in a DHA program through Walden University
• Member of Inaugural Elevate Leadership Institute – Class of 2022
• Board Certified Specialist in Nursing Professional Development
• Mental Health First Aid Certified

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Even with years of formal education, there will be situations and learning opportunities that you will need to rely on your peers and mentors to help work through. Textbooks, projects, and prescriptive education lays a foundation for which your life experience, resources, and internal values and judgment allow you build upon to be successful.

Areas of responsibility at MH?

• Empowering and leading Monument Health to a nursing excellence recognition offered by the American Nurse’s Credentialing Center – Magnet Designation.
• Serving as an advisor to the nursing leaders, clinical nurses, and advisory teams to promote nursing excellence, recognition, empowerment, through Shared Decision Making and professional development of nurses.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Unexpected
• Joyful
• Growth

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• The relationships I have made and maintained over the eight plus years in this profession. In nursing there are thousands of opportunities for growth and development. We get the opportunity to pick a passion and thrive—all my accomplishments have stemmed from role models and mentors I have had over the years. I am proud of our nursing profession.

Suzanne Campbell, DNP, RN, NE-C
Nursing Director at Spearfish Hospital

Achievements:

• ASN – Nursing
• MSN – Clinical Nurse Specialist (Cardiology)
• DNP – Executive Leadership
• Leadership Award – Rapid City Hospital

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Probably not a good question for me – I love all educational opportunities. I suppose if there was anything that stood out was that furthering my education did not necessarily make me a more skilled bedside nurse, but it did open my eyes to the broader world of healthcare and made me a better person.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Spearfish Hospital Acute Care, Spearfish Surgery Center, Surgery, Wound Care, & Care Management

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Greatest personal decision

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Hard question – Caring for others as I’d have them care for my family.

Angela Dahlke, MSN, RN
Nursing Director at Sturgis Market

Achievements:

• BSN from SDSU
• MSN from American Sentinel University
• Recipient of Academic Excellence Award, SDSU West River Outstanding Nursing Student award.
• Participated in the Veterans administration VALOR program
• Scholarship awardee.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Being an active participant in your education is the best way to ensure success. Anything worthwhile takes commitment, dedication and hard work.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• All nursing at Sturgis Hospital and Clinic

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Rewarding, Challenging (in a positive way) and Evolving.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• As a nurse governance member and officer, I was on the team that developed the Nursing Star Awards as a way of recognizing the accomplishments of nurses within the Rapid City market. It has grown and evolved over the years, but I take great pride in seeing that these awards have become a tradition within our entire system.

Nita Dunham MS, RN, CMAC, NE-BC
Senior Director of Case Management

Achievements:

• I earned my Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from the University of South Dakota and my Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University. I hold certifications as a Case Management Administrator, Long-Term Care Administrator. I am a Board-Certified Nursing Executive.
• I led a team that was the recipient of the Monument Health Quality Showcase in 2019 and was recognized nationally in 2019 by receiving a Hirsch’s Hero honor through RAC Monitor.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• I learned the versatility of nursing and the cascading impact that this profession can have for the organization, communities and patients that we serve. It was eye opening to learn the impacts that can extend beyond the medical into financial, legal, and regulatory arenas.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• I have the pleasure of overseeing Case Management in our hospital settings as well as being responsible for nursing practice in Long Term Care, Dialysis, and Infusion Services.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Blessed beyond measure

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• From a team perspective, I am the proudest of the teams that we built and how that results in exceptional care for the patients we serve. That is where I find joy, purpose, and inspiration.
• From a personal growth and development perspective, I am proudest of the experiences that I have had presenting at numerous national conferences, being able to publish 3 articles in peer-reviewed journals and being able to tell the story of the incredible things that are happening at Monument Health.

Tasha Frisinger, MSN, RN, CNML
Vice President of Nursing for Rapid City Market

Achievements:

• MSN: Leadership and Management
• BSN
• Associate Arts; Nursing
• 2021 Rose Award for Female Leadership in the Community
• 2021 Healthcare Hero Award- covid19
• 2013 Regional Health Leadership Award

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• I valued learning diversity and the impact education can provide to invest in people and communities.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• All inpatient care at Rapid City Hospital including the Emergency Department and Behavioral Health.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Diverse, Adaptable, Resilient

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• I am the proudest of the teams I have been blessed to be a part of. When we have various people coming together for a shared goal, the outcomes are always stronger than the strategy of one.

