Taking care of a chronically ill child can be one of the most draining and difficult tasks a parent can face. An important part of your child’s care is the healthcare team. Those caregivers provide the care and attention required of your child, but often they are the support system for the family. That is why SDAHO has selected Molly Hohn, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurse from Avera McKennan Hospital and University Center to be this week’s SDAHO Healthcare Hero.
Molly was nominated by the Urban family, whose daughter Sara was under the care of Molly at the cardiopulmonary unit at Avera McKennan. Sara, had profound special needs and was very ill with pneumonia more than once. “Molly is kind, caring and always goes the extra mile. She even French braided Sara’s out of control hair and always garnered a smile and a hug from Sara, when she felt well enough.” Mary Anne Urban, Sara’s mother
Molly has been part of the Avera McKennan family since 2017 and started in the cardiopulmonary unit. Today Molly is part of the Intensive Care Unit. Molly says she has gotten to know people from all walks of life and has gotten to know many of them on a personal level. “To know that I am part of their story in some way is pretty awesome. I don’t think patients know what an impact they have on their healthcare team, but we are definitely affected by our interactions!”
Molly was inspired to enter the healthcare field after watching her dad serve as a Family Practice Physician in her hometown of Sturgis. She loved hearing from people in the community about the impact her dad had on their lives. “It was the best feeling to hear how his work affected them, and I wanted to pursue that for myself and to try to impact people just like he did.”
COVID-19 impacted Molly as it did many in the healthcare community. “Working the frontlines of the pandemic in the ICU has been a really tough challenge physically, mentally, and emotionally. My co-workers and I have had to witness the worst parts of COVID more than we ever thought possible.” Molly admits the past 18 months have been very hard not only for her, but for many who work on the frontline, but there was a silver lining. “It opened our eyes to how capable we are. During the various stages, my coworkers and I worked together in ways we had never had to do before. We had an all hands-on-deck approach and learned how to communicate and work together differently.”
Avera Health is a health ministry rooted in gospel. The mission is to make a positive impact in the lives and health of persons and communities by providing quality service guided by Christian values. Mary Anne Urban, Sara’s mother was a former Avera employee for 45 years and says Molly embodies the Avera Health mission. “I am well aware of the Avera Health mission statement and Molly is an example to all when living the mission.”
When asked how Molly feels about being called a healthcare hero, she says she would not call herself hero but she is honored. “I am in healthcare to make a difference in people’s lives, so knowing I am taking part in that is where I find my fulfillment. To be able to help people during their most vulnerable times is the most rewarding thing. I’m very grateful.”
Molly, congratulations on being a SDAHO Healthcare Hero. Thank you for all you do!
