Nurses are trained to not only care for sick and injured patients but comfort families, assist doctors, and keep on top of the latest research and treatment techniques, all while working long hours in a demanding physical environment. Despite this, many of these nurses perform their duties with compassion, empathy, and enthusiasm, going above and beyond what is expected of them.
Black Hills Family, along with Rapid City Medical Center and Black Hills Surgical Hospital, honors these exceptional nursing professionals every year based on nominations from readers, parents, doctors, and hospital staff.
Meet 2019’s five amazing Nurses of Excellence!
WORDS BY JENNA CARDA
PHOTOS BY JESSE BROWN NELSON
Kerry Leighty
RN, BSN
School Nurse for Rapid City Area Schools
Kris Simonds
Chief Nursing Officer, BSN, RN
Black Hills Surgical Hospital
Jolene M. Hartley
Operating Room Nurse & Research Coordinator
Black Hills Surgical Hospital
Kayla Arnold
BSN, RN, CBC
Regional Health – Rapid City Hospital
Stacy Barnes
RN
Rapid City Medical Center
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