Korrie Einck grew up in Primghar and graduated from South O’Brien in 2016. She married Chris Ewoldt. They have made Paullina home since 2019. They have two children, daughter Sadie and son Truett.
Ewoldt spent many hours at hospitals with family members. That exposure to various areas of nursing led her to choose a career in health care. She began with earning an Associates’ Degree in Nurisng (RN) from St. Luke’s in Sioux City and followed up with earning her Bachelor’ of Science in Nursing (BSN), also from St. Luke’s. When considering whey she got into nursing and reflecting on her experiences she said, “I wanted to be that for someone else,” referring to the nurses she came into contact with while being with family members needing care.
Korrie’s first nursing job was at Avera Health in Oncology and Transplants. She spent her first professional year there.
Ewoldt’s career in Home Health and Hospice began at Unity Point in Sioux City then transitioned to Orange City Area Health System. “Hospice is my favorite. I love my patients. I miss them dearly.” she said.
While earning a living and gaining knowledge and experience she knew she wanted to get into public administration.
Ewoldt is taking on a big job at O’Brien County Public Health. Just before getting this job offer, she began the journey for her Masters in Leadership in Health Care Systems from Grand Canyon University. She expects to graduate in November 2024. Along the way she has a choice which seems excited about. Another option for her educational pursuit is to take a few extra classes and get a double Masters. The second degree would be a Masters in Public Health. Some of Ewoldt’s friends got into the graduate program seeking Nurse Practioner degrees. “The market is flooded,” she said of the NP degree.
“I have a lot to learn. I have big shoes to fill,” said Ewoldt. “Kim (Morran) brought ‘Best Care for Better Babies’ to O’Brien County. I want to continue to improve, to bring new programs. I have so many ideas, many from my Home Health experience. It’s a stuggle not knowing how to connect it to public health. I have a lot of ambition and motivation,” she said of where she sees the organization in the future. “I have a lot to learn in this new role.”
Already Korrie has identified Diane Anerson, State Consultant with the division of Public Health to work with and receive guidance. She also recognized the value of the neighbors. She and current O’Brien County Public Health employees know they can also count on the public health departments in the area for information and guidance.
Having grown up in Primghar, Ewoldt says, “I want O’Brien County to absolutely thrive. I care deeply. That’s part of why I want to come back,” she said.
Korrie’s first day was Thursday July 6.