Hospital Update

Garfield County Hospital District (GCHD) is proud to announce July's Employee of the Month, Activities Coordinator and Certified Nursing Assistant Sandy Peralta. She was nominated by her co-workers stating, "She is a great asset to GCHD." Sandy is originally from the rural city of Lodi, Calif., where she was born and raised. She graduated from Tokay High School. Her interest in the medical field began early on in life while still attending in high school volunteering as a candy striper, which she enjoyed very much. Sandy's first paying job was working as a Nursing Assistant (NA) at the local Rest Home in her hometown in Lodi, California. At that time, certifications were not required of NAs to work in the healthcare industry.

Sandy went on to do different jobs, working as a waitress and a housekeeper for a few years until she was married and moved to Texas. Once again, she was employed as a NA, which she did for 10 years. It was here that she discovered her love for caregiving and taking care of the elderly.

She and her husband relocated to the familiar foothills of Sonora California, close to her roots, to raise their two young children. During her brief time away from the medical field, the prerequisite for a Nursing Assistant had transitioned into a more prestigious position requiring a certification. Even though she had been working in this field for several years obtaining valuable skills and years of experience, she decided to take the plunge and go back to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She was employed at Sonora Regional Medical Center, formerly known as Senora Community Hospital for over 10 years as a CNA.

While visiting family one summer, Sandy and her husband fell in love with Garfield County and the small-town atmosphere. In July of 2010, she moved to Pomeroy and became employed at the hospital as a CNA for five years and then transitioned into her current role as Activities Coordinator.

One of her many duties include scheduling a variety of activities for the resident's each day. Her hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. "She always has a smile and keep the residents happy by coming up with ideas to keep them busy." She enthusiastically leads the patients in an exercise class Monday–Friday, Bingo two days a week, and one-in-one cognitive sensory activities to include nail care and manicures.

The weekend activities for the patients are a bit more challenging so Sandy created the Garfield Gazette Newsletter with stimulating brain games such as Word Search, trivia, and coloring pages with interesting articles.

Music therapy is another favorite of the patients. Movies and popcorn are a big hit and church services are still available to all patients via YouTube. "My favorite part of the job is the patients. That's why I am still here, I love them." Sandy especially likes to plan outings and special events such as the Roaring 20s scheduled for mid-August. "She gives a lot to the residents and always with a smile and patience."

Sandy, your dedication and the wonderful patient care you give every day is appreciated!