Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. PLHS has received this award every year since it was introduced in 2016.

“To be recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital validates our commitment to continually provide and develop top-quality healthcare services to the rural region we serve,” said Paul Macek, PLHS Interim CEO. “This award is a testament to the dedicated efforts that Prairie Lakes’ employees, medical staff, and board of directors provide.”

“Despite unprecedented adversity, rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”

Over the course of the last 12 years, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

Jacklyn Karli, Nurse Practitioner with Prairie Lakes Cardiology recently completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). It is the highest degree of educational training in the nursing profession.

As a DNP in Cardiology, Karli uses her expertise to treat and care for patients with heart conditions. Under the leadership of an Interventional Cardiologist, Karli uses advanced techniques and methods to help patients manage their heart health with follow-up care after an emergency procedure, preventative measures, and managing existing heart problems.

Karli joined the Prairie Lakes Cardiology team in 2015 where she has played a role since the specialty’s inception. She has been with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for a total of 16 years. Karli received her Associates Degree in Nursing from the University of South Dakota, Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University, Masters of Science in Nursing from South University, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Capella University. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, and Sigma Theta Thau International Honor Society of Nursing.

“In the early 1800’s, Florence Nightingale stated that ‘nurses need to constantly learn and adapt to be key contributors in health care,’” said Karli. “Nursing is truly a passion of mine, and specifically providing cardiology care to patients in our region. With the completion of my DNP, I have been able to further integrate evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership abilities into my practice.  I look forward to continuing to provide high quality cardiology care, right here at home.”     

Karli sees patients at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic in Watertown. Patients may schedule an appointment at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic by calling 605-882-7953.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country and made the announcement to staff, volunteers and medical staff on Wednesday, March 16 in the lobby of Prairie Lakes. This is the fifth time PLHS has received this recognition since it was introduced by The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) six years ago.

The NRHA announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be recognized May 12 during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in Albuquerque, N.M.

 The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and financial efficiency.

“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud of the efforts of its staff, physicians, and volunteers who have contributed to our hospital achieving this designation,” says Paul Macek, Interim CEO. “Our recognition as a top 20 rural healthcare system demonstrates confidence to our community and the region we serve that they can count on us to meet the expectations for high-quality care needed now and in the future.”

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System announced and celebrated the Top 20 recognition with staff, volunteers, and board members on March 16 with a presentation, treat, and gift from Prairie Lakes! 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently recognized as a 2022 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. PLHS has received this award every year since it was introduced in 2016.

“To be recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital validates our commitment to continually provide and develop top-quality healthcare services to the rural region we serve,” said Paul Macek, PLHS Interim CEO. “This award is a testament to the dedicated efforts that Prairie Lakes’ employees, medical staff, and board of directors provide.”

“Despite unprecedented adversity, rural providers continue to display resiliency and a steadfast commitment to their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Honoring the Top 100 is one of the highpoints of our year. We are delighted to recognize the exceptional performance and innovation of this year’s recipients, particularly in light of the extraordinary challenges facing America’s rural health safety net.”

Over the course of the last 12 years, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System proudly announces that Certified Nurse Practitioner, Haley Ellis, has moved to the Pulmonology department. Ellis works with Pulmonologist, Dr. Svien Senne, in the care and treatment of patients with both chronic and acute diseases of the lungs, respiratory tract, and bronchial tubes.

Ellis graduated with her Master’s Degree in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. She has 15 years of nursing experience, including seven years in the Critical Care Unit, six years caring for patients in the Prairie Lakes Cath Lab, and the last two years focused on cardiac patients in the Cardiology Clinic. Ellis grew up in Willow Lake, SD and currently resides in Watertown with her husband and their three children. In her free time, Ellis enjoys spending time at her kids’ sporting events, which keeps her and her family busy year round. In the summer, she likes to spend time at the lake and outdoors.

“I value Prairie Lakes’ mission and goal of commitment to provide exemplary care to the patients in our very own community,” said Ellis. “I am very excited to join the Pulmonology team and work together to continue to provide high quality, personalized care. I like to educate patients, deliver patient-centered care, and work as a team to achieve the best available outcome. I look forward to continue to care for patients within and surrounding my community,” said Ellis.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant, Abby Wookey, to the Urology Clinic staff. She joins Urologists, Dr. Henri Lanctin and Dr. Keegan Maxwell, in the care of patients with urological issues, concerns, and conditions.

