Working in healthcare can bring a variety of rewarding moments, for those who choose to work in rural communities, those moments can be unique and even more gratifying. Jennifer Jensen is a Physical Therapist with Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. She says the patients she serves are more than patients. “I thoroughly enjoy working in a small community. Working with our patients, they seem like family because they will thank me at work but then I see them in the community, and they thank me again.” Jennifer Jensen, Physical Therapist, Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital, Wessington Springs, South Dakota.
Jennifer started her healthcare career in high school as a nurse’s aide in her hometown of Inwood Iowa. Today she celebrates 27-years as a healthcare professional with 16 of those as a physical therapist and the last 10 years have been with Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital. Her husband Ryan is originally from the Wessington Springs area, and they decided to move back to his hometown in 2012, where much of his family still resides. “We live in this community, and we have 5 small children, and I have the opportunity to raise my kids in a small town and let them go to a small school, plus I can use my degree and work in a quality healthcare facility here and I don’t have to commute to work every day.” Jennifer Jensen, Physical Therapist, Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital, Wessington Springs, South Dakota.
Avera offers a student loan reimbursement program for up to $10,000 dollars for the course of five years, for those who qualify. There are openings for both nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA) at both Weskota Memorial Hospital and Weskota Manor. To apply, visit WWW.AVERA.ORG/CAREERS.
To watch the full Hometown Healthcare Heroes Video featuring Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital, Weskota Manor and Wessington Springs, Click Here.
To learn more about the SDAHO Hometown Healthcare Heroes Campaign Visit our website or Contact Stephanie Rissler, SDAHO Communication Manager Stephanie.Rislser@sdaho.org / 605-789-7530