Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) honored its August Exceptional Employee of the Month, respiratory therapist Gerri Carpenter with a reception on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
Carpenter, who has worked in HRMC’s respiratory therapy department for one year, was nominated by coworkers to receive the honor. According to nominating coworkers,“Gerri is always smiling, positive and a complete joy to be around!”
“Her past experiences give her insight on ways to improve processes and she willingly shares those ideas,” the nomination continued. “Gerri is an amazing patient advocate – it is fun to watch the smiles and joy she can put on the patient’s face!”
HRMC’s Exceptional Employee of the Month award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. Employees can be nominated by other employees or by a patient or visitor who witnesses exceptional service. A committee of employees from various hospital departments chooses the employee on a monthly basis and an Exceptional Employee of the Year is chosen at year-end from the 12 monthly honorees.
As August exceptional employee, Carpenter received a reception with friends and coworkers, a meal certificate to a local restaurant, a professional photo session and portrait, $50, a lapel pin and a special parking place for a month.
Carpenter earned an associate of science in respiratory care from Washburn University in Topeka, KS. Prior to joining HRMC, she worked as a respiratory therapist at Avera St. Mary’s in Pierre for 25 years. “I love working at HRMC and feel I’ve found my home here,” said Carpenter.
Originally from Onida, Carpenter is the daughter of Marlin and Nancy McKenney. She lives there with her husband Bruce, who is a farmer. Carpenter’s daughter Darcy (Cody) Keiser, an accountant with the Department of Natural Resources, also lives in Onida and has a 14-year-old daughter named Kaelie. Carpenter’s son Jeremy lives in Huntleigh, Montana, and works as an auto body mechanic. He and his girlfriend LaVette Johansen are expecting their first child in October. Carpenter also has two step daughters: Amanda Moore and Tabitha Area and grandsons Alec and Ryker who all live in Abilene, Kansas.
In her spare time, Carpenter enjoys serving on the Sully County fair board; is active in her church and passionate about all things 4-H.