Pipestone, MN – June 2, 2026 – Two members of the Avera@Home Pipestone hospice team have been nominated for the Avera@Home “@” Award, which honors employees who exemplify Avera’s CARE Standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement.
Brenna Wilke, LPN, and Connie Harkema, RN, were nominated by coworkers who highlighted their compassion, dedication, and commitment to delivering exceptional hospice and home care to patients and families throughout the community.
Connie Harkema was nominated by Avera@Home Social Worker Lisa McDermott, who praised Harkema’s calm, compassionate approach during difficult moments for patients and their families.
“Hospice can be a very difficult time for all involved, and emotions can run high,” McDermott wrote in her nomination. “She always stays calm and educates all involved in a very compassionate way. She goes above and beyond for her patients and their care.”
Harkema has worked with PCMC since 1996 and has spent the past four years providing care to patients through Home Health and Hospice.
“I was very pleased,” Harkema said upon learning of the nomination. “It must mean I’m doing well with my patients.”
She said that one of the most rewarding aspects of hospice care is building relationships with patients and their families.
“Sometimes they just want somebody to talk to,” Harkema said. “That was part of their healing process, to me.”
Wilke was nominated by Sonya Beek, RN, who praised her initiative, flexibility, and dedication to patient-centered care.
“If she sees or hears about an issue, she will take care of it right away,” Beek wrote. “She doesn’t wait for someone else to handle it or for a problem to get worse.”
Wilke primarily works in the hospice house while also assisting with home health and hospice visits across the community.
“To have someone take the time and effort to recognize what you do and how you do it — it was huge,” Wilke said.
Beek’s nomination highlighted a memorable moment when Wilke helped a hospice resident prepare a treasured family rhubarb jam recipe.
“It was one of the things she wanted to do, and we did it,” Wilke said. “It was a really, really fun day.”
The Avera@Home “@” Award recognizes employees whose work supports Avera’s mission and demonstrates exceptional compassion and service to patients, families, and coworkers.
About Pipestone County Medical Center (PCMC)
Pipestone County Medical Center is a Critical Access Hospital that offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services. It is affiliated with Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The mission of Pipestone County Medical Center is to improve the health and lives of all people in the region by providing excellent, patient-centered care.