Jan. 30, 2018

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Claire Hemmer, a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

Name: Claire Hemmer

Age: 24

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Most definitely the weather. Just kidding. I choose to live here because I genuinely love Sioux Falls. It’s big enough where there are things to do yet small enough where my commute to work isn’t a major time commitment.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job would have to be my co-workers. Working in critical care, it’s essential to have staff around you who are willing to help and who encompass what it means to be a team player. My co-workers are incredibly smart, fast-moving and have been fantastic teachers in my first year as a nurse. It is my privilege to work alongside them.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My dad is a CRNA, my mom is a RN, my brother is a pharmacist, and my sister is studying to be a nurse, so I guess you could say health care is in my blood.

Describe working at Avera in three words.

Complex. Challenging. Collaboration.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself staying in Sioux Falls long-term with my boyfriend, Kellen, and our cat, Yammy. We both love this town.