Joann Widrig is Clarkson’s new Director of Nursing
Hi! I was born in Madelia, Minnesota and moved to Brandon SD when I was in the 1st grade. I graduated from Brandon Valley in 1990. (WOW!!) I went into the Air Force for Satellite communications immediately after graduation, which was not for me so I got out and moved home and started my first job as a CNA.
I started off as a CNA in 1995 – which I LOVED!!. I later went to school to obtain my Medical Assisting Degree and worked at Sanford Oncology Clinic for 6 years. The physicians there encouraged me to continue on and get my nursing degree so I went back to school and obtained my RN from USD in 2011. At that time Bethany Lutheran Home in Brandon SD was building a new nursing home facility so I worked as a nurse in their Assisted Living Facility until the nursing home was built (18 months). I then transferred to the nursing home as a Neighborhood Leader (Nurse Manager) and worked there for 5 years until I was offered the DON position for Bethany Lutheran Home Sioux Falls, which I took. I worked as DON for 5 years. During this 10 years is when I learned about my love for the nursing home environment. I knew this is what I wanted to do forever!
My husband, Bill and I have 3 children. Quentin (27), Emili (19) and James (18). 1 dog – Scooby and 2 cats – Harley and Whiskers.
Bill was a Union welder and traveled all around the United states and did so for many years. He recently retired from welding and would like to find a more relaxing, enjoyable job here in the Hills. We love to hunt, fish, camp, and ride motorcycles– basically anything outdoors. Quentin is an engineer for VRC here in Rapid City. Emili and James will be moving out here with us and are looking forward to their own opportunities.
We have always LOVED vacationing in the hills and when this opportunity came to move and work here we were ecstatic! We dreamed of one day moving, working, and eventually retiring in the beautiful Black Hills. We are truly blessed to have this opportunity and work for such an outstanding, loving, and team orientated company.