Meet David Means (Oglala Lakota), a nurse who brings deep insight and a great sense of humor to his job in the ED. According to Keith Chisamore, “David has been a great addition to the ED in Pine Ridge. Not only does he bring hometown knowledge but also he has Big City Level 1 trauma experience. David is always at the bedside helping with whatever the need and doesn’t shy away from an opportunity to learn or teach. Great job, David!”
Hi David! Let’s start with your decision to be a nurse. Was that always your goal? Did you ever want to do anything else?
I originally wanted to be a Physical Therapist. After undergrad, I worked as an MSA in Pine Ridge ED while I applied to PT schools. I was immediately engrossed by emergency medicine. It was both exciting and rewarding being a part of the ED team.
I then decided to change course and become a RN.
Is nursing in your family?
I believe I am the first in my family to step foot into the fabled Danskos and hoist thy blessed Stanley Tumbler.
Impressive! What’s your favorite part of working on reservations? And how did you connect with Tribal Health?
I first became aware of Tribal Health while working as a MSA in Pine Ridge.
Currently I live on the east coast but I actually grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Pine Ridge is a difficult place to prosper due to the multitude of health and socioeconomic disparities. Tribal Health gives me the opportunity to come back home and work with an amazing healthcare team to help improve health outcomes on the reservation.
I always say that the reservation feels like its own little country. The culture, slang, language, humor, and environment are very unique and special. We also have a shared generational trauma that bonds us. I am grateful that I am able to give back to my reservation through emergency medicine.
What are your future plans for your career? Do you have interest in teaching or exploring a different nursing field?
The future is never certain. Maybe I’ll become a CNO, maybe a nurse influencer on TikTok, or possibly invent flavored saline flushes. Anything is possible.
I vote flavored saline flushes. What do you do in your free time?
You can definitely catch me working out, running, biking, reading, playing video games or watching some birds in my off time. Recently picked up a Native-style flute and attempting to learn how to play. Mixed result so far.
Thanks for talking to us!
