Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) honored its July Exceptional Employee of the Month, Teresa Haatvedt, RN, with a small department celebration earlier this month.
Haatvedt, who has worked as health care workforce recruiter for HRMC for one and half years, was nominated by coworkers to receive the honor. According to the nomination, “Teresa is, without a doubt, family driven which carries over to her day-to-day work routine. She continuously steps up to help – always giving time and energy, even when it is not within her scope of work.”
“Her years of experience working as a nurse and nurse leader, provide an excellent foundation to help students of all ages learn if a career in health care would be a good match,” the nomination continued. “When she is talking with parents and students, she lights up and paints a picture of how rewarding caring for others can be. She is also realistic and offers clear direction on the many pathways and options available for students.”
HRMC’s Exceptional Employee of the Month award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to demonstrate the hospital’s values of being accessible, helpful and knowledgeable. Employees can be nominated by other coworkers 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 July exceptional employee, Haatvedt received 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.
Haatvedt earned her Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in nursing from Huron University. She worked as a nurse at HRMC prior to serving as inpatient services director for 13 years. Prior to returning to HRMC, she worked for Wapiti, a local medical staffing company, and as a quality program manager for the South Dakota Foundation of Medical Care.
“I love using my experiences to help students discover a career in health care,” explained Haatvedt. “I am grateful to HRMC for creating and supporting this role to help the future generation learn how they can impact rural community health care needs for years to come.”
Originally from Huron, she is married to Dr. Cy Haatvedt, a general surgeon with Tschetter & Hohm Clinic. They have seven grown children, several of whom live in Huron, and 13 grandchildren. In her spare time, Haatvedt enjoys camping, fishing, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Patients or visitors can nominate an exceptional employee by calling 605-353-6539 for a nomination form or via e-mail at [email protected].
Rhonda Hanson, human resources director, Haatvedt and Erick Larson, HRMC president and CEO, pose for a photo after she was surprised with the July Exceptional Employee honor.