HURON — Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) recognized its July Exceptional Employee of the Month, Jackie Kleinsasser, RN, emergency room nurse and trauma coordinator, earlier this month.

Kleinsasser, who has worked as a registered nurse at HRMC for more than 12 years, was nominated by co-workers to receive the honor. According to the nomination by her peers, “Jackie proves that she goes above and beyond her call of duty for her patients, day in and day out.”

HRMC recently received a letter from a family member describing her appreciation for Kleinsasser’s care of her elderly mother who was in the ER while she was out of town.

“I called several times that night on my way back to Huron to check on her and Jackie was awesome. She explained everything they were doing with our mom and also kept me up to date on my mom’s vitals and lab work,” the letter continued. “Being 300 miles away, and knowing at that time, I couldn’t do anything for her, it was very comforting knowing Jackie was there with her.”

HRMC’s Exceptional Employee of the Month award recognizes an employee who goes above and beyond to demonstrate the hospital’s values. Employees can be nominated by co-workers 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 by the HRMC board of directors.

As July exceptional employee, Kleinsasser 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.

Kleinsasser earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from South Dakota State University.

Prior to joining HRMC, she worked as a nurse in critical care units at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minn. She also gained experience as a nursing assistant at Tschetter & Hohm Clinic while earning her nursing degree.

“Being a nurse in my hometown community is a special privilege and I’m thankful for it,” explained Kleinsasser. “Every day in the ER is a little different and I love that I never know what my shift will bring.”

Kleinsasser and her husband, Derik, live on a farm near Woonsocket with their three daughters Addie, Stella and Lila.

Patients or visitors can nominate an exceptional employee by calling 605-353-6539 for a nomination form or via e-mail at hr@huronregional.org.