Have you ever met a nurse who not only takes excellent care of her patients but also her fellow nurses? That’s Carla Warnke, who we’re told “is simply the kindest, hardest-working nurse who will always be by your side to help with whatever you need.”
Hi Carla, thanks for talking to us! How long have you been with Tribal Health?
I have been with Tribal off and on for the last seven years. I started in 2018 and then I’d go do another job for a little bit – and then I’d come back and then I’d do a job somewhere and come back again.
What were you doing before working with us?
After high school, I became an LPN. After working as an LPN for a few years, I joined the Air Force. After my time in the Air Force and while in the AF Reserves, I went back and obtained my RN degree. I’ve worked in many facilities in South Dakota and Nebraska and have also joined strike teams in other states.
That’s impressive! How did you connect to Tribal Health?
I had a couple of friends that I worked with in a previous hospital who called me up and said, “You need to come here. This is just up your alley.”
Was this the first time you worked on Indigenous lands?
It was, yes. I did work in a couple hospitals where we cared for Native patients, but never on the reservation like this.
When you started, did anyone take you under their wing and kind of give you any tips? Was there a culture shock?
Yes, the gals that asked me to come out said that I’d be surprised. There was a little culture shock, yes. Some of the sadness was a little different. That was probably the hardest thing for me to get used to. I knew it was there, but it affected me more once I started here and really spoke with the people and heard their stories.
That’s understandable. At the same time, is there a rewarding feeling of knowing you’re addressing some pretty severe health issues on a community level?
Absolutely. There have been times that I feel like I make a little difference. Some of my patients will say, “Oh, I have you again. I remember you. You are very nice.” Or that I listen to them.
When I get told that I’m very nice by a patient, it makes me sad that maybe someone else wasn’t very nice to them.
Now that you’ve worked there for so long, do you ever plan on leaving or do you think this is something that you probably will stick with?
I’ll probably stick with it. I always had a goal of working in all 50 states. And I’ve only hit 10 so far so I have a ways to go. But honestly, I don’t really see myself leaving Rosebud. Maybe a little contract here or there, but I see myself always coming back.
Sure, that makes sense. I always think it must be cool to be a nurse and be able to provide care in different locations.
Yes, I love going to other places and experiencing and learning ways that somewhere else does something. And I love meeting other people! My daughter is a nurse and she just finished her first travel. She’d been a nurse in Sioux Falls. We hope to go and work somewhere together.
Do you and your daughter talk about nursing when you’re together?
Oh, all the time. Sometimes my husband is like, can we talk about something else? And … no. We can’t.
What’s your favorite memory of working on Indigenous lands?
Just ordinary things can make my day. Like a patient saying something or coworker doing something special. I don’t have one that really pops out at me, but just special little things between my patients and my coworkers. There’s usually something special in every day.
Are you close with your team?
I feel like we’re all very close and have a unique bond. Working in any ER, you go through some hard times and I feel like we all pick each other back up when we need to. I feel like we’re very close knit, yes.
Since you’ve been there a while, do you ever mentor any of the newer nurses?
Yes, sometimes. I like to tell them to listen to their patients. There are so many variables in life, there are so many lessons to be learned from those you care for.
You want to treat your patients as individuals and treat them as you or your loved one want to be treated. It’s not just another sore throat or whatever their complaint is; and don’t think you know what’s best. No one is the same and neither is their care. Listen to your patient and you’ll learn a lot from them!
“Here’s Carla going above and beyond making sure the unit is safe from clutter.” – Loida Leal, RN
Any other advice for newer nurses?
Take every day and learn something new. I’ve been a nurse for 32 years and I still learn something every single day.
That’s great advice. When you’re not at work, what do you do in your spare time?
Oh gosh, lots of things. I like to have fun. I like to stay active. I always like a new adventure. I like to travel…I like to camp… I like to read. Church is very important.
My family’s my life. I like to chase my little granddaughters. We’ve been on cruises. I’m always up for an adventure.
Sounds fun! Thank you, Carla!
