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Rooted in Community: Janie Savelkoul Finds Purpose Serving Minot

Even though Janie Savelkoul grew up and went to school in Mohall, Minot has long been an important part of her life. With grandparents living in town, she spent much of her childhood in the Magic City, eventually choosing Minot State University for college and building a life and career in Minot.

For many students heading to college, choosing a major can be difficult. For Janie, it wasn’t. Her choice to study speech-language pathology came from several reasons.

“My brother has autism and is nonverbal, so growing up, we spent a lot of time around kids with special needs. I got to see many professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, special education teachers and physical therapists, who work with kids,” said Janie.

She added, “That’s what initially drew me to the profession. I wanted to work with children, but when I realized that you could also work with adults, I truly began to develop a passion for the field. I have a soft spot for the adults, and that’s where my biggest passion is.”

Janie’s decision to attend Minot State University marked an important step in her professional journey. The program not only supported her academic growth but also helped shape the skills she would later bring into her clinical practice.

“Minot State offers a great speech-language pathology program. It gave me a good education and background for being able to be successful in my career,” said Janie. That foundation prepared Janie to begin her career as a speech-language pathologist, where she now puts those skills into practice every day.

As a speech-language pathologist at Trinity Health, Janie works with patients of all ages, whether they are recovering from a hospital stay and working toward independence at home or undergoing a combination of physical, occupational and speech therapies. Being able to help many different age groups is something she thoroughly enjoys about the job.

“The main thing I enjoy is helping people in all kinds of different ways. We help kids learn how to say words and learn social skills. We help adults after strokes, traumatic brain injuries, cancer and all these things that can impact swallowing, cognition, thinking and memory. I enjoy being able to improve patients’ quality of life and their ability to communicate,” said Janie.

With ties to the area and a career rooted in helping others, serving the Minot community is especially meaningful to Janie. What began as time spent visiting family and attending college locally has grown into a long-term commitment to providing care close to home for the community she now calls her own.

“It’s really meaningful to meet people every day on the job who know somebody you know. They know your family and friends from all over the state. Minot is a close-knit community, and I love being able to make a difference for someone’s family member,” said Janie.

Through her work at Trinity Health, Janie continues to build a career shaped by purpose and personal connection. Serving patients of all ages, she finds fulfillment in helping individuals and families navigate some of life’s most challenging moments, right here in the community she calls home.

Coming Home to Care: Kelley Vigstol Begins Her Next Chapter at Trinity Health

For Kelley Vigstol, becoming a nurse and eventually a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Trinity Health was a passion that developed early and was something she witnessed firsthand in her family. Knowing she would enjoy that field as well, Kelley followed her passion on her own path.

“My older sister went into nursing, specifically in family medicine. It was nice to follow in her footsteps, but also branch out in my own way,” said Kelley. “Nursing is just a way of caring and giving back to your community. It’s a very diverse field where you see something new every day.”

Growing up in Minot, Kelley always felt a strong sense of community and knew she wanted to finish her education in North Dakota as she pursued her career. This led to Kelley obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Minot State University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of North Dakota.

Although Kelley moved to Colorado Springs to gain experience as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after graduating from Minot State, returning to North Dakota was always part of her plan.

“North Dakota shaped my sense of community. Being around the people I would work with in the future was always appealing to me. Even though I moved to Colorado Springs, I knew I always wanted to return home. It was nice to experience life outside of North Dakota, but to also plan to come back in the future,” said Kelley.

Throughout her time working in the ICU and during clinical experiences, Kelley became more familiar with anesthesia and the role of CRNAs. This ultimately shaped her decision for her career path and helped her develop the necessary skills to become a CRNA.

“As an ICU nurse, you work very closely with your patients, providers, and other departments. It involves critical thinking at all times and teaches you who you can rely on and that you are capable of caring for the person in front of you,” said Kelley. “Meeting the people who work in anesthesia was inspiring and motivating to me. It’s a field that gives you ample opportunity to keep on learning.”

Once Kelley knew she wanted to advance her career and become a CRNA, she enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where she pursued her Doctor of Nursing Practice.

“Nurse anesthesia is a very rigorous three-year doctoral program. You are working and learning the entire time. You are continuing to utilize your critical thinking skills, managing anesthetics, managing patients and coming up with plans. It’s a great field that gives you something new every day.”

