“In 2017, we wrote for a “Home and Community-Based Scholarship” from the Minnesota Department of Human Services for a person interested in working as a caregiver in Assisted Living (AL) to study for their LPN license,” explained Benedictine-Crookston Executive Director Lindsey Erdman. “We contacted many area schools and pushed out a social media campaign. We were SO blessed to connect with Harley Eckert, and as they say, the rest is history.”
Harley (Eckert) McDonald grew up in Powers Lake, ND. An EMT certification and working in home health her senior year of high school sparked Harley’s future interest in healthcare. While studying at UMC, she attended a job fair, interviewed, and started working at Benedictine Living Community-Crookston. Harley quickly found her place in Summit Assisted Living. “I was very interested in the med pass aspect and really loved the tenants,” said McDonald. “I knew then, and there that nursing was for me.”
Harley noted that the Summit was very unique as it taught her time management, efficiency and even leadership skills early on. “And the clinical experience paved the way for nursing school success. That scholarship helped me significantly while getting my LPN,” said McDonald. “Graduating debt-free was super important to me, and it was attainable by working as an LPN while I went to RN school, graduating in 2022, and then getting my 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023.”
McDonald said she valued her time at the Summit before moving to Assisted Living. “I valued my time so much at the Summit, and when the Director of Nursing job opened in Assisted Living early this year, it just seemed a natural fit for me and my family.” Added Harley. “I met my husband, Adam, who farms at UMC. We are extra blessed as our son Micah goes to the Little Villagers Child Care Center here at the Summit. When they told me on hire we are family and friends who care for family and friends; they weren’t kidding. I feel like part of the Benedictine Family and am so honored day in and out to see this Mission through.”
