Growing up on a farm in eastern South Dakota, Sally Kangas thought she was destined for a career in agriculture.
“When I graduated from high school, I was scared of blood. Was never going to be a nurse,” Kangas says.
She earned a degree in agriculture business, but after college, something was missing. A desire to care for others and be of service led Kangas back to class – this time, for a degree in nursing.
“I try to talk a lot of people into the nursing field. It’s so flexible,” says Kangas, now a registered nurse and clinical care leader for Good Samaritan Society – Home Health of the Black Hills in Rapid City.
Following some nursing experience in clinical settings across the state, Kangas moved to western South Dakota to test her skills in home health.
On a typical day, she drives to a handful of clients in Rapid City and its surrounding communities.
“Just being able to support them. Not only their physical journey but helping them mentally and emotionally as well, listening to them,” says Kangas about why she enjoys working with patients.
“Home health, it is the best gig ever. I love my job. It doesn’t really feel like a job truthfully.”
Home health leads to strong nurse-client bonds
Getting to know and take care of people in their own homes leads to strong social connections. Sturgis resident Dee Burton is recovering with a sternum wound and looks forward to Kangas’ three visits a week.
“She knows the dogs’ names and she plays with them while we’re doing all our stuff. They listen to her better than me sometimes,” Burton jokes.
Between technical skills, dealing with wound vacs and dressings, and being a trusted friend, Burton says Kangas is the total package.
“I’ve had a lot of nurses because I spent seven months in the hospital up in Minneapolis,” Burton says. “She tops them all.”
Vietnam veteran and client Bill Paris describes Kangas’ gift for nursing with one word.
“Compassion. Compassion is so important in our daily activities with each other. This one has it in spades,” Paris says.
The Purple Heart recipient has been welcoming Kangas’ assistance for several health issues.
“Sally can’t help it. She comes in, she wants to help you. She listens,” Paris says. “Everything she does, it’s about you.”
Because of Paris’ tremors, Kangas says it would be almost impossible for Paris to sort his medications without support. She’s proud that Good Samaritan goes out of its way to be a provider of choice for those who’ve served in the military.
“My dad is a veteran as well,” Kangas says. “All the more reason that they need us to advocate for them and to help them out. I have the utmost respect for veterans.”
National Ever Forward Nursing Champion
Kangas’ efforts to put her clients first are landing her recognition as the National Ever Forward Nursing Champion.
“She consistently shows up and gives 100% effort, 100% of the time. She is consistently kind, consistently provides the highest level of patient care,” says administrator Laurel Volesky, Kangas’ boss and the person who nominated her for the award.
Senior director Sarah Angelo, who hired Kangas, adds that she “deserves to be the nursing champion because she is the epitome of what nursing excellence looks like. She is what we would measure people against. She sets the bar, sets the standard for that.”
Presented the award in front of her parents and siblings – she is the middle child of seven – Kangas was proud to celebrate with her loved ones. Two of Kangas’ sisters are also nurses.
“When I was surprised with the nursing champion award, it was quite overwhelming,” Kangas says.
“It’s what you strive for. So, to have accomplished that, it’s a great honor.”
Teammates and a few of Kangas’ clients were also in attendance.
“I got a list of some of Sally’s patients in prep for our (surprise) party. I called them to invite them to come. You could not get some of them off the phone. Our Sally? Our gal Sal?” says Volesky, reflecting on how excited they were.
Grateful to be lifted up, Kangas hopes to continue impacting people positively in some of their hardest times.
“I thank God for her,” Burton says. “She is a special person and God brought her into my life.”
Learn more
- Home care nurse is ‘primary reason’ clients stay independent
- Nursing leader shines with cheer, fiery commitment to care
- Nursing champion takes on improving care for all
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Posted In Awards & Recognition, Nursing and Nursing Support, People & Culture, Sanford Stories, Senior Services, Thought Leadership
