Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Chaplain Scott Jensen says he’s surrounded by excellence at Methodist Fremont Health

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care.

Scott Jensen
Chaplain
Methodist Fremont Health

Tell us more about yourself. 

I’ve had the privilege of working at Methodist Fremont Health since the fall of 2007. Prior to this, I served as a lead pastor for about 12 years in Minnesota and then Nebraska. While living in the Twin Cities, I obtained my Master of Divinity degree while working part time and starting a family with my wife, Joy.

Joy and I have been married for 35 years. We have three adult children – a daughter and two sons – each of whom are now married. Between them, we are thrilled to have five grandchildren!

In my free time, I enjoy woodworking in my garage – especially through the winter. Outdoors, I tend to the lawn or help Joy in the garden. We have canned a fair bit of tomato juice, green beans, jalapenos and even some fruit from our fruit trees. Recently, we planted an additional assortment of fruit trees in “Vivian’s Orchard” (named in honor of our granddaughter). 

What attracted you to the organization? What keeps you coming back?

In truth, I came to Fremont Health out of a simple need for employment. I have stayed (gratefully!) due to the amazing people I have the opportunity to work with day in and day out. Regularly, I share with patients and their loved ones that I trust my own family to the great caregivers who work here with me. I truly believe we deliver excellence in our health care services, and I regularly hear that from patients and their families, as well!

I don’t believe I’m an adrenaline junkie, but I must say that I appreciate being able to work with a team of doctors, nurses and caregivers from multiple disciplines when things get “intense.” It’s then that I witness everyone dig in and continue doing their very best – giving their all to provide the greatest opportunity for something good to come from what is undoubtedly something not so good.

Do you have any favorite Methodist memories?

There are far too many good memories to include them all. I have been incredibly privileged to share with people in the best and worst moments of their lives. They have impacted my life with a richness that cannot be quantified. I am blessed to share the journey with them, even if just for a moment in time. In turn, I have found my coworkers and friends to be there for me and my family in our times of need beyond my greatest hopes and expectations.

Tell us about a mentor or colleague who made a difference for you.

One of my first mentors here was a doctor in the Emergency Department (ED). They directed me to pay attention to who was coming in to the ED. Often, they’d provide a brief background to help me get to know the folks in my community. I observed them provide their best care for everyone and anyone – regardless of their title, their ethnicity, their beliefs or anything else. They simply strove to provide compassionate care with excellence to all. 

I’d be remiss to not mention the awesome person who took the chance to hire me and helped set me up for success – Jayma Brown! I am forever grateful to her and to each of my successive managers who have encouraged me, believed in me and challenged me to keep growing and developing!

What should people know about Methodist, its mission and/or its culture?

At Methodist, you will receive excellent care from everyone. From our doctors, our nurses, our aides, our housekeeping staff – from all who provide care (and those supporting the caregivers, too)! We truly care about YOU, and we care deeply about the communities in which we live!