Kamela Johnson, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CPN
Nursing Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Rapid City Hospital

Achievements:

• Certified Pediatric Nurse, 2012, Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
• Executive Nurse Certification, 2021, American Nurses Credentialing Center
• Yellow Belt Certification 2021, Monument Health
• Green Belt Certification 2022, Monument Health

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• I can do tough things!

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Women’s and Children’s Services to include, Labor and Delivery, Mother Baby, Pediatrics, Advanced Care Pediatrics, NICU and Lactation Services.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Patient Care Centered

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Leading collaborative multidisciplinary rounds team for the hospital.

Jake Kleinschmidt, MSN, RN, PCCN-K
Nursing Director of Intermediate Care & Inpatient Cardiac Services at Rapid City Hospital

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• In healthcare learning is perpetual and change is constant.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Director Cardiac Cath Lab, Electrophysiology Lab, Cardiac Prep Unit, Observation Unit, Progressive Care Unit, Heart and Vascular Unit, and Cardiovascular Quality.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Challenging, Interesting, Rewarding

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Integrating the cardiovascular procedural and inpatient service line.

Shaye Krcil, MSN, RN
Nurse Practice Consultant

Achievements:

• My undergraduate degree is from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I obtained my Master of Science in Nursing from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• You are never done learning! Those who are continuously learning, who have a spirit of inquiry and follow it through and apply it, who aren’t afraid to ask “why?” – they are the nurses who will shape health care and the profession of nursing for the next generation.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• I support the Chief Nursing Officer in the promotion of top of license nursing practice, serving as a resource for scope and standards of nursing practice throughout our system. I help facilitate the implementation of evidence-based practice in all care delivery locations to continuously improve the quality of patient care.
• I am also involved in programs that support professional nursing practice, encourage recruitment and retention and improve the work environment for nurses. This includes serving as a liaison with our supply chain to assist in standardized equipment and supply purchases and identify nursing educational needs. As well as the liaison with our Epic team as we work to increase efficiencies, accuracy and completeness of our electronic medical record.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Rewarding, challenging, inspiring

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Partnered with the Department of Health and the other health systems in South Dakota to help create a state-wide trauma service.
  Led Monument Health (then Regional Health) to our first Level II Trauma Verification through the American College of Surgeons and Magnet Designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
  Received and administered a multi-million dollar grant to develop mobile healthcare simulation in western South Dakota.
  Helped grow and mentor multiple nursing leaders through our shared-governance structure. Many of whom have gone on to leadership positions within the organization or academic institutions.

Heather Lester, BSN, RN
Nursing Director at Lead-Deadwood Hospital

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• The most important lessons I have learned from my education and career are the need to adapt to the situation in front of you and the need to sincerely listen to your patients and caregivers.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Lead Deadwood Hospital Nursing staff, which includes Ambulatory Clinic, Emergency Department, Wound Care and Surgical Services

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Love my profession!!

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• There have been various awards I have received over the years, but the most important accomplishments are the relationships with other caregivers, patients and families, which have been established over the years.

Jennifer Murray, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN
Nursing Director of Emergency Department at Rapid City Hospital

Achievements:

• Bachelors of Science – South Dakota State University 2000
• MBA – Healthcare Management – 2020

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Learning is a lifestyle – it doesn’t have to be done only in an official classroom setting! Seek and learn something daily!

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Emergency Services in Rapid City Hospital

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Challenging, Rewarding, Meaningful

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• Leading an amazing group of invested caregivers through the design, build, move and practice improvements of a new Emergency Department!

Kassi Drewitz, RN
Nursing Director of Adult Intensive Care at Rapid City Hospital

Michelle (Shelly) Roy DNP, MHA, BSN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Associate Vice President of Ambulatory Nursing

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• The sky is the limit for nursing education/opportunities.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Ambulatory Nursing; Ambulatory Case Management; RN Triage Call Center; Diabetes Education (inpatient and ambulatory); Patient and Family Education; Community Health Worker Program.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Patient Centric Focus (Servant Leader).

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• I am most proud when the work I get to do with caregivers positively impacts the patients and communities we serve.

Michelle Sieveke, MSN, RN
Nursing Director of Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care

Achievements:

• Western Dakota Vo-tech- LPN1992
• University of South Dakota- RN, Associates Degree -2005
• South Dakota State University, RN, Bachelor’s Degree – 2013
• Western Governors University, RN, MSN, Nursing Leadership and Management – 2014
• Award: 2020 Quality Showcase Winner – Developing a Home Care Productivity Model

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Education is one step in the process of growth. My formal education laid the foundation of the professional opportunities that I have encountered. I have learned that my formal education is just the beginning as I learn something new every day. Learning is constant.

