American Nurses Association Nurses Month May

The Bismarck Tribune has partnered with local hospitals, nursing schools, long-term care and businesses to recognize nurses in the Bismarck, Mandan and the surrounding area who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate care. Access the article. 

This year, 68 nurses were nominated and twelve were selected by a panel of local judges; Tribune readers voted and selected Clairissa Arlt, Director of Nursing for Baptist Health & Rehab in Bismarck, as the readers’ choice (13 honorees total). Congratulations to these outstanding and inspirational nurses.

  • Clairissa Arlt; Director of Nursing at Baptist Health & Rehab | Bismarck
  • Savannah Boltz, Infection Preventionist and Quality Assurance Coordinator; Good Samaritan Society | Miller Pointe
  • Liz Diffely, Critical Access Nurse and Trauma Coordinator; CHI St. Alexius Garrison Memorial Hospital | Garrison
  • Denae Fergel, Unit Director; Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center |Bismarck
  • Tanner Hammer, Health Emergency Department Staff Nurse
  • Danette Heinle, Lactation Nurse; CHI St. Alexius
  • Lacye Knudsen, Cardiac Cath Lab | CHI St. Alexius
  • Cheryl Nieuwsma: Brightside Surgical Ambulatory Surgery Center | Bismarck
  • Dana Pazdernik, Director of Nursing; Elm Crest Manor | New Salem
  • Tasha Schnabel, Infection Preventionist; Dakota Alpha | Mandan
  • Jody Weigel: Hospice Nurse; Hospice of the Red River Valley | Fargo
  • Macy Humann, Sanford Clinical Care Leader; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Samantha Wagner: Oncology Certified Nurse; Sanford Health

Access the list of 2022 Nurse Honorees

These individuals were recognized at the “Nurses – Heart of HealthCare” banquet on May 11 in Bismarck. CHI St. Alexius, Sanford Health-Bismarck and the North Dakota Long Term Care Association are the primary sponsors of the event this year. Governor Burgum spoke at the luncheon and emphasized the importance for the state to continue funding and educating students interested in nursing so that they have the opportunity to one day care for community members.

“It is not just the years of training, the skills and knowledge that you nurses bring — the difference maker can also be your compassion, empathy and caring that you bring to your roles every day,” Burgum said. “And we’re grateful for all of that.”

Shelly Peterson, president of the North Dakota Long Term Care Association, said the organization was excited to participate in the program this year. “They are the heart and soul of long-term care and so deserve to be honored,” Peterson said. “They are positively impacting lives every day and making a difference that is immeasurable. Their passion, dedication and compassion is deeply appreciated and is to be celebrated.”

All nurses are to be commended for their passion, dedication and compassion; especially as we navigated the challenges and heartache stemming from the pandemic. We thank you for continuing to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients, residents and community members. You deserve special recognition and applause for your efforts to excel, lead and innovate every day. You are making a difference and we appreciate you!

Source: Bismarck Tribune May 2022