May 7, 2024

From Army Medic to Hospice Nurse: Meet Skip Seher

With a 37-year military career, EveryStep hospice nurse Skip Seher served 12 years active Navy, three years active Army and three years as an Army case manager for wounded warriors. His military career sent him to more than three dozen countries and when the Defense Department reorganized under President Reagan, he relocated to South Dakota for recruiting duty.

“It was that exposure to the Midwest that completely changed my life,” says Skip. “I’ve never been back to the East or West coasts, and that’s where I grew up.”

It was during Skip’s recruiting stint that an educator he worked with asked him about his future. “He was trying to convince me to get into something like nursing, so I thought I would try it. I applied to nursing school and was accepted.”

Skip says he struggled in nursing school until one of his instructors suggested that with his military background, it might be helpful for him to think of the body as the engine. “Every principle that I learned as a kid growing up, I could cross reference into the mechanical realm,” says Skip. He still uses these types of references for the hospice patients he serves, especially veterans, who understand mechanical references.

After a career as a hospital nurse for over 27 years, Skip decided it was time for a change. “I got tired of the frustrations of collaborating with patients that truly did not want what was being done. The doctors were trying to improve their situation, but who defines quality of life? The one who defines it is the patient themself. I get more satisfaction in the hospice setting where we want to make the quality of life the best it can be until the end.”

Skip says anyone looking to change nursing careers should consider hospice. “There is so much more opportunity to utilize the skill set that we've learned. Every day I reflect, thinking of the different jobs I've had in my career and what it allows me to bring to the patient.”

Married with five children, Skip loves to build on the 3 ½ acres he owns in Pleasant Hill. “I build decks and all kinds of outdoors building. I just love to play in the yard and hang out.”

Looking for a meaningful career where you can truly make a difference? EveryStep employees enjoy a supportive culture, competitive compensation and benefits, work/life balance and flexibility, and the knowledge that their employer shares their values of integrity, respect, compassion, excellence and teamwork.

There are currently many nursing opportunities with EveryStep, including full-time and PRN positions, with competitive pay scales. Some positions include a sign-on bonus up to $10,000. For more information and to apply, visit EveryStep’s Career page.

If you or someone you know needs care or support, complete the confidential "Find Care" form. The form sends a message to EveryStep staff who then follow up with a phone call. It's a great way to start a conversation and get answers with no cost or commitment.