2021 Nurses of Excellence

Black Hills Family, Black Hills Surgical Hospital, and Rapid City Medical Center come together once a year to honor and recognize nurses that make an impact in our communities. Nurses are by our side through all of life’s ups and downs, our joys and triumphs, and in our moments of need. They’re there for us no matter what we’re going through — and they take it all in stride.

This year we had over 30 nurses who were nominated by coworkers, supervisors, physicians, patients, siblings, and parents. Narrowing down the list was a difficult task, but it made one thing clear: we have incredible nurses in every corner of the Black Hills. Thank you, nurses, for all you do.

Our seven honorees this year routinely put their patients at ease, support their coworkers, and go above and beyond the call of duty. The stories we heard from the people who nominated them were ones of compassion, laughter, tears, and joy, but most of all, of dedication to the craft of nursing.

Please help us in thanking and honoring our 2021 Nurses of Excellence!

Becky Rose
BSN, RN
Nurse Manager of Ambulatory Operations
at Monument Health Orthopedic and Specialty Hospital

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Danielle Sharp
LPN
Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
at Rapid City Medical Center

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Angel Benson
RN
Nurse Navigator
at Black Hills Surgical Hospital

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Kayla Bentley
BSN, RN
Family Medicine Clinic and Interventional Pain Clinic
at Rapid City Medical Center South

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Jeryann Sanders
BSN, RN
Nurse Supervisor
at Black Hills Urgent Care, Spearfish

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Melissa Rineard
RN
Lactation Services
at Monument Health

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Katy Davis
LPN
Obstetrics and Gynecology
at Rapid City Medical Center

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In addition to our seven Nurses of Excellence, we had over 25 nominations for these 19 nurses throughout the Black Hills — including two previous Nurses of Excellence. Please help us recognize these nurses for going above and beyond.

  • Leanna Basham, Monument Health
  • Pilar Bruch, Monument Health
  • Diana Cornford, Rapid City Medical Center
  • Adam Drake, Monument Health
  • Allison Farella, Monument Health
  • Kathryn Hastings, Monument Health
  • April Johnson, West River ENT
  • Trisha Krull, Medical Air Rescue Company
  • Rikki Plaggemeyer, Monument Health
  • Seyward Rittberger, Rapid City Medical Center
  • Karli Shama, Monument Health
  • Roxy Sweeter, Rapid City Medical Center
  • Mary Thiga, Fountain Springs Healthcare Center
  • Nicole Tramp, Monument Health
  • Barb Volker, Avantara North
  • Katrina Weeks, Monument Health
  • Blair Wood, Rapid City Medical Center
  • Christina Zweber, Monument Health