A legacy of care: Janii White

After nearly three decades with Avera Health and serving the Moody County community, Janii White is starting a new chapter in her career.
Over the past 29 years, White has held nearly every nursing role Avera offers, both in Sioux Falls and Flandreau. Most recently, she served as the public health nurse for Avera Flandreau Hospital and Clinic and Moody County.
But this January, White will begin a new role as a clinic nurse at Prairie View Medical Clinic in Brookings, an independent, physician-owned practice that provides primary care for patients of all ages.
It was just a neat opportunity to try something different, she said.
Whites career has spanned home health, hospice, and leadership roles, including director and assistant director of nursing at Avera in Flandreau. Locally, she started Avera Flandreaus chemotherapy program, worked in diabetes education, and handled public health efforts such as WIC, immunizations, school nursing, and pregnancy education.
Ive done everything, she said.
White also worked at the Avera Cancer Center and in inpatient and home health care in Sioux Falls. You name it, Ive probably done it, she said, adding that her diverse roles gave her a unique perspective on the communitys growth and changes.
Ive seen the kids I cared for 29 years ago grow up and have kids of their own. Now Im taking care of their kids. Its come full circle, she said.
Working with people of all ages, from newborns to seniors, has been among the most rewarding parts of her career.
You show up when youre needed. Thats just part of the job, she said.
Its been an honor to care for this community for so many years.
White has two children: Taylor, who works in law enforcement and lives in Sioux Falls with his child, and Shannon, who is attending cosmetology school in Denver.