Areas of responsibility at MH?

• Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Meaningful, Rewarding, Collaborative

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• I am most proud of the excellent care and compassion my team provides to our community. I realized very young as an aide working in hospice that this was my calling and I have been blessed to dedicate most of my career to this field.

Shanon Waldner, MSN, MHA
Senior Director Professional Practice and Development

Achievements:

• Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Health Administration

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• Health care is complex and ever-changing. As a nursing leader, flexibility, collaboration and continuous learning are essential for supporting advances in our profession and in nursing care.

Areas of responsibility at MH?

• I have responsibility for nursing professional development education across the Monument Health system. This includes nursing and nursing support orientation, transition to practice, continuing education, simulation and competency programs. I also have responsibility for our Magnet nursing excellence journey.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Rewarding, challenging and fulfilling.

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• I feel a sense of professional accomplishment as I reflect on my growth as a nursing leader and the opportunities I’ve had to impart what I have learned over the course of my career. I am so proud of the nurses I’ve had the privilege to mentor, and I love watching them grow and learn on their own professional nursing path.

Tonia Miller, RN
Nursing Director of Ambulatory at Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street

Achievements: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – University of Texas
• Daisy Award Nominee
• Leading Star Nominee (x2)

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• That no matter how much you learn the nursing profession/medical world is always evolving and you will always continue to learn and grow in your medical career. Every day will bring new challenges that helps to develop you as a person/caregiver/nurse/provider and that allows you to grow and provide excellent patient care.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• Rapid City Clinic, Flormann nursing staff which includes Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Same-Day Acute Care, Infectious Disease, Adult Endocrinology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Infusion Services, Pulmonology and Nephrology

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Challenging, Rewarding, Educating

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• The relationships with patients and their families that I built over the years in Family Medicine as a nurse for five years. I was then able to follow my dream of making the Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street a better place to work when I was hired as a nurse supervisor. I worked as a nurse supervisor for one year learning everything that I could to help grow into a leader that people would want to work with and also would want to grow and learn with. After one year as a nurse supervisor I had the privilege of applying and becoming the Nursing Director of the Rapid City Clinic, Flormann Street. Now that I am in a leadership role I am proud of the relationships, trust and mentorship that I have built with all of the caregivers at the clinic. Stepping into this leadership role has been challenging but also rewarding because not only am I growing as a leader, I am able to watch my nurses and caregivers grow, learn and pursue their passions and goals. Being able to support my staff, cheer them on, help however I can and watch them grow is the best reward.

Ace Berry, RN
Nursing Director of Ambulatory at Rapid City Clinics, 4150 and 2805 5th Street

Achievements:

• Associates Degree in Nursing – Miles Community College
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing -University of South Dakota

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• The most valuable thing I have learned is there is always room for growth. Admitting your shortcomings or deficits is the first step to learning how to overcome them.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• I am responsible for Urology, General Surgery, Breast Surgery, Gastroenterology, Trauma, Dermatology, Plastic Surgery and ENT/Audiology at the Rapid City Clinics.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Blessed, rewarding, meaningful

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• I am most proud of the establishment of the Clinical Assistant to Medical Assistant program and the pipeline we have helped build of young people such as Junior Clinical Assistants and Junior Patient Access Specialists to making contributions in our organization. We have always had to rely on recruiting or a small amount of Build Dakota Scholarships to fill our staffing needs. Now, we are growing our own clinical assistants to medical assistants and have a career path that can assist them all the way to BSN while remaining in the organization.

James Woodhead, MBA, BSN
Nursing Director of Custer Market

Achievements:

• Bachelor’s of Science – Nursing, Grand Canyon University
• Master’s of Business Administration – Grand Canyon University

What was the most valuable lesson you learned from your education?

• That there is almost an endless number of nuances associated with nursing and the health care environment; as individuals we will never run out of new challenges and new things to learn.

Areas of responsibility at Monument Health?

• I am responsible for all nursing operations in the Southern Hills Market (Custer, Hill City and Hot Springs). This includes the clinics at each location as well as the hospital and emergency room at the Custer Hospital.

How would you describe your career in three words?

• Engaged, Supportive, Creating Family

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

• The growth and development of any of my current or former employees into areas that they have desires to pursue. I love to support their growth into higher education, different career paths and nursing leadership. I enjoy keeping an eye on their progress, and I feel accomplished when I have supported them in getting to the goals they have for themselves.