NDSU alums Jessie Roesler, left (BSN '19), and Tansy Wells, second from right (MPH '17), were selected 2022 Sanford Brand Ambassadors
“You have 24 hours after you receive this suitcase to claim your seat,” said the note received by NDSU Nursing alumna Jessie Roesler, (BSN ’19). “You have been chosen to be part of a select group of employee ambassadors who are about to take flight for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Roesler, who works as a clinical care leader and oncology nurse at Sanford Health, wasn’t the only NDSU Health Professions alum to receive such a note. So did Tansy Wells, (MPH ‘17) NDSU Public Health, who works as a senior improvement advisor on the Quality and Safety Team at Sanford Health.
Both women were selected as 2022 Sanford Brand Ambassadors because they embody excellence, an outstanding attitude, and demonstrate tireless effort in the work they do and the people they serve.
Wells and Roesler built upon their leadership skills through their college years. Student experiences at NDSU provide opportunities to learn about teamwork and leadership outside the classroom through a variety of student groups and community activities.
Roesler served as one of the College of Health Professions Ambassadors while a student at NDSU. Wells served as president of the Student Public Health Association.
Leadership opportunities began early for Roesler
As a high school student, Roesler also participated in Health Occupations and Professional Exploration, a week-long summer HOPE Camp experience at NDSU and area healthcare providers to learn about careers in healthcare.
“Attending North Dakota State University and being a CHP Ambassador not only helped me achieve and earn a high level of education, but also allowed me to embrace challenges and changes throughout my career thusfar,” said Roesler. “Taking chances and stepping out of my comfort zone, in addition to learning time and stress management strategies, helped me transition to this point in my career,” she said.
“I believe being a CHP Ambassador not only helped my leadership skills, but also my communications skills,” explained Roesler. “In healthcare, clear communication is the key when interacting with the interdisciplinary team, as well as the patients and their families.”
Another former CHP Ambassador, Megan Halvorson Hills (BSN ’10), system clinical education coordinator, is Roesler’s manager at Sanford. Hills nominated Roesler for the Brand Ambassador recognition. Hills was part of the first ever College of Health Professions Ambassadors at NDSU in 2008.
In the nomination, Hills said Roesler has proven that she is a born leader.
“She is one of the most compassionate, motivated nurses I have ever met.” In the nomination, Hills mentioned that one patient wrote: “Jessie was so attentive when I was at my sickest stage, she become instrumental in my treatment,” said the patient. “She stood out for her compassion, empathy, and humor.”
NDSU provided Wells opportunities for growth
Experiences at NDSU also led Tansy Wells to opportunities in her professional career.
“Serving as President of the Public Health Association during my second year in the MPH program helped develop communication and teambuilding skills, and it helped give a glimpse into collaborating with a team of individuals to support a broader mission of an organization,” said Wells.
In her nomination for the Sanford Brand Ambassador recognition, Wells’ strengths were highlighted.
“As a champion for all things SAFE (Sanford Accountability for Excellence) – Tansy wholeheartedly embodies the mission, vision, and values of the organization and exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to building a culture of safety [at Sanford].”
Both Wells and Roesler were among 20 Sanford employees named Brand Ambassadors.
Their recognition included a four-day trip to Austin, Texas, tours, dining, events, and time with a local non-profit organization to help decorate shoes for young abuse victims.
“Being recognized as a Sanford Ambassador was such an honor and surprise,” said Wells. “I feel so supported in my work by our leaders and front-line teams, and my job wouldn’t be possible without their assistance and engagement.”
NDSU Nursing alum Jessie Roesler (center) is surprised by the leadership team when being named a 2022 Sanford Health Brand Ambassador
“One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to know the other brand ambassadors and realizing how many truly genuine people work at Sanford Health,” said Roesler.
When Roesler looks back on her education and career path, “I remember being very nervous to apply as a CHP Ambassador my freshman year, but so thankful that I did! I was looking to find an organization to be a part of and to meet more people, especially in the healthcare field. Throughout my 3.5 years as a CHP Ambassador, I believe it allowed me to grow my leadership skills and overall confidence,” said Roesler.
“I feel very blessed to have found my passion in oncology nursing so early on in my career,” she said.
Learn more about College of Health Professions Ambassadors and about HOPE Camp on our website.
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