ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Aberdeen Public School District’s Jeanette Hahler has received the South Dakota Nurses Association’s Nursing Practice Award.

Hahler received the award at the SDNA Annual Convention, held Oct. 6-7 in Yankton.

Hahler, who is the school nurse at Holgate Middle School, has been a registered nurse for more than 37 years. That includes 28 years at Avera St. Luke’s before starting as a substitute nurse with the school district in 2015. In 2016, she began as a full-time nurse with the school district.

Hahler said she was shocked, humbled and honored to be selected for the award out of the approximately 475 SDNA nurse members who are qualified for it.

“Through my years as an RN at ASD, I’ve had the privilege to work at all of the schools, and I have worked with so many wonderful and caring nurses and staff at all of the schools and in various positions (that help me to do my job), as well as caring for the students/families at those schools too,” Hahler said. “Thank you to everyone from ASD—School Board, administration, staff, the nursing co-workers/peers and the Holgate staff/main office staff for their support to do my job every day! It is truly a team effort!”

The SDNA Nursing Practice Award acknowledges a registered nurse involved in direct patient care. The recipient, through strength of character, commitment and competence, receives peer recognition as one who contributes to advancement of nursing practice.

“You won’t find someone who is more dedicated to her profession,” said Aberdeen Public Schools Nurse Coordinator Brenda Heinert said of Hahler. “She shows caring and compassion in everything she does. She has keen sense to details and has exceptional nursing skills.”