As Kelley progressed through her training and clinical experiences, she began to see why nurse anesthesia is such a compelling path for students and early-career nurses who are exploring their next step. The blend of hands-on patient care, advanced clinical decision-making and lifelong learning stood out to her as she considered where she wanted her career to lead.

“Anesthesia is an ever-evolving field that requires constant critical thinking. You’re working through decisions independently while also collaborating closely with others. Ultimately, it’s about caring for the patient in front of you and doing everything possible to keep them comfortable and ensure they have a positive experience,” said Kelley.

In her role, Kelley says the work of a CRNA is both highly technical and deeply personal, offering the opportunity to build trust with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.

“You get to know your patients and you take care of them in their most vulnerable states, focusing on one patient at a time,” said Kelley. “It’s truly a passionate field where you work closely with so many people.”

As Kelley’s career path became clearer, so did the place where she wanted to continue that journey. From her time as an ICU nurse to completing clinical rotations at Trinity Health, she found herself drawn back to the organization that helped shape her professional growth. That connection ultimately led her back as she prepares to begin her role as a CRNA this fall.

“The people at Trinity Health have always been so welcoming, inviting and encouraging. They truly made it easy to come back. It has been a smooth transition. Everyone is so willing to teach and encourages you to learn at the same time,” said Kelley.

She added, “I always knew that Trinity Health was the organization that I wanted to strive to work for. Getting to know all of the people, being able to do clinical rotations and also experiencing life elsewhere helped me solidify the thought of this being the organization I want to work for.”

With her role as a CRNA set to begin this fall, Kelley hopes to encourage students and early-career nurses who may be considering a similar path. Drawing from her own experience, she offers simple but powerful advice for those exploring a future in nurse anesthesia.

“Go for it. The only thing holding you back is yourself. If it’s something you’re interested in, just gain the knowledge and pursue it,” said Kelley.

Teamwork at the Heart of Care: Terri Brown’s CRNA Journey

36 years ago, Terri Brown, Lead Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), began her journey at Trinity Health, working on the medical floor while attending nursing school. Upon graduating, Terri began working in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Trinity Health, where she spent her practicum and developed a passion for the ICU.

Although Terri will always have a passion for the ICU, her 12 years there and her time as a flight nurse laid the foundation for her next passion in anesthesia, where she continues to serve patients today. “The ICU and being a flight nurse gave me the base for all of what someone needs to know to be a great CRNA. The skillset that you develop and the gut feelings you get while taking care of patients really turned out to be a perfect precursor for anesthesia,” said Terri.

When Terri decided to move from the ICU to anesthesia, she eagerly seized the chance to try something new and continue using the skills she loves, now with more autonomy and responsibilities. When it was time for her first patient in her new field, she remembers the feeling vividly.

“I felt proud knowing I was able to care for a patient, and everything went smoothly. It was such a good feeling to know I could do this, especially on my own.”

Twenty years later, Terri continues to care for anesthesia patients at Trinity Health, where she has observed significant changes in the field. Some notable changes include technological advances, increased practice opportunities, the evolution of monitoring technology, and the readily available information and assessment tools that aid in making timely decisions.

“We used to carry a bag full of books to look at when you came across something new. Now, we have so much information readily available at our fingertips. It’s all right there for very quick access,” said Terri.

While many things have changed over the years, one constant has been the support for each other and the culture of the CRNA team, many of whom have worked together for over 20 years, and at both the Healthcare Campus and Medical District and at the Legacy campus.

“Most of our team is homegrown, and we have a family-like atmosphere. We stick together, support one another, help each other out and everyone is ready to jump in if needed. I think that’s what makes us a great team,” said Terri.

She added, “When we moved facilities, it seemed like such an uphill process at first, but it was nice that we all had worked together for so long, developed a plan and carried it out. It was a big undertaking, but it went so smoothly. I think because we all had the experience of working together and knew our plan, it ended up being a seamless move.”

While teamwork and experience shape the foundation of Terri’s work, it’s her commitment to caring for and advocating for patients that continues to define her role in anesthesia. For Terri, anesthesia is about far more than medications and monitoring; it’s about being a constant voice for patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.

“Being there for patients during their most vulnerable moments is the most important thing and always our number one concern. Every decision we make is focused on the patient,” said Terri. “They may not remember us, but we always want them to feel comfortable knowing we care and that everything we do is for them.”

That same sense of care and purpose extends beyond Terri’s work in the operating room and into her long-standing commitment to Trinity Health. For Terri, staying with the organization for more than three decades has always been about more than a job; it’s about the people, the mission, and the ability to make a meaningful difference close to home.

