Mya Groenhagen
May 2026
Mya
Groenhagen
,
BSN, RN
Adult ICU
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
Sioux Falls
,
SD
United States
She cared for him with the same dignity she would give someone fully awake, and witnessing that brought us tremendous comfort during an incredibly vulnerable time.
Our family spent several weeks navigating an incredibly difficult and emotional stay in the ICU with my father. During this time, Mya provided care that went far beyond clinical skill – she cared for my dad with dignity, humanity, and respect in a way that deeply impacted all of us.
My father was sedated and on a ventilator for much of his ICU stay, yet Mya always treated him as though he could hear and understand every word she said. Every time she repositioned him, adjusted a line, gave medication, or performed any part of his care, she calmly and kindly said his name and explained what she was doing and why. It might seem like a small thing, but to us it meant everything. Even when he couldn’t respond, she honored him as a person, not just a patient. She cared for him with the same dignity she would give someone fully awake, and witnessing that brought us tremendous comfort during an incredibly vulnerable time.
Mya’s presence was gentle, steady, and reassuring. She communicated with our family thoughtfully and respectfully. Her calm explanations helped us understand what was happening when we felt overwhelmed, and her compassion helped ground us in moments of helplessness.
Mya embodies everything extraordinary nursing represents – skill, compassion, dignity, and humanity. We are truly grateful for the care she provided my father.
My father was sedated and on a ventilator for much of his ICU stay, yet Mya always treated him as though he could hear and understand every word she said. Every time she repositioned him, adjusted a line, gave medication, or performed any part of his care, she calmly and kindly said his name and explained what she was doing and why. It might seem like a small thing, but to us it meant everything. Even when he couldn’t respond, she honored him as a person, not just a patient. She cared for him with the same dignity she would give someone fully awake, and witnessing that brought us tremendous comfort during an incredibly vulnerable time.
Mya’s presence was gentle, steady, and reassuring. She communicated with our family thoughtfully and respectfully. Her calm explanations helped us understand what was happening when we felt overwhelmed, and her compassion helped ground us in moments of helplessness.
Mya embodies everything extraordinary nursing represents – skill, compassion, dignity, and humanity. We are truly grateful for the care she provided my father.