Highlight a Nurse! Andrea Sperr

NDNA interviews great ND nurses to be featured in our quarterly newsletter, The North Dakota Nurse, our monthly NDNA eNews, and on Facebook!

This week, we meet Andrea Sperr, RN

"My name is Andrea! I am the oldest of three siblings, I have only ever had Dalmatian dogs my entire life. I like to fish and spend time outside as much as possible. I also really enjoy fitness and workout almost daily even before I work! I won a Daisy award, and have worked med-surg trauma as an LPN for four years, then have worked for the past two years as an RN ER nurse. I also have my SANE certification, and have my TNCC, ENPC, PALs, and ACLS."

*What led you to become a nurse?

"When my mom would bring me with to the ER in Alexandria, MN when she would work I would follow the nurses and doctors around and I think that is where I realized that I was going to be a nurse."

*What talents, gifts, or skills do you have that assist you in your day-to-day work?

"I have quick wit, and work best under pressure. I really enjoy being a preceptor for students and new nurses."

*What is a typical day like for you?

"At work? Absolute insanity, its great and awful all at the same time. Nursing is hard but I'm glad that I'm a nurse."

*What are some of the greatest challenges for you?

"Holding my tongue when I'm mad. I grew up a farmer's daughter and was taught to call it as I see it. Not all patients are appropriate and it’s hard to remain calm when they are awful."

*What are some ways that you see your specialty can make a difference in a rural state?

"As an ER nurse, I am part of people's worst days and can be the calm in the storm for them. Having a farm life background really helps when we get the grouchy farmers in that absolutely have no time for the things we are making them have time for."

Andrea was interviewed by Beth Sanford, MSN, RN, CLC.