This Is Why I’m a Nurse: Jodi Hillmer
I grew up eight miles down the road, in Browerville, and knew I wanted to be a nurse when I was a senior in high school. I started working at the nursing home in Long Prairie and just fell in love with patient care. I pursued my LPN, RN and then my Bachelor’s degree. Eventually I completed my Master’s degree too and have spent my entire 31-year career working in Long Prairie.
I love rural health because we’re taking care of our families and neighbors.
I love living in a rural community – I love everything about it. And I love rural health because we’re taking care of our families and neighbors. We live here and we know everyone. I remember about seven years ago – shortly after we started the telestroke program with St. Cloud Hospital – one of my mom’s best friends had a major stroke.
She was at home in Browerville with her grandson who called 9-1-1. They brought her to Long Prairie and we connected to the neurologist in St. Cloud. We gave her the clot-busting medication she needed and then transported her to St. Cloud for further treatment. To this day, she has no effects from that stroke. Had we not been here with the ability to treat her, there’s no way her stroke wouldn’t have progressed to the point of damage before she received care. Every time I see her she still talks about how she’s so appreciative of the care she received.
We have so many stories like that. I love being able to walk down the hall at any given moment and see someone I know to say hello. Hearing them talk about the good care they’ve received and the difference we’ve made for them feels great.
Jodi Hillmer, RN, BSN, MBA
Director, Patient Care Services, CentraCare-Long Prairie
Thanks, that is really a wonderful story.
Wonderful story Jodi. Thanks so much for sharing it and thanks for all you do every day.
That’s a wonderful story Jodi! Thanks for sharing it.
That’s awesome to hear ! As part of stroke team I know everyone in the group tries their best. We keep on looking for new ways to help central Minnesota. It keeps on increasing our workload, but hearing a nice feedback helps recharge our motivation !! Thanks !
Thanks for the heartfelt and compelling story Jodi!!
So glad that you decided to stay around home Jodi! You are such a big part of Long Prairie’s success. I enjoyed knowing more of your story. Thank you for the many many jobs that you do so well!
Jodi, You are a great asset to CentraCare.