APP Spotlight: Christine A. Duerksen, DNP, FNP-C, ENP-C

Director of APP Professional Practice, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Certified Family & Emergency Nurse Practitioner, Monument Health Lead-Deadwood Hospital

Since starting at Monument Health in November 2022, Christine Duerksen has come to serve in a dual capacity.

As Emergency Nurse Practitioner in the Lead-Deadwood Emergency Department, Christine is also the system-wide Director of APP Professional Practice, a leadership role that involves partnering with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer to support, develop and guide advanced practice providers (APPs) throughout the health system.

Christine is also an Associate Professor for Mount Marty University’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program, where she educates and mentors the next generation of nurse practitioners.

“My schedule is dynamic and varied,” she said. “On clinical days, I provide comprehensive emergency care in a fast-paced, rural setting. Our Emergency Department varies in volume from day to day, depending on the many events in Deadwood.”

In her administrative role, Christine’s days are filled with meetings, system- level planning and committee work. She also leads initiatives that strengthen provider expertise and improve patient satisfaction.

Christine’s mission is to improve the development and visibility of APPs within Monument Health by ensuring that they are empowered, well-supported and equipped to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.

“As a lifelong learner and educator, I am committed to staying at the forefront of clinical practice and sharing that knowledge with students, colleagues and interdisciplinary team members,” she said. “I find purpose in mentoring, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and shaping a culture that prioritizes clinical excellence and provider well-being. I wake up and am eager to arrive at work to care for the people of the Black Hills, because I love what I do.”

Christine said she feels privileged to work with the dedicated and highly skilled team in Lead-Deadwood because of their commitment to excellence, teamwork and mutual respect. “I greatly value my role as director and look forward to the continued growth and future opportunities for APPs at Monument Health.”

Outside of work, Christine enjoys strength training, biking, canvas painting, baking, hunting, fishing and spending quality time with her family. Taking time to recharge through these activities helps her stay grounded, focused and effective in her job.

Providing Comprehensive Care

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) play a vital role in your health journey as essential members of your comprehensive care team. Serving as physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) these highly skilled professionals work closely with physicians to ensure you receive seamless, personalized care. APPs serve in a number of roles within a health care system and enhance the patient experience by broadening the scope of your health care team. This means you can expect APPs to assess, diagnose, and treat illnesses and injuries, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests and formulate treatment plans while working closely with physicians to provide coordinated care. APPs contribute to a diverse and well- rounded care team, often specializing in areas like family medicine, surgery, oncology, cardiology, emergency medicine and more.

Photos by Kevin Eilbeck