For the Gillicks, Avera is a Family Affair
A quintet of family members helps make Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, SD, a better place for patients, customers and families.
They’re the Gillick family, relatives who serve in a variety of departments and roles.
“I think our common thread is kindness,” said Laura Gillick, BSN, RN, inpatient education coordinator at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital. “We all care a lot about the people we serve.”
Gillick explained that her family is spread out – they all work in different areas – and they all enjoy the work.
“It shows Avera’s a good place for almost anyone,” she added. “My mom works here, too. It’s definitely a family affair, and we enjoy it when people notice the nametag and mention it.”
Multiple Generations Filled with Compassion
OB nurse Yvonne Gillick, RN, is the family member with the longest tenure at her hospital. She too is following the footsteps of another.
“I remember my mother’s work as an aide, and how careful and kind she would be with patients, holding their hands and just spending time with them,” Yvonne said. “Her example has shaped me and my work.”
Her brother, John, said each day at the facility is a chance to change a life.
“It’s exciting to be part of a small team who all believe in that Avera mission,” said John Gillick, RN. “We’ve all received positive comments about the family members here – and it’s nice to see them during the course of the workday.”
The family realizes that what they give is often “what they get.” Compassion can make a big difference – they know this lesson personally.
“Even our own family members have experienced some difficult times,” said Lori Gillick, RRT, RPFT, a certified asthma educator. “We felt the care that we had at Avera was palpable. We all share a common goal and that is to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Impacting Lives As a Family
John Gillick said he’s proud his daughter, Ashlea, was an intensive care nurse and a nurse practitioner at the hospital before she moved.
“She felt what we all have – the excitement of being part of a small team doing big things,” he said. “We find solutions. We lift one another up.”
While families grow, or members move onto new chances in life, there are things that remain constant for the Gillicks.
“We’ve all mentored new employees, and I think we really show them the satisfaction that can come with Avera careers,” Lori said. “We are blessed with the daily reminders and rewards that come from giving back to others.”
Living the Mission as “Team Green”
Chris Gillick, lead technologist in the radiology department at Avera St. Luke’s, began his career in 2012 at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls.
When the chance to move and work closer to his home in Ipswich, SD, came up, he took advantage. It was about more than location.
“That’s what I tell people considering joining our ‘Team Green’ – there’s really no calling greater than the one we have here, serving people and families,” Chris added.
He said having so much family impacts how he aims to live out the Avera mission. "As I help patients throughout my day,” he said. “I do so because I want to make sure Grandma ‘Vi’ Gillick doesn't think I'm stepping out of line.”
Pictured, from left, Chris, Laura, Yvonne (seated), Lori and John Gillick.
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