“This is my home. Trinity Health is our community hospital. It serves my family and friends, and I’m committed to this place.”

With years of experience behind her, Terri now finds purpose in mentoring and supporting new CRNAs as they enter the field. She encourages those starting their careers to trust their training, lean on their teams and never lose sight of the patient.

“You will have good days and bad days. Never stop learning and give yourself some grace. There can be such an array of emotions you experience, but it is the most rewarding career,” said Terri.

More than three decades into her career, Terri remains guided by the same purpose that first led her to healthcare: caring for patients and supporting those around her. Through teamwork, advocacy and mentorship, she continues to make a meaningful difference for patients and colleagues alike.

Education and Compassion Help John MacMartin Face His Heart Diagnosis

Prioritizing his health and self-care was always important for John MacMartin. Every year, he would have a check-up every six months with Bruce Roach, MD, Primary Care at Trinity Health, to ensure he stayed well. However, a recent check-up turned more serious when the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) couldn’t get a consistent pulse reading.

Knowing something was “off,” Dr. Roach had John get an electrocardiogram to check the electrical activity of his heart, then John went on to meet Samir Turk, MD, Cardiologist at Trinity Health. When meeting with Dr. Turk, John learned that his heart was in atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm.

Upon learning about his diagnosis, John was surprised to hear he had an irregular heart rhythm. However, in hindsight, he realized that there were previously signs and symptoms that reflected this.

“I was short of breath more often. I live in a two-story home, and climbing stairs was an issue, but I never thought huffing and puffing or being a little out of breath was a huge problem,” said John. “It wasn’t uncommon for me to sit down in my chair and fall asleep in the afternoon. I was a little more tired than usual, but I didn’t realize there was more going on at the time.”

As John was processing the news about his heart issue, he couldn’t help but think about how scary this news was and what it would potentially mean for the rest of his life. However, Dr. Turk and Amanda Weidler, FNP-C, Cardiology at Trinity Health, who also spent some time with John, answered all of his questions and made him feel better about his diagnosis.

“In the conversations with Dr. Turk and Amanda, I realized that people could live long lives who are going through something similar to me. I walked out of my appointments knowing that if I was doing something and became out of breath, sitting down and taking a short break rather than trying to push through was pivotal,” said John.

This realization prompted John to make lifestyle changes that could improve his quality of life, in addition to taking his prescribed medication. Since that meeting, he is satisfied with where he is. “Life has become pretty good. Without Dr. Turk and the Cardiology team at Trinity Health, I believe it might have turned out differently. I don’t know if I would be as comfortable with my situation, and might be more worried.”

Knowing his condition and paying attention to his body, whenever John is doing tasks around the house or helping his wife pack up a trailer for quilt shows, he takes moments to sit down, have a glass of water, pause for five minutes and then return to the task. This, John says, feels easier on his body and doesn’t make him feel as worn out at the end of the day.

Looking back on his experience, John feels grateful for the care he received and the resources available so close to home. He credits Trinity Health’s team not only with helping him understand his condition but also with giving him the confidence to manage it day by day. Today, John continues to feel well and thankful.

“One of the things that is important to a community and our quality of life is a hospital. Trinity Health is our hospital, and I feel very fortunate. We have quality healthcare in Minot, and that’s incredibly important for our community and the future growth of our community,” said John.

He added, “I am extraordinarily appreciative of Trinity Health over the last 30-plus years that I’ve been in Minot. I don’t hesitate to call Dr. Roach or see Dr. Turk because I know I’m in good hands, and that’s peace of mind that’s hard to find.”

Dr. Turk and Amanda Weidler are part of Trinity Health’s expanded heart team that offers advanced, specialized heart care close to home, elevating the heart services that are offered locally.

Trinity Health is Nationally Recognized for its Commitment to Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

Trinity Health is proud to announce it has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award. This recognition reflects our commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive timely, evidence-based care aligned with nationally recognized clinical guidelines, ultimately saving more lives and reducing long-term disability.

Trinity Health also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with thrombolytic therapy.

Stroke remains the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines – Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and even prevent death.

“This recognition is a testament to the skill, coordination and dedication of our stroke team,” said Ben Anderson, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Trinity Health. “Delivering high-quality, timely stroke care requires seamless collaboration and a commitment to excellence, and that’s exactly what our team demonstrates every day.”

Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.

“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Trinity Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, M.D., volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”