Barbara (Barb) Stadheim, Registered Nurse at West River Health Services in Hettinger, has been serving the organization in various roles for the last 47 years, was recently selected as the inaugural NDHA DAISY Nurse Leader of the Year by the North Dakota Hospital Association. The DAISY Nurse Leader Award nominations are typically from staff who describe impactful leaders and their ability to provide quality, compassionate care. Seth Fisher, Advanced Practice Provider at West River Health Services Hettinger Clinic, nominated Barbara Stadheim after recommendation from the Administrative Team and employees of West River Health Services.

Seth shared his heartfelt appreciation. During my early days as a nursing leader in acute care, I will never forget her unwavering support as we worked through the night in the ICU. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it is comforting to know that we have true Florence Nightingales dedicated to preserving the future of nursing. Barbara has been an incredible mentor to new nurses and has held various leadership roles throughout her impressive career at West River Health Services. Despite her desire to prioritize family time, Barbara has always answered the call to assist.

Cindy Larson, RN, has worked with Barb for 40+ years in various positions as a floor nurse and later in supervisor roles. Barb has stepped in several times to help with vacant hospital positions. She is an asset when it comes to teaching new nurses.

Duane Fried, RN, Barb treats us as individuals – she knows the best part of each person to bring them together, understands all the positions within the hospital, and can cover each one in time of need. Barb did learn compassion from the best; her mother, Dort Vliem, RN, worked for years serving patients and our community. In 1998 Dort received the Anna Mae Ericksen Rural Nurse Award from the National Rural Nurses Association, recognizing excellence in emergency nursing and rural nursing.

Lani Schultz, RN, explains how honored she is to work with Barb for the past 20+ years. She is a compassionate advocate for the world of nursing. Her working knowledge has contributed to our success at West River Health Services.

LINK to YouTube video nomination https://youtu.be/vHuR4m5Ajkg