Nurse of Excellence: Jeryann Sanders

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

  • Tell me about yourself. I was born and raised in Belle Fourche, where I currently live. I have been married to my husband Nate for two years, and enjoy spending my time with family and friends. When I’m not working, I find creative activities to do like gardening, planting flowers, crafts, and refinishing furniture. I play in sports throughout the year, including league softball and bowling, but I also love catching a round of disc golf or kayaking. I also volunteer as a nurse for the Special Olympics in the Northern Hills area.
  • Why did you choose a career in nursing? I’ve always possessed a passion for helping people, but I didn’t always know I wanted to be a nurse. I started my undergraduate studies with pre-optometry coursework, which was very similar to pre-med. Long story short, I sort of fell into nursing. I kept pursuing coursework that was health science related and was encouraged to pursue nursing by my twin sister, who was already two semesters into the program. I eventually applied for the nursing program at SDSU, where I was accepted to attend the Rapid City Campus. 
  • How long have you been a nurse? I graduated from SDSU College of Nursing with my BSN and 3 minors (Biology, Gerontology and Health Science) in December 2013. I have been working as a nurse for the past 8 years. I have experience in medical-surgical nursing, ER, urgent care, and nursing management.
  • What is most rewarding about your job? As a nurse supervisor, I see healthcare from multiple points of views. I not only care for patients, but our employees and collaborating businesses as well.
  • What do you find most challenging? Healthcare is constantly changing, which can be challenging, but also exciting. I invite challenge and have committed to being a lifelong learner.
  • What skills make a nurse exceptional? A great nurse can identify problems and find resolutions. They know their resources and aren’t afraid to ask questions. In fact, they seek information all the time! They possess many talents, including delegation, prioritization, time management, organization, and teamwork. There is no perfectly molded nurse. Many nurses can hold solid core skills, but it’s also the different styles of nursing that should be appreciated.
  • What advice would you give others thinking about becoming a nurse? Stay humble. Always be willing to learn. Nursing is a selfless profession but so rewarding. You meet so many types of people. Having a nursing degree sets you up for many career options and opportunities. Go for it!
  • When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An artist or pianist. I remember having an art kit that my mom made for me. My parents also got me into piano lessons and eventually stuck with choir. I’ve always had an artsy creative side, and have participated in sports since I was a kid.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JERYANN AND HEAR WHAT HER NOMINATOR HAD TO SAY ABOUT HER? CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH THEM BY CLICKING BELOW!