Roosevelt Medical Center Announces Employee Of The Quarter

"What's next?" For Danielle Christensen, a night nurse at Roosevelt Medical Center, it is recognition as the most recent Employee of the Quarter. More importantly, the question, 'what's next,' is one she asks herself each time she steps on the hospital floor, enters a patient room, or manages an emergency room trauma. "I am always working through my tasks mindful to be thinking about what I need to do next, while also planning for contingencies that may become necessary," she said.

Last week, her peers and coworkers selected her as the Employee of the Quarter for her commitment to patients and dedication to quality care. "Danielle takes initiative and often takes it upon herself to ask others if there is anything she can do to help," said Karla Hunter, Director of Nursing. "She's been helpful with department changes as they come and willingly takes on complicated tasks and projects with enthusiasm," Hunter continued.

Christensen also helps new nurses get acquainted with the facility. "It's nice to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and teach them best practices as soon as they arrive to ensure we maintain a high level of care," she said.

Christensen will be the first to tell you nursing takes heart. "I love history and I love listening to the residents talk about their memories and past. I enjoy getting to know them and developing that personal connection. It can also be over-whelming and you can have sad days, but I can't imagine doing anything else," she said.

Growing up with a father who served in the United States Marine Corps, Christensen said she was raised alongside her six sisters to have a strong work ethic. "My dad believed any job worth doing was worth giving your very best to and that has driven me every day in everything I do," she said.

Christensen has been employed at RMC for the past 14 years and began her nursing career as a certified nurse's aide immediately after graduating from Sidney High School. She attended Williston State College and received her licensed practical nursing degree in 2006 and her registered nursing degree in 2011.

With a love for learning, Christensen has an interest in pursuing a degree in forensics nursing, an area of study she has always been interested in. "In high school I wanted to study forensics, but later, a friend of mine asked me to consider going to college with her for nursing and I did," she recalled.

Formally, a resident of Sidney, she currently lives in Culbertson with her two children, Jayda, 14, and Kabe, 12 and her fiancé, Brian.

Since the Employee of the Quarter recognition program began, staff members have nominated Christensen each time.

Staff will have until the end of June to make nominations for the next employee of the quarter. A new nomination committee will be selected at that time to ensure more staff and community members are able to have input in the decision-making process. This is an effort to keep the selection process balanced and fair.