Ione Gruss

Background & Experience I am excited to join Greater Good Health after spending five years at a local healthcare facility in Great Falls, where I worked alongside a nurse practitioner in Nephrology. With a 44-year career in the medical field, my passion for nursing began early. I started as a nursing assistant at 15 in my small-town nursing home. Although I initially planned to attend nursing school, I chose to marry my high school sweetheart and start a family instead. My job at the nursing home lasted nine years until we moved to a larger city in Montana. In 1990, I joined Bozeman Health as a house float CNA. My duties included assisting with baby deliveries, working on the medical and surgical floors, and helping in the emergency room. After 12 years, I became a medical technician in the ER, handling chart and ER data. When Bozeman expanded its ER, I was promoted to a full-time floor position due to my seniority. In 2016, my husband and I moved to Great Falls. After re-certifying my CNA, I joined the Great Falls Clinic in their walk-in department. A year later, I transitioned to a full-time role in the Rheumatology department. When the doctor I worked with moved to a competing hospital, I followed him. However, I couldn’t continue when he started his own practice, so I joined the Nephrology department. In Nephrology, I developed skills in patient scheduling, phone management, and documentation. I am now eager to bring my extensive experience and dedication to patient care to Greater Good Health. Fun Fact My life is filled with gratitude. I have four beautiful grown children and 6 grandbabies. During the summer I love to camp. I also enjoy planting flowers. One of the joys in my life is to do Random Acts of Kindness. My life is all about making memories.