Connie DeHaan
Registered Nurse
Sanford Health
Sioux Falls, SD USA
“I have the privilege of making people's lives better by helping them when they are at their worst moments.”
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Taking classes in high school that were about the sciences piqued my interest in healthcare.
I had two cousins that were nurse that I looked up to. They were mentors along my way.
I first chose a school to attend that had a hospital program. I got lots of experience and exposure to the hospital environment but I did want a 4 year degree.
After graduating from the hospital program I went to a university to get my Bachelors of Science degree.
Education
High School
Southwest Christian High School
Southwest Christian High School
Career
Registered Nurse
I work in cardiovascular services helping with stress test for patients who are experiencing symptoms of heart disease.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Medicine
Science
Helping People
Day to Day
Some mornings start at 6 AM. Most patients coming to an appointment are very nervous. I educate them on the test, start an IV and complete documentation in their chart. It takes a team to complete a stress test and we all help the patient take their heart pictures and exercise their heart muscle. I analyze their EKG strips and help determine the next steps in their care.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Volunteer or get a position as a patient care tech / nurse aid in a hospital. Focus on the terminology used by nursing staff and others in this setting as it can be overwhelming when you first start school. Being familiar with the process and language of medicine is a big part of being successful. Look at what nursing programs are near you. Evaluate the cost to what your pay will be once you graduate.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Friends:
"You want to be a nurse? It is long hours and you have to wipe people’s bottoms."
Challenges I Overcame
Working Parent
