Creating Your Best Self at Knute Nelson

How one Knute Nelson employee discovered her calling

Being your best self means living authentically. To be your best self, you need to stay true to yourself and your values. You also need to make sure you're doing what brings you a sense of happiness, purpose and meaning.

Turning a ‘crazy idea’ into reality

Sara Severson knew what would bring her a sense of happiness, purpose and meaning. She just needed to find a ‘work home’ to do it. She said, “I worked in corporate America for many years prior to finding my home with Knute Nelson. As a performing musician, I also discovered God's purpose for me to heal people through music. I wanted to provide this service to people who needed it most when they needed it most.” She remembers having coffee with Brooke Zabel, Chief People Officer at Knute Nelson, one morning to run this crazy idea by her. She wanted to ask Brooke if she felt there would be opportunities for her in this community if she pursued this mission as a Therapeutic Musician. Brooke inspired, supported and motivated Sara to move forward in this new career path. Sara exclaimed, “Thank you Brooke!”

Feeling supported and encouraged by leaders

Sara also met early on in her therapeutic music education with Katie Perry, Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President, and Angie Urman, Chief Clinical Officer, both leaders of Knute Nelson. They were both in total support of God's calling for her. Sara proclaimed, “Thank you for believing in me Katie & Angie!” Sara stated “Knute Nelson adopted me as a contracted partner right away and I began healing our residents through music as I finished my certification. Mark Anderson, Knute Nelson’s President & Chief Executive Officer, also took the time to sit down with me and discuss options on how to make this career fit within the Knute Nelson continuum. Mark, thank you for listening!”

Taking talent to another level

Sara’s talents and profound work with residents made it clear that she needed to expand within the continuum. KaLee Mohrman, Director of Hospice Operations, also believed in the benefits of therapeutic music and worked her magic to get Sara into the Knute Nelson Hospice division. Sara excitedly said, “I owe you KaLee - thank you!”

You too can create your best self just like Sara did. Believe in yourself. Set goals for yourself. Be ready to take on new challenges. When looking for an employer that will guide and support you as you create your best self, here are some important qualities to look for in their leadership team.

Qualities to look for in a supportive leader

While supportive leaders can and do have varied personalities and approaches for helping their team, many share a similar set of characteristics:

Accepting: They are often very accepting of their employees, and they work to meet them where they are in terms of skills and abilities.

Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude is an important asset.

Considerate: Most supportive leaders consider their employee's perspectives and opinions before making a decision or delegating an assignment.

Empathetic: Showing empathy for employees who need support and assistance is a vital quality.

Confident: They are confident not just in their abilities, but also in their employees' abilities to learn, improve, and do excellent work.

Resourceful: They can find the necessary tools to help their employees meet their goals.

Patient: Excellent supportive leaders are patient with their employees as they learn new skills.

Discover your passion at Knute Nelson

Sara found tremendous support in the leadership team at Knute Nelson. Not only to help her find her new ‘work home’ but also to continue to grow, thrive, and be her best self. There are many great reasons to join Knute Nelson. Letting Knute Nelson help YOU create your best self is definitely at the top of the list. View our openings today!