Wookey graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota and then received her Master in Physician Assistant Studies in 2019 from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. She grew up in Watertown and currently lives in Clark with her husband and two dogs. When not in the clinic, Wookey enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and playing with her dogs.

“I am very excited to be joining the Urology team at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and look forward to the opportunity to continue providing care to patients in the Watertown community,” said Wookey. “I aim to provide trusted, high-quality care to every patient, and I am eager to learn from Dr. Lanctin and Dr. Maxwell to help them best serve their patient population.”

Lindsey and Eric Hanson of Canby, MN welcomed their new baby boy, Noah Robert Hanson, at 11:38 pm on January 1, 2022. Noah is 21 inches long and weighs 7 pounds 7 ounces. He is the first baby born at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown for the 2022 year. Noah is also welcomed by his two sisters, Adalyn and Julia. Proud grandparents include Jim and Laurie Johansen of Tyler, MN and Gary and Pam Hanson of Canby, MN. Great-grandparents are Robert and Marvie Petersen of Tyler, MN.

 A 2nd grade Girl Scout troop in Watertown donated gifts for children and adults that will be patients at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System over the holidays. The gifts were delivered by the troop on Wednesday, December 15th.

The Girl Scouts came up with the idea on their own when asked how they could give back to their community. They have been saving up the money they have raised for the last two and a half years from cookie sales and other fundraisers.  They had enough money to buy gifts to donate to patients in the hospital and also donate to an animal rescue center. 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System would like to thank these generous young girls for their thoughtfullness for patients who will be in the hospital over the holidays. We greatly appreciate the gifts and we know our patients will too!

Girl Scouts pictured from left to right: Kaitlyn Stimson, Emery Skoglund, Brooklyn Kloos, Rorri Edwards, Izzy Rieffenberger

Not Pictured: Lily Wohlleber, Harper Larson, Lydia Schafer 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the recent addition of physical therapist, Katelyn Schlueter to Rehabilitation Services.

Schlueter grew up in the small town of Corona, SD and has always loved Watertown. She received her undergraduate degree in kinesiology-exercise science from the University of South Dakota. She graduated from the University of Jamestown with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree earlier this year. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors and spend time with her dog, Minnie, and husband, Jordan.

As a Physical Therapist, Schlueter focuses on improving strength, mobility, balance, and endurance with patients. She serves in both the inpatient and outpatient area of the hospital and has a special interest in working with patients who have decreased balance, vertigo, or dizziness.

“I am so excited to begin my new journey as a physical therapist here in Watertown.” Schlueter says, “The staff at Prairie Lakes have been so welcoming and have given me all the tools to become a great physical therapist. I can’t wait to continue to learn more about my areas of interest and help people to get back to doing what they love.”

Be a part of our mission and make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.

Join the Prairie Lakes family and start a rewarding career of delivering accessible, high-quality, affordable, and exceptional healthcare every day. 

Available Job Opportunities

Employee Benefits

We value our employees’ contributions and support their growth.

• Medical, dental, and vision care insurance
• Adoption assistance
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid-Time-Off
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income to pay for out-of-pocket medical and daycare expenses expenses)
• Tuition assistance
• Retirement plans (401)K and (403)B
• Membership discount at Prairie Lakes Wellness Center
• Employee activities and events
• Cafeteria discount
• Various discounts at businesses around Watertown

Prairie Lakes at a Glance

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent, non-profit healthcare system serving northeastern South Dakota and west-central Minnesota. We provide care to a rural region around Watertown, SD to our neighbors, friends, and family. 

Hospital Care

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds including labor and delivery, telemetry, critical care, and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery capabilities, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services.

Specialty Care

Prairie Lakes also operates Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN. Specialty services are a focus of PLHS to bring needed care to the region.

Learn more: Medical Services | Awards | Patient Testimonials

Our Community

Prairie Lakes is based in family-friendly Watertown, a town with a population of approximately 22,000, located in northeastern South Dakota. Our region is known for hunting, fishing, golfing, and lake activities. Excellent schools and local businesses support our progressive community. 

Learn more about Watertown: Watertown Works | City of Watertown website | Northeast South Dakota Tourism 

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We are proud to be one of the top rural and community hospitals in the nation. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System fosters a collaborative, community-centric work environment, yet is big enough to advance services with new medical technology and procedures. Become part of one of the most advanced independent, rural healthcare systems in the country today!

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Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. If you’d like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.