Avera Nurse Was ‘Raised to Respect and Empathize’

1 West, the surgical-trauma floor of Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, is busy. Nurses focus on providing personalized care to patients, predominantly those awaiting or recovering from surgery, but also patients with various medical concerns. They also have an acute, intensive care step-down pod housing patients requiring high oxygen intervention and healing from traumatic events.

Ethan Gilbert, a registered nurse — and the rest of his team — is fundamental to the action and care on the unit. It’s a challenging career, but adaptability, teamwork and a desire to make a positive impact transform the job into Gilbert’s purpose.

“I’m blessed with compassion and kindness, and I’m humbled that my patients put their trust in me,” said Gilbert. “I was raised to respect and empathize, which has always stuck with me.”

Job Flexibility While Earning a Nursing Degree

Health has always been a part of Gilbert’s story. As a child and young adult, he excelled in sports and continues to place a healthy lifestyle as one of his top priorities.

His love for nursing blossomed when he was a CNA caring for people in a nursing home. Gilbert’s best friend, an intensive care registered nurse, sparked his interest in hospital care. Gilbert applied for and received a position on 1 West, where he worked as a patient care technician while earning his LPN degree from Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls.

Gilbert’s journey did not end there; he continued attending Southeast Tech and received his RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing. He mastered the heavy load — working two 12-hour shifts a week, pursued a full-time nursing program, nurtured his family and friend relationships, and still cared for himself.

Gilbert appreciated Avera’s unwavering support and encouragement; they provided flexible hours and time off, which assisted in ensuring his educational and personal success.

“The flexibility helped me stay on top of my studies as well as my career and personal responsibilities,” he said. “They were truly invested in me.”

Avera provides a student loan reimbursement program. This opportunity offers $167/month repayment on federal student loan principals. The maximum overall contribution is $10,000 over five years.

Colleague Support During Difficult Times

When patients’ well-being is at the forefront, staying on your toes as a nurse is an understatement. Gilbert is familiar with day-to-day demands of assessing patients, administering medications and communicating with care team members — but knows he can rely on his team at any time.

“There’s always someone there to have my back during stressful moments,” said Gilbert. “My colleagues give me a hand when patients need extra care or when helping patients’ families through a difficult time.”

In addition to his excellent team, Gilbert and all Avera employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program. Avera EAP offers short-term counseling for employees and their families to address personal and workplace issues. While sessions don’t treat medical conditions or resolve ongoing concerns, it’s a front door to getting the help they deserve so that they can be more effective at work.

A Job Where You Feel Appreciated

Avera understands that its greatest assets and representatives are its people. As an employer and organization founded on Christian values, people come first. One way Avera honors its employees is by offering benefits showing them they are appreciated.

And to Gilbert and other Avera employees, the atmosphere just feels special. “It feels like Avera sincerely values its employees and strives to treat us well.”

Some of the benefits Avera employees have access to include:

• Competitive pay and health insurance – Avera aims to remain a competitive employer in the region by offering great pay and health insurance options, including a free health insurance option with a corresponding health savings account.
• PTO – New employees receive 40 hours of PTO on their first day of work. In addition, PTO rolls over year to year and accrues up to 320 hours. “It accumulates quickly,” said Gilbert, who prefers to save his.
• 403(b) retirement – Dollar for dollar, Avera will match up to the first 5% that you contribute as 403(b) or Roth contributions. “That 5% match is very generous and gives Avera an impressive edge,” said Gilbert.

“Whether it’s caring for patients or maintaining relationships with employees, Avera has this consistency to do the right thing by people,” said Gilbert. “That aligns with my values. Avera strives to make a positive impact in whatever they do, and that’s something I can appreciate.”

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