Pioneer Memorial

Candace Highley, CNP, Certified Nurse Practitioner, joined the Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services Medical Staff in December, and is currently seeing patients.

Her services include wellness physicals for men and women, DOT physicals, prenatal check-ups, pediatrics, medication management, disease prevention and health promotion.

Candace received her BN, Bachelor of Nursing Degree, from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND and her Masters of Nursing Degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. In November, 2009, she earned her certification as a nurse practitioner.

A native of Hurdsfield, ND, Candace grew up on a farm and wanted to be a nurse for as long as she can remember. She says there are a lot of farmers and nurses in her immediate and extended family as well as relatives who have chosen other medical fields for careers.

After receiving her BN, she moved to South Dakota and began working for Sanford Health. “I loved nursing. I particularly liked the patient and family contact and the ability to educate patients. It is always so gratifying to see a patient get well and go home to resume their lives. I have also helped a lot of families through the dying process. Whether dealing with joy or grief, the personal connection with patients and families and the appreciation they show is so rewarding.”

While at Sanford, she worked with primary care physicians as well as cardiologists. Two cardiologists in particular, Dr. Thomas Stys and Dr. Jose Wiley, served as mentors encouraging her to go after her Masters and become a Certified Nurse Practitioner. On November 16, 2009, she made it official.

After eleven years as a nurse at Sanford, she joined Pioneer Memorial as a Certified Nurse Practitioner and began seeing patients at Viborg Medical Clinic.

A resident of Viborg, Candace is excited to play a larger role in the community after commuting for 14 years. She believes everyone is entitled to quality healthcare and is eager to share her training and experience with the citizens of Viborg and the surrounding area.

When not seeing patients, Candace fills her life with lots of interests including fishing, skiing, boating, gardening, scrapbooking, antiquing, wood working, and sharing her time with special friends and family. She added, “My latest pastime is riding my new Harley.” Her three grown children and four and a half grandchildren are in North Dakota along with most of the rest of her family, including her mother, two brothers